Super Cedar Review (My 2nd Batch)

[EJL923]

So this is actually a review of cedars based on my second batch of 100. I bought this batch at the beginning of the burning season, fall 2015. For reference, my first batch of 100 was years ago, cant even find a record but maybe 2012 ish, they lasted quite a while.

Lets get down to it. I dont really like this new batch. Who knows if its just mine or if something was changed. So whats the problem? This new batch is very crumbly and makes a huge mess. What makes these last so long is the fact that you only need 1/2, or even a 1/4. The older batch i had would always break somewhat cleanly in half, then half again. I could do this right through the package. If i try to break the newer batch in half, it will many times break into 3 uneven pieces with lots of crumbles. Extra care has to be taken when opening the plastic.

Now lots of people will say its a first world problem, which it exactly is. But im writing to see if anyone has noticed this with newer batches? It makes using them now kind of a pain. They still work, but i cant break them as easily into smaller and cleaner pieces. Im not sure if ill buy another batch if they stay like this. (update: I would order the firmer pucks)

Let me know if anyone else has noticed this? This is an honest review guys, im not trying to bring down super cedars so all you defenders hold your horses. the reason i bought a 2nd batch is because i liked them.

Thanks

 

[jatoxico]

Others have reported the same thing you have found. In at least one case it was said that Super Cedars were now making two versions, one hard like the old ones and new that are crumbly. According to that poster Super Cedar said the crumbly ones were made based on feed back from other customers because the old ones were "too hard".

As you said the old ones could easily be cut into 4 or more pcs so a case lasted a long time (still have my original case). The new ones not so much. I can't say w/ certainty that the explanation I gave is 100% accurate since it's second hand info but you're not the first to notice the difference.

 

[Sprinter]

I'd be disappointed too. I'm still working on what I got last year. I don't find them "too hard" at all, and I wouldn't want them any softer or more crumbly, although I don't mind the crumbs as they are now.

Maybe I'll just get a small amount this time to see what the deal is. I usually buy 100s. I'll be interested to see what other recent buyers have to say. I don't see anything on the website that allows a choice.

 

[EJL923]

its unfortunate. I used to give them out as samples to friends and family. Now i dont do that or i have to say " watch out they make a mess"

 

[jatoxico]

https://www.hearth.com/talk/threads/super-cedar-warning-advice.149206/

 

[EJL923]

well whatta you know. I suppose i could have searched first to see if someone else had this problem.

 

[jatoxico]

well whatta you know. I suppose i could have searched first to see if someone else had this problem.

I'm glad you confirmed it independently so to speak.

 

[Sprinter]

It's good to know that you can request the harder ones. I won't worry about the next batch then.

 

[georgepds]

It's good to know that you can request the harder ones. I won't worry about the next batch then.

It would be nice if the vendor scored the disks so you could easily break them into four pieces, or even just sell smaller pieces

 

[EJL923]

They used to have some very light scores, almost useless though. I don't mind the puck size, it'll keep cost down, but it's also gotta break easily like they used too

 

[drz1050]

You might be able to send back the remainder and trade them for the denser ones?

 

[begreen]

I like the dense pucks. I 'score' them by pressing the edge of the ash shovel into the puck, rotate 90º and do it again. That makes a clean snap line.

 

[Patapsco Mike]

Yeah my new ones suck. They really should have said something before sending me a whole case of product totally different than the last time I bought it. Makes a big mess when it's opened now.

 

[drz1050]

Posted this in another thread, but it seems to be worth saying again... I tried a few supercedars, liked them, but not the size. It's stupid easy to make your own, and they work just as well. Take some small wood chips/ chainsaw chips and fill up a cardboard egg carton. Melt wax and pour it in until it's almost full. Rip off an egg at a time when ready to use, light the cardboard and it burns for over 10 mins.

 

[BrotherBart]

Over the years I have gotten harder ones and softer ones. I attribute it to how long they have been sitting on the shelf. When I break them it is in a coffee can so I don't care if there are crumbs. Those crumbs I call "Pixie Dust" and that stuff is magic for dropping on a little bit of coals left after the night burn and getting that morning load rocking in a heartbeat.

 

[Boiler74]

I keep mine in a zip lock freezer bag and break them in the bag. Direct from the bag to the stove after a shake shake to get rid of excess crumbs. For the crumbs I crumple up bow tie fashion in some newspaper and use to light. I too prefer the harder puck and will request them when I reorder...... After next season. Still love them though. Have yet to use any kindling in three winters of burning. I use them in my Big Green Egg too.

