I'm new to the pellet comparison, as I've only had my stove since Thanksgiving.
I've only burnt Cubex so far, so my La Cretes opinions are based on the contrast between them and the Cubex. Additionally, this is all anecdotal, as I haven't measured the actual ash content, or fines, the temp, etc.
The rundown:
* The La Cretes burn cleaner and the ash is less dense than the Cubex (the Cubex ash would sometimes form a conglomeration blocking the pellets slightly in the burn pot). The La Cretes ash is much finer, and gives the impression of a more complete combustion. The amount of ash is less, and the glass remains cleaner for longer.
* The La Cretes seem to have a lower consumption rate, meaning that they seem to last longer/are more efficient.
* The La Cretes seem to burn hotter than the Cubex, as they were able to get the room to a higher temp than the Cubex for the same weather conditions. I'm finding I can run the stove at a lower stove temp/manual setting than I did with the Cubex.
* The La Cretes bag had more sawdust/fines than the Cubex. The Cubex had barely any dust, but the La Cretes have noticeable sawdust/etc.
In my area, I can get the Cubex and La Cretes for the same price - $289.
So, for me, the La Cretes are the clear winner.
I'll see what other Canadian softwood pellets are in my area, as I'm interested in comparing these against them, but I think the La Cretes are a great pellet.
I've only burnt Cubex so far, so my La Cretes opinions are based on the contrast between them and the Cubex. Additionally, this is all anecdotal, as I haven't measured the actual ash content, or fines, the temp, etc.
The rundown:
* The La Cretes burn cleaner and the ash is less dense than the Cubex (the Cubex ash would sometimes form a conglomeration blocking the pellets slightly in the burn pot). The La Cretes ash is much finer, and gives the impression of a more complete combustion. The amount of ash is less, and the glass remains cleaner for longer.
* The La Cretes seem to have a lower consumption rate, meaning that they seem to last longer/are more efficient.
* The La Cretes seem to burn hotter than the Cubex, as they were able to get the room to a higher temp than the Cubex for the same weather conditions. I'm finding I can run the stove at a lower stove temp/manual setting than I did with the Cubex.
* The La Cretes bag had more sawdust/fines than the Cubex. The Cubex had barely any dust, but the La Cretes have noticeable sawdust/etc.
In my area, I can get the Cubex and La Cretes for the same price - $289.
So, for me, the La Cretes are the clear winner.
I'll see what other Canadian softwood pellets are in my area, as I'm interested in comparing these against them, but I think the La Cretes are a great pellet.