Was hoping someone for the southeast part of michigan could chime in about pellet performance . as I am a newbie to the pellet stove arena. My harman accentra seem to have no problem with any pellet I use, I have only been burning pellets from tsc and family farm and home so far. So if any experienced pellet operators could through me a bone on pellet performances I would appreciate a little help.
Pellets good bad and the ugly
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Peterfield
Minister of Fire
One of the difficulties getting a relevant answer to your question is your stove is reputed to be very tolerant of most pellets while some other stoves are not. When someone responds that Brand X gummed up their stove, the 52i might have no issue with that same pellet. In my limited experience, I've tried over a dozen types and even burned equine bedding pellets and variances in ash were the only differences so far.
Johnny_Fiv3
Feeling the Heat
A good quality softwood pellet will give you great heat and less ash than comparable hardwoods. However, with pellets, it's all about the quality of the raw material (hard or soft) and the production process used to make it. Some on here will use only hardwoods, some only soft, and some just don't care as long as it's hot. I run almost all hardwoods until it gets really cold outside, then I have a couple stacks of some good softwoods with a higher BTU/lb rating.
TimfromMA
Minister of Fire
Pellet quality is not a one size fits all answer. Pellets perform differently in different stoves. You also have to consider cost. If you want a top of the line grade A pellet, be prepared to pay for it. You should really try a few bags each of the pellet varieties in your area and see which work best in your stove. You can then figure out if you want to spend big bucks on high end pellets or maybe a lower grade less expensive pellet that still give you decent heat with less ash.
Pellet choice is really a personal decision.
Pellet choice is really a personal decision.
I live in Michigan also. This is my second year with Quadra Fire Santa Fe pellet stove. I have not seen any softwood pellets at all to try. If you see any in the western Wayne county area please let me know.
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Jonkman
Burning Hunk
I live in West Michigan, and Isabella Pellets are easy to find, they are made in Michigan and are softwood. Although I would only rate them as only fair, not much heat and a ton of fines in the bag. Since you are in Michigan, I would recommend Kirtlands (made north of you a bit) as a first choice, they are a mix of hard and softwood, and second would be Pro Pellets, they are hardwood. All of these brands are Michigan made and should be available in your area. I would stay away from Maeder Brothers and Michigan Wood Fuels out of Holland. If you check the websites of Pro Pellets and Kirtlands I believe you can find out dealers near you that carry them.
I'm also in West Michigan using a SantaFe and a Castille . I agree with your assessment of those pellets. Been burning 9 years.
jzm2cc
Minister of Fire
Carl_jr funny you mentioned Family Farm and Home in Fenton, i go there quite a bit. Last year i burned about 98% cherry pits from there in my Harman PC45, this year I'm running a cab 50 on whatever i can round up (pits, indecks, etc). Pits make a somewhat black sticky ash if run 100%, recommend mixing in at least 10% pellets.
I like Michigan Wood Pellets out of Grayling, Kirklands from Boyne City, ProPellets from White Pigeon, all good Mi based fuel.
I like Michigan Wood Pellets out of Grayling, Kirklands from Boyne City, ProPellets from White Pigeon, all good Mi based fuel.
Peterfield
Minister of Fire
If you can find American Wood Fiber Ultra, Blazers, or another good softwood, you will not be disappointed.
jzm2cc
Minister of Fire
Carl_jr,
was eyeing the left over cab50 for $1099, and then they had a PS50 for $999. Tried talking a friend into one then my cousin into the other, no takers . Think i paid 500 for my well used cab so I'm sticking with it.
Did you buy the Accentra on Craigslist? I saw a fixer upper on the Detroit area listings a few months ago but they never replied to my inquiry. Definitely a step up from my cab50.
was eyeing the left over cab50 for $1099, and then they had a PS50 for $999. Tried talking a friend into one then my cousin into the other, no takers . Think i paid 500 for my well used cab so I'm sticking with it.
Did you buy the Accentra on Craigslist? I saw a fixer upper on the Detroit area listings a few months ago but they never replied to my inquiry. Definitely a step up from my cab50.
Husky
Feeling the Heat
I have a 52i and have found that it will burn just about anything but you will get better performance out of better pellets. If you are not looking for the highest BTU that your stove can put out than stick with the lower quality pellets from the big box stores and TCS. If you want the higher BTU that your stove is capable of than try some softwood or ultra premium hard wood pellets. In my area I have found that hardwood Barefoot and ultra premium Dry Creek burn much hotter that the cheaper pellets. I have only tried American Wood Fiber ultra premium white pine and they burn real hot. If you don't need the heat than stick with the cheaper pellets.
The accentra was a cl barter for a item I no longer used so in my minds eye it was free. Did a super cleaning replaced dis. Fan and combustion fan which Was my fault. and it runs like a dream. But the most important part was the help I received on this website.
TimfromMA
Minister of Fire
batchman
Burning Hunk
If you're multi-fuel ready and in Michigan, you should be looking for cherry pits. I'd be trying them here, but it seems like you are in the only place they can be bought reasonably. Of course MI is a pretty big state (at least to a New England guy), so YMMV!
Good luck,
- Jeff
batchman
Burning Hunk
A quick search popped up this site http://www.cherrypitfuel.com/ showing a BTU value a little higher than corn but not really beyond the range of a hot pellet. Price is sure compelling.
I would expect a disclaimer about 50% to be more about starting a stove than running it, but that's just my opinion.
Best,
- Jeff
I would expect a disclaimer about 50% to be more about starting a stove than running it, but that's just my opinion.
Best,
- Jeff
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