Wood Pellet Brand Recommendations

[DBNH22]

This year will be my first season heating with pellets. In talking with others who've been heating with pellets I have heard many different opinions with regard to whether or not the specific pellets used make a difference. Some say it does, some say it doesn't. Some swear by this brand, others by that brand.

What do you guys think? Does it matter and if you have experience with different brands could you please share? I'm in NH and the two dominant brands here seem to be the New England and the Vermont brands.

Thanks guys.

 

[will711]

Dana, what stove are you burning? Vermonts are highly thought of here.Do you know what's available in your area? If you list brands people can comment.

 

[DBNH22]

I don't have a stove. I am buying a Windhager pellet boiler.

 

[will711]

I know nothing about pellet boilers except that the brand you're getting has been mentioned here before.

 

[DBNH22]

I'm brand to new to the pellet world myself Will. I think it's logical to assume that what burns well in a stove would burn well in a boiler as well. A good quality pellet is a good quality pellet is the way I'm thinking about it.

If I'm wrong please let me know.

I don't mind having to clean out the ash a little more often if the pellet is more energy efficient. I'm all about being energy efficient and cost effective.

 

[will711]

A good quality pellet is a good quality pellet is the way I'm thinking about it.

I totally agree. Like I said the Vermont's are top shelf personally never burned them as they don't get down to my neck of the woods, New England'.s have mixed reviews. Seeing that you are in NH I think I would go with softwoods as they tend to burn hotter and cleaner, just my 2 cents

Edit : Dana I thing you may want to do is try as many different brands of pellets that you can get your hands see how the boiler reacts then you'll know what is best for you.

 

[imacman]

In general, pellet boilers or furnaces are designed to be fed by bulk pellets which are usually of a lesser quality. IMO, I'd buy mid-priced pellets.

It will be much easier for us to share opinions if you tell us what brands and prices you have available in your area. (might want to add your location to your signature line or header.

 

[Markus38]

I don't have a stove. I am buying a Windhager pellet boiler.

Hello Dana
I am also installing a Biowin. Are you installing a bulk storage? If you are thinking about it you may want the talk to Vermont Renewable Fuels, Inc. I bought a 4 ton bulk hopper from them and they have great customer service. It is a really high quality, well-made hopper.
If I lived closer I would be buying my pellets from them, I believe they have Vermont wood pellets in bulk, which I hear are good.

 

[DBNH22]

Hello Dana
I am also installing a Biowin. Are you installing a bulk storage? If you are thinking about it you may want the talk to Vermont Renewable Fuels, Inc. I bought a 4 ton bulk hopper from them and they have great customer service. It is a really high quality, well-made hopper.
If I lived closer I would be buying my pellets from them, I believe they have Vermont wood pellets in bulk, which I hear are good.

I'm not getting a bulk hopper. If it worked out to actually save me money with the NH $6000 rebate I would but the last time I looked at the numbers it appeared to be cost prohibitive.

 

[movemaine]

Others in here have built there own bulk hoppers with some success (if memory serves me right) -
https://www.hearth.com/talk/threads/pellet-bin-completed.34103/