Pellet types

[stmar]

We usually have few options when it comes to pellet brands/types in our area. Recently a store I deal with brought in some different pellets, fir, so I bought 10 bags to try. We usually get Heartland which are softwood out of Spearfish SD.. The fir were advertised as hardwood, more BTUs, less ash, etc. After burning a few bags I don't see that much difference, in fact they don't seem to burn as hot but that may just because of my expectations. What experiences have others had with different wood types?

 

[Dataman]

Here we only have Pine and the types I have tired I see no Difference. Both Great

 

[Mt Bob]

Lots of good info here-

2023-2024 Pellet FUEL reviews-opinions-questions

This forum is for discussion and experiences about brands of pellet fuel for the 2022-2023 season. Price reports go in the other sub-forum.

www.hearth.com

 

[SciGuy]

We usually have few options when it comes to pellet brands/types in our area. Recently a store I deal with brought in some different pellets, fir, so I bought 10 bags to try. We usually get Heartland which are softwood out of Spearfish SD.. The fir were advertised as hardwood, more BTUs, less ash, etc. After burning a few bags I don't see that much difference, in fact they don't seem to burn as hot but that may just because of my expectations. What experiences have others had with different wood types?

As a general rule, hardwood pellets provide less BTUs and more ash per pound than softwood ones. There may be some exceptions but I'm not aware of any.

YMMV,

Hugh

 

[stmar]

Thanks for the great input, checked out the threads suggested and found out I was not imagining the lower heat output. I was told how much better the hardwoods were and the bag touted higher BTU and less ash, again not my limited experience. Luckily I only bought a few bags to try so will burn through them quickly, may mix with the softwoods.

 

[Mt Bob]

Fir is not a hardwood. The key is the quality of the pellets, which can and,with some manufacturers, change every year. One of the most consistently good high quality pellets is North Idaho's, which is a fir blend. Except for the ones made and sold on the east coast. Pellet suppliers/manufacturers can have multiple plants, AND some just pay a competitor,in a different area, to make and bag their product. This is where quality drops. I could have got $210 pellets,this year, but I chose,again, NI for 290. Why? More even heat, less ash, and ash that is easier to clean, no chunks,slabs,etc.

 

[BigJohnfromCT]

Hey Bob, can you clarify this? "One of the most consistently good high quality pellets is North Idaho's, which is a fir blend. Except for the ones made and sold on the east coast. " I live in Connecticut and get my hardwood pellets from Hamers out you of West Virginia. You're thoughts, better or worse than fir? Thanks.

 

[Mt Bob]

Hey Bob, can you clarify this? "One of the most consistently good high quality pellets is North Idaho's, which is a fir blend. Except for the ones made and sold on the east coast. " I live in Connecticut and get my hardwood pellets from Hamers out you of West Virginia. You're thoughts, better or worse than fir? Thanks.

I can tell you NI's have an excellent reputation out here, from the dakotas to the coast. Last year there were reports from back east about their products. As I do not get the eastern product, I trust people on here.