 

[NWfuel]

I'm here to try and put this fire out. I will start by saying Hearth.com is the reason Super Cedars exist. When I started sharing these on this site there were no options for my puck. One size was it. I listened to members requests for smaller ones which I had no choice but to make one pie. I tried to add the scores so they would break easier. The scoring caused many problems in which the tops would lift off when pressed in process. (each SC is individually made) Now this being said I would receive requests for easier to break SC's. The next request would be for denser SC's. Only on Hearth.com do I receive these requests so I will not post this option on website. I offer this to Hearth.com members only as do I offer free samples as most of you have received. If you request which you prefer in the message field we will be sure to add the needed pressure to make denser SC's.
As I like to say rain is wet, snow is cold, gas smells and Fatwood smokes! Yes, I agree Super Cedars have pixie dust (Brother Bart) which is the reason that they burn Clean,Hot and start Fast. It is the nature of the beast. Thank you all for your support and please keep this our secret as I cannot offer two versions to the masses.
Thomas

 

[jatoxico]

Thanks Thomas for weighing in and thanks for extending that courtesy to Hearth members.

 

[drz1050]

As I like to say rain is wet, snow is cold, gas smells and Fatwood smokes! Yes, I agree Super Cedars have pixie dust (Brother Bart) which is the reason that they burn Clean,Hot and start Fast. It is the nature of the beast. Thank you all for your support and please keep this our secret as I cannot offer two versions to the masses.
Thomas

What type of wax do you use for the supercedars? Soy or paraffin?

 

[Sprinter]

When were the softer ones first shipped? My last order was for 100 on 10-31-15. So would that make those the softer variety? If so, I don't really have a problem with them. I like to break mine into smaller pieces (like 1/8) and put two in different locations for a more even and faster start. Sometimes I will accidentally crush the smaller chunks but not that often. I think what I have now (probably the softer) makes this a little easier and the dust isn't really much of an issue.

I may still get a small quantity of hard ones just to see, though.

Thanks for clearing it all up.

 

[BrotherBart]

What type of wax do you use for the supercedars? Soy or paraffin?

Refined paraffin.

Don't need no tofu in my stove.

 

[BrotherBart]

Just keep making'em like you make'em Thomas. Like my Grandpa used to say "Some people would b_itch if you hung'em with a new rope.".

Took me years after you showed up here to finally try'em and I ain't going back. Ain't seen my kindling axe in six years. Like I have said before, Super Cedars are like finding a hot bed of coals in a cold stove.

 

[Smoked]

I'm here to try and put this fire out. I will start by saying Hearth.com is the reason Super Cedars exist. When I started sharing these on this site there were no options for my puck. One size was it. I listened to members requests for smaller ones which I had no choice but to make one pie. I tried to add the scores so they would break easier. The scoring caused many problems in which the tops would lift off when pressed in process. (each SC is individually made) Now this being said I would receive requests for easier to break SC's. The next request would be for denser SC's. Only on Hearth.com do I receive these requests so I will not post this option on website. I offer this to Hearth.com members only as do I offer free samples as most of you have received. If you request which you prefer in the message field we will be sure to add the needed pressure to make denser SC's.
As I like to say rain is wet, snow is cold, gas smells and Fatwood smokes! Yes, I agree Super Cedars have pixie dust (Brother Bart) which is the reason that they burn Clean,Hot and start Fast. It is the nature of the beast. Thank you all for your support and please keep this our secret as I cannot offer two versions to the masses.
Thomas

This is awesome I have made my own twice. First was cedar dust in cupcake molds with wax poured on. Big mess making and a little crumbly but lit really easy. The second batch I decided to try to mix melted wax with cherry shavings from my planer. I did it in a kettle and made logs rolled in wax paper. Big mess there too! after they hardened I used a scroll saw to cut little disks. these do not light as easily. Too much wax or something??? But once lit, they burn well!! I still have a bunch of them left . And the dust created in the sawing process was awesome in newspaper BB!

Great to have vendors post! Something clean and easy is well worth it to some, so don't slap a gift horse in the mouth. I am a DIY guy so am inclined to try stuff. I have more wax so will try again but this is not clean and simple at all. spend 3 hours saving $30, prolly not good math. To me, if it keeps me from watching TV, it is worth it. To others, ready to roll at your door step is clean and easy!

 

[Boiler74]

Thomas keep doing what you're doing. These S.C. rock, crumbly or hard. To quote Taylor Swift, haters gonna hate! Ha!

 

[NWfuel]

What type of wax do you use for the supercedars? Soy or paraffin?

Paraffin