Super Cedars

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KennyK

Feeling the Heat
Oct 26, 2011
351
Boston
Just got a free sample of two Super Cedars after noticing a couple weeks ago their advertisement on this site offering free samples to hearth.com members. Man, do these work well! Since I first got my wood stove in January, I've been starting my fires with crumpled up newspaper, kindling and a few splits. I just tried using a little over half a super cedar broken into three pieces, under some kindling and a couple splits with no newspaper and everything went up quick and easy! I've had to start many a fire from a cold start these last three months due to this little Jotul F100 I have, and while it's not a huge deal, the part I like least is crumpling up and dealing with all the newspaper. Now, Super Cedar is offering me 30% off my first order and it seems like it would make sense to take the most advantage of that nice discount by ordering a 100 pack. However, I'm getting a Woodstock Ideal Steel in a month and for next heating season (and any remaining heating this season if there is any at that point), I will have far, far fewer cold starts, and will most often be putting splits on coals to keep things going. Does it still make sense to get a 100 pack for $82.60 unwrapped, or $87.50 individually wrapped, or should I just get fewer? Will they basically last forever? I like the idea of unwrapped primarily for the environmental aspect of less plastic more so than being $5 cheaper (but that's nice too!), but if I have 100 for a long time I worry about them deteriorating if their not wrapped. Thoughts?
 
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I have no opinion on wrapped or unwrapped but if you use Hearth18 you can get 40% off.

And a lot of people report buying unwrapped ones as the packaging can be a pain to open.


Lopi Rockport
Blaze King Ashford 25
 
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These are basically sawdust and wax, so I don't see them being able to pick up moisture and deteriorate. I buy no name brand firestarters at the $ store and they are still good from season to season.
 
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Just got a free sample of two Super Cedars after noticing a couple weeks ago their advertisement on this site offering free samples to hearth.com members. Man, do these work well! Since I first got my wood stove in January, I've been starting my fires with crumpled up newspaper, kindling and a few splits. I just tried using a little over half a super cedar broken into three pieces, under some kindling and a couple splits with no newspaper and everything went up quick and easy! I've had to start many a fire from a cold start these last three months due to this little Jotul F100 I have, and while it's not a huge deal, the part I like least is crumpling up and dealing with all the newspaper. Now, Super Cedar is offering me 30% off my first order and it seems like it would make sense to take the most advantage of that nice discount by ordering a 100 pack. However, I'm getting a Woodstock Ideal Steel in a month and for next heating season (and any remaining heating this season if there is any at that point), I will have far, far fewer cold starts, and will most often be putting splits on coals to keep things going. Does it still make sense to get a 100 pack for $82.60 unwrapped, or $87.50 individually wrapped, or should I just get fewer? Will they basically last forever? I like the idea of unwrapped primarily for the environmental aspect of less plastic more so than being $5 cheaper (but that's nice too!), but if I have 100 for a long time I worry about them deteriorating if their not wrapped. Thoughts?
I like the product, but 90 clams, for something that you can replace with stuff you put in the garbage? Not for me.

I refer to this as Costco syndrome, it's a modern day affliction.

You are right, you won't have many cold starts next year with your new setup.

If you are detemined to get starters, why get so many? But, it's your $90.
 
I like the product, but 90 clams, for something that you can replace with stuff you put in the garbage? Not for me.

I refer to this as Costco syndrome, it's a modern day affliction.

You are right, you won't have many cold starts next year with your new setup.

If you are detemined to get starters, why get so many? But, it's your $90.

Yeah, ED, makes sense. With the F100 I start the stove every day, so it gets a bit annoying with all the newspaper (again, not a huge deal), and I was really impressed with how well the super cedar worked - not only did I not have to deal with the newspaper but it performed better. As I won't be having to do cold starts all the time, maybe I'll just get a smaller pack.
 
Bought a 8 pack to start the season. 2.5 left. 100 would be a huge stash. Many years worth for me.
 
Look at it this way. It is a long term investment. If it last you for years to come, that's good. You will forget about kindling. Lol. Just find a place into the stack and use half or one according to the splits size. Let it rip.:)
 
Look at it this way. It is a long term investment. If it last you for years to come, that's good. You will forget about kindling. Lol. Just find a place into the stack and use half or one according to the splits size. Let it rip.:)
+1. I've been using nothing else for 6 years now, and will continue. Yes, they are worth it IMO. I'd get the 100 box unwrapped for the best bang/buck. They will not deteriorate. You only need about a 1/4 puck for a startup (I use less), so it's pretty cheap in the long run and for you, a box should last forever.
 
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Yeah, ED, makes sense. With the F100 I start the stove every day, so it gets a bit annoying with all the newspaper (again, not a huge deal), and I was really impressed with how well the super cedar worked - not only did I not have to deal with the newspaper but it performed better. As I won't be having to do cold starts all the time, maybe I'll just get a smaller pack.
I know what you mean, KK. The paper-kindling routine gets old doing it every day.

I was shopping around for some starters, and finally decided to make my own with some old candles and sawdust. Then, I discovered white birch bark. Stuff lights and burns like it has Sterno (napalm) in it. A 2" x 2" square has lit every fire this season without a hitch. Probably have a lifetime supply of the stuff.

Now I don't know what to do with the old candles and sawdust...
 
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Yes, they will last forever. I use a quarter of a disc per lighting. That means, a box of 100 will make 400 fires. Some people report using 1/8 of a disc. I buy them unwrapped. They can also be used if you cook with charcoal briquettes. Or so I've been assured by others. When you consider the using of only a partial disc, the price isn't so high per start. Some people even take them on camping trips.
 
