Which is better soft or hard pellets?

[smg64ct]

I've been buying a good brand of hard pellets. I just thought that they would burn the best. I have avoided soft pellets because I thought they wouldn't burn as hot and clean as the hard. What are your thoughts which is better?

 

[begreen]

The opposite is true. A good premium softwood pellet works great and has slightly higher energy content.

 

[smg64ct]

I didn't know that thanks for the info.

 

[GVA]

I've been buying a good brand of hard pellets. I just thought that they would burn the best. I have avoided soft pellets because I thought they wouldn't burn as hot and clean as the hard. What are your thoughts which is better?

I was taught like you to burn the Hardwood and not the Softwood......3 Years or hardwood premiums and last year was premium softwoods I did notice a bit of BTU increase. But mainly I had a lot less clinkers....
Depending on location there is cost..
Soft is more expensive in the northeast than hardwood... and cheaper in the northwest.......I don't know about the south...

 

[mtalea]

Softwoods are higher btu and cleaner burn.perhaps a bit more ash thou.This will be the 1st year I switch to 100% softwood

 

[MrWinkey]

So of that choice then would you rather go with Fir or Pine?

That seems to be the 2 blends I am able to find in my area.

 

[begreen]

I've burned both and preferred the fir slightly. But not for what you might think. The pine was Lignetics (Idaho). Excellent pellet, but the fir pellets smelt much better. So I ended up switching to Blazers.

 

[jayheel]

How do I know if the pellets are soft or hard? Getting them from a local plant that just opened. Guess should just ask them (there I answered my own question) How bout the water test? someone mentioned it in an earlier post and I searched but couldn't find an explanation. Water test for pellets??

 

[mtalea]

I have heard that the pine is hotter.... dunno about the order thuo...mine were a mix. I have heard the purefire is an excellent pellet to use.here in CT.