Next winter might go with100% Hardwood Pellets. Curious as to what’s available in Vermont

My Enviro M55 is running strong in its 10 year and for the past 9 years have been running Vermont Softwood Pellets exclusively. I have no complaints, very low ash and mega heat, sometimes too much...and I have almost never run over fan speed 3 and feed trim on 1. Pros: I can get softwood Bulk deliverys from 2 suppliers. Cons, none! In year one, I threw everything I could get into the stove, whatever I could find. Being a newbie, it was fun but honestly I don’t remember anything about how hardwood or mixed ran, too long ago!
So, the halibit! I’m guessing I would not see a huge difference in any ratio of a mix, so if available, I would go with 100% Hardwood, if any is even available in Vermont? I have enough supply now to get through Oct and Nov of next winter so I should have plenty of time now and then to go foraging.
Pros? Outweighed by the Cons...After being cooped up for a year/COVID, and restricting my local driving to Dunkin/Mickey D’s drive-thru plus lots of Ace Curbside pickup, I will love driving to the end of the earth in search of pellets. Hopefully I can get delivery, but then I have to hand carry down to the basement. I’ll be 72 but feel like 22. Built like , (not really) I’ll just take it slow...
Appreciate all recommendations. TIA! Bill

 

My only question would be...
Why?
We get zero calls for them..
If we do, it is from a new stove owner that used to burn firewood..
Then they buy a few bags of several brands..

Dan

 

Why??? Not sure who "We is?" Beside softwood/blends, HD, TS, Ace, True Value, Bourne, Lowe’s all have Hardwood from time to time...

 

Whoa... hang on, man.. take it easy..
Yes they sure do...
And tons of people love those BBS Green Supremes etc.
And there is nothing wrong with that. They are huge sellers.
And generally lower priced.
My guess is that if you question pellet shops,
you will find that the softwoods out sell the hardwoods, every time.
And many of their customers have no problem opting to spend a little more for the
LaCretes, Vermonts, Matra's, etc. even the DF's..
Because they feel they are worth it.

Dan

 

Hey Dan, thanks and no offense , I know softwood generally out sells Hardwood, higher BTU, usually lower amount of ash, maybe cleaner window... having said this, I just want to try them for a winter, that’s all! Bill

 

I would start with a few bags of whatever hardwoods you may find locally and try them before commiting to any bulk.

 

Whatever you do, stay away from Maine's Best - they definitely aren't even close to the top of the list. ThermaGlos are the rock bottom (seriously, lukewarm heat comes out of the distribution tubes). r

Cubex makes a good hardwood as well as Hamers (are they even still around?) and my P61a enjoyed those when I got some off CL for a song. It looks like Energex may make some straight HW pellets and I believe Green Team is also. I've never burned any of those because I'm cheap and can't bring myself to pay that much while having to drive 30 miles to pick them up.

If I were you (and thank goodness you're not because that would be very painful for you ), I would go to Blends because that is probably where most of the choices are of both brands and places to visit are. Additionally, it is rare to find a truly horrible blend** - it may be pretty ashy, but still puts out decent heat. Although I like running a nice hot pellet when I can find them on CL, I'm like you in that I don't have to run my stoves hard.

** Using my definition of horrible, such as nothing but ash without producing any heat. My main go-to pellets are TSC MWP's which are my definition of a nice middle-of-the-road pellet.

 

None taken

That is the only reason I asked "why"?
This year I have burned a lot of Matra... Probly the best I have ever used.
I would not contemplate: "Next year, I think I will try Green Supremes"
That was my only point...


Dan

 

I think you mean Maine's Choice.

 

I would think Cubex (+1 w/ B.), or MWP ( either branded bag: or TSC branded bar-code ) would be a good choice to try, before you commit to buy. ... Have tried both in the "softwood only" tiny stove here: both 100% and mixed w/ softwoods ... and both burned well.

 

Thanks all! You folks are probably right. I am spoiled with bulk fed, but only have one choice ie the Vermont Softies. I guess I will definitely get a couple of bags of some hardwood and give it a go...I should see just how much more ash I get, cause I’m not getting much now at all. The only negative with the M55 is the lack of a real ash draw. I have a 1/2" ash tray. Hardwoods might cause more frequent emptying!
Thanks all! Stay safe, wear a mask and hope you all get shots soon! Bill

 

you are right - and I think that is the second time you've had to correct me - I can only plead CRS

 

See, that is where you may have trouble. My Harman's have generous ash bins so I'm not really worried about ash, it's more about value. When I had the Hastings, that has a small ash drawer, I had to empty it weekly using mid-level pellets (versus 3-4 weeks for the Harmans). Not sure what the dimensions of the ash pan was, but seems to me it was taller than yours.

 

I would assume that living in Vermont, you get a great price on Vermont Pellets?
If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

 

Not really, sometimes you can pick up a ton (bulk) for $280-$290, usually $300. plus! It’s the same as Vermont Maple Syrup, more expensive but it’s the best! Healthier trees, richer soil, cleaner air.... Bill

 

We live 20 minutes from Wood and Sons.
No deals....

Dan
(so no buy)

 

Even at $300, that's $40 a ton cheaper than RI right now.
Best decent pellet buy right now for me; there are a few HomeDepot's selling metric ton (60 bags) of La Crete for $299. I grabbed a ton yesterday.

 

If you like those...better get more, while they got 'em..

Dan

 

Those are good, I think you will like them.