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Yes, they will last forever. I use a quarter of a disc per lighting. That means, a box of 100 will make 400 fires. Some people report using 1/8 of a disc. I buy them unwrapped. They can also be used if you cook with charcoal briquettes. Or so I've been assured by others. When you consider the using of only a partial disc, the price isn't so high per start. Some people even take them on camping trips.

Funny, I was just lighting up the smoker this morning, and I wondered if I could use the super cedars to start the briquettes. I thought I'd ask on this thread, and came back to find it answered - you must have read my mind! Wanna come over for lunch? We'll be having smoked St. Louis style ribs, smoked pork belly and smoked chicken! (Oh, and we'll probably make a salad too just for good measure!) ;) All made on the Pit Barrell Cooker - if you're not familiar with it, and like smoking food, it's pretty great!
 
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Funny, I was just lighting up the smoker this morning, and I wondered if I could use the super cedars to start the briquettes. I thought I'd ask on this thread, and came back to find it answered - you must have read my mind! Wanna come over for lunch? We'll be having smoked St. Louis style ribs, smoked pork belly and smoked chicken! (Oh, and we'll probably make a salad too just for good measure!) ;) All made on the Pit Barrell Cooker - if you're not familiar with it, and like smoking food, it's pretty great!
I'll be right over!
 
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Super Cedars over newspaper 100% of the time - it is so worth the price. For people who work and commute a ton of hours per day - those few extra minutes of time savings and convenience is definitely worth the cost.

I can't recommend Super Cedars enough! I'm never going back to newspaper! I would pay the one-time price and don't feel guilty about it. You can always give out extras to friends and family - they'll be super thankful.

Matt
 
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I’ve got my free samples coming.

Also Amazon sells them at the 40% off price.
 
I’ve got my free samples coming.

Also Amazon sells them at the 40% off price.

I just ordered 100 unwrapped directly from Super Cedar. With the Hearth18 code that gives you the 40% off, the total came to $70.80 and that's with free shipping. Before I ordered I checked Amazon and could not find the unwrapped and the wrapped were $88.95. Looks like the best deal is direct.

I must be getting old, for the last 30 years I've always used newspaper to start my daily fire and I guess I just have gotten tired of it.
 
I have used newspaper and kindling in the past too. Not a big deal if one is burning 24/7, but a bit of a hassle with more frequent shoulder season starts. With good dry doug fir I can start 3 large splits and about 1/6 Super Cedar patty, no kindling. It doesn't get much easier.
 
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I have used newspaper and kindling in the past too. Not a big deal if one is burning 24/7, but a bit of a hassle with more frequent shoulder season starts. With good dry doug fir I can start 3 large splits and about 1/6 Super Cedar patty, no kindling. It doesn't get much easier.

You are making me wish I had access to Doug Fir! The easy starting and low amount of ash sounds really nice.
 
The super cedars are worth every penny, I buy a big box every three years and just use smaller splits and regular splits and have a roaring fire in n 15 minutes. Just ordered another box, highly recommend.
 
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The super cedars are worth every penny, I buy a big box every three years and just use smaller splits and regular splits and have a roaring fire in n 15 minutes. Just ordered another box, highly recommend.

Do you use the super cedars with "top down" fire building method, or with conventional method kindling on the bottom. I've found with paper and kindling that I prefer the top down fire start.
 
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I’ve never tried Super Cedar fire starters but I do use cedar scrap wood to start many of my fires. I work pt at a all cedar wood shop in town so I get barrels full of cedar scrap. I usually build my fires from the bottom up using a short log to prop up a longer log or two and putting the cedar scrap underneath in the air pocket then giving that a blast with my propane weed torch. It gets the stove going fast. The same thing can be done with any small kindling.... twigs, small branches etc.
 
I haven't been on for quite a while. Looks like the 100 packs last me about 3-4 years. I just stopped by and picked up another 100 pack from Thomas at the source yesterday. This should get me by for the next 3-4 years. I can't thank him enough for a great product. I'm all ready for the upcoming season with 5-6 cords of seasoned maple and fir and ran the Sooteater on the chimney over the summer. Looking forward to the first fire and many more throughout the upcoming fall and winter.

I'm also burning Home Prest energy logs this year and last... will probably go back to Idaho Energy next winter. I like them both though.

40% off through 9/10 with FALL40

https://www.supercedar.com/products.cfm
 

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Late to the party again. I've been getting Super Cedars for 5 years, maybe? Which means, I've ordered twice! Both times, wrapped to keep all the crumbs in one spot, break in half (still wrapped) and use 1 half to light the fire, and the other half goes in the woodbox for the next time, if not running 24/7. I also use them to light the insert, charcoal grill, smoker, fire pit, and pizza oven. Great for Christmas gifts for everyone! Also, Thomas, at one time, tried going to another density, but I've gotten the higher density both times I think...not sure if that's still an option or not, but the higher density seems to have less crumbs.
 
This is my second order....think I first purchased in late 2010 or early 2011


Late to the party again. I've been getting Super Cedars for 5 years, maybe? Which means, I've ordered twice! Both times, wrapped to keep all the crumbs in one spot, break in half (still wrapped) and use 1 half to light the fire, and the other half goes in the woodbox for the next time, if not running 24/7. I also use them to light the insert, charcoal grill, smoker, fire pit, and pizza oven. Great for Christmas gifts for everyone! Also, Thomas, at one time, tried going to another density, but I've gotten the higher density both times I think...not sure if that's still an option or not, but the higher density seems to have less crumbs.




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