first time buying pellets

[philbrick]

This season coming up 2011-2012 will be my first season burning pellets. So im going to keep it very simple. What time of the yr should i buy the pellets for the best price. And what brands should i look at for good quality and least amount of problems. I don't want to be a statistic because i got frustrated with the stove or pellets. So im going to let you people do the thinking for me. Ive been doing some reading about pellets. Like the oakies are top and vermont is right up there. I would like to buy pellets that are made in the NE so i can help my community. BTW i refuse to shop at walmart,i would rather buy from small local business

 

[jtakeman]

Now until about mid summer. After that the prices start climbing. This is for the pellet houses anyway.

Bigbox stores start them high and have a mid winter pellet price war(have for the last 2 seasons anyway). So hold off on them until after Thanksgiving.

 

[tinkabranc]

Historically, early spring thru mid summer are when the prices are usually at their lowest.

IMO always try a few bags of a brand before buying in bulk...including the better brands.

Some love the Okies & Vermonts but others don't.

YMMV

 

[philbrick]

IMO always try a few bags of a brand before buying in bulk…including the better brands.

I wouldn't know a good brand from a bad brand since i have nothing to compare it to

 

[kinsmanstoves]

Stay away from pellets that were stored outside.

Eric

 

[Xena]

I wouldn't know a good brand from a bad brand since i have nothing to compare it to

That's where it comes in handy to try a couple bags before you buy
if possible. This way you will quickly learn how well each burn
in your particular stove. Takes a little time to learn but the most common
things that people look for are dust free or at least low dust/fines
in the bag, good heat output, and low ash content.

 

[WoodPorn]

What type of stove are you running?

 

[philbrick]

enviro ef3

 

[WoodPorn]

I see you are in MA, The only pellet I can tell you NOT to get is Inferno, Price is going to dictate what you get. Okanagan, Somerset, LG's, Turman, Barefoot etc,etc All GREAT pellets, but much more expensive than the Freedom Fuel and Green Team you'll get for $200-225 at HD and Lowes.

 

[Fsappo]

Theres probably websites out there where you can type in a search box phrases like "best time to buy pellets" "good pellets" "Bad pellets" and find a million current opinions on pellets.

 

[philbrick]

I see you are in MA, The only pellet I can tell you NOT to get is Inferno, Price is going to dictate what you get. Okanagan, Somerset, LG's, Turman, Barefoot etc,etc All GREAT pellets, but much more expensive than the Freedom Fuel and Green Team you'll get for $200-225 at HD and Lowes.

Thanks...again i want to keep it as simple as possible the first yr. Then i should understand the stove and pellets a lot better. Hopefully i will be more educated to experiment

 

[imacman]

enviro ef3

Do you have the stove installed yet? If so, try calling around to local Big Box stores, Tractor Supply, hardware and stove stores, and see what brands they carry. IMO, buy a few bags of the ones you find and burn them now.....that way you'll know what to look for this spring and next fall.

If the stove isn't installed yet, forget what i said above. ;-P

 

[jtakeman]

We always recommend try before buy. But if you can't its a tough one.

See my testing threades. Not all pellets are created equal!

https://www.hearth.com/econtent/index.php/forums/viewthread/42511/

https://www.hearth.com/econtent/index.php/forums/viewthread/50101/

https://www.hearth.com/econtent/index.php/forums/viewthread/60581/

This should give you an idea whats out there.

I also have some reviews

here!

 

[Xena]

Forget sampling pellets now.
His stove isn't in yet.
See thread last post.
clickeroo

 

[philbrick]

See my testing threades. Not all pellets are created equal.,...i read your article a few days ago and thanks