Wood pellet performance varies based on a variety of factors. This chart will help you to choose pellets that have the qualities you prefer.

Definitions:

British Thermal Unit (BTU): The amount of heat required to raise the temperature of 1 pound of water 1 degree Fahrenheit.

Ash Content is measured as a percentage of weight, and in most cases is less than 1%. More ash means you need to clean your stove more frequently.

Hardwood vs. Softwood: Today, most pellet stoves can burn either hard or soft woods. Generally speaking, softwoods tend to have higher heating values and so you can get more heat from fewer pellets, and less ash.

Wood Pellet Brands and Values:

Barefoot: Hardwood, 8400 BTU, 0.42% Ash

Blackstone: 100% Hardwood, 8200 BTU, 0.57% Ash

Easy Blaze: Premium Softwood, 8900 BTU, 0.27%

LG Granules: Softwood, 8500 BTU, 0.5% Ash

Maine Woods: Blend, 8300 BTU, 0.44% Ash

Matra Eastern White Pine Pellets: 100% Eastern White Pine, 8900 BTU, 0.25% Ash

New England: Blend, 8300 BTU, 0.48% Ash

Northern Max: Hardwood, 9000 BTU, 0.30% Ash

Northern Warmth Douglas Fir: Softwood, 8700–9000 BTU, 0.35% Ash

Northern Warmth Hardwood: Red/White Oak, 8200 BTU, 0.34% Ash

Northern Warmth Purely Pine: Softwood, 8300 BTU, 0.42% Ash

Northern Warmth Super Spruce: Softwood, 8800 BTU, 0.39% Ash

Northern Warmth Supreme Douglas Fir: Softwood, 8900 BTU, 0.15% Ash

Vermont: 100% Softwood, 8600 BTU, 0.24% Ash

Warmfront: Blend, 8300 BTU, 0.48% Ash

Wood & Son: Premium Grade, Eastern White Pine, 87,00 BTU, 0.25% Ash

Envi 8 Blocks (6-pack): 8000 BTU per lb.; Size: 3.25"x2.75"x9.5"; Average Weight: 3-4 lbs. each

Envi 10 Blocks (3-pack): 8000 BTU per lb.; Size: 4"x 4"x10.5"; Average Weight: 6-7 lbs. each