Heatr's

[mikestod]

As an update, I reached the point where my stove was not feeding at all. I pulled out the stove and cleaned the hopper and auger. While there was a decent amount of fines in the bottom of the hopper, but it was not as bad as I expected. There was nothing jammed in the auger and no restriction from built up sawdust anywhere in the path of the auger or drop tube. I cleaned the hopper and auger completely, coated the inside of the hopper surface with lanolin as a lubricant to help the pellets feed easier and fired the stove back up. On my M55 I also have the option to adjust the opening to the auger shoot, so I opened that a hair more (from 2 to almost 3). So far everything is feeding well. With the hopper and auger spotless, I will now find out if these Heat'rs pellets are the culprit for the feed problems I had. I'll report back if I experience any repeat issues issues.

At this point, I will not blame these pellets for the feed issue just yet. Further testing will tell the tale. However, I would still rate them as average for a box store brand. Not nearly the same level as Fireside Ultras, due to the heavy fines and spotty packaging.

 

[acammer]

As an update, I reached the point where my stove was not feeding at all. I pulled out the stove and cleaned the hopper and auger. While there was a decent amount of fines in the bottom of the hopper, but it was not as bad as I expected. There was nothing jammed in the auger and no restriction from built up sawdust anywhere in the path of the auger or drop tube. I cleaned the hopper and auger completely, coated the inside of the hopper surface with lanolin as a lubricant to help the pellets feed easier and fired the stove back up. On my M55 I also have the option to adjust the opening to the auger shoot, so I opened that a hair more (from 2 to almost 3). So far everything is feeding well. With the hopper and auger spotless, I will now find out if these Heat'rs pellets are the culprit for the feed problems I had. I'll report back if I experience any repeat issues issues.

At this point, I will not blame these pellets for the feed issue just yet. Further testing will tell the tale. However, I would still rate them as average for a box store brand. Not nearly the same level as Fireside Ultras, due to the heavy fines and spotty packaging.

I'll definitely blame the pellets for the feed issues. I've had two other brands work much better. For burn quality and heat that are pretty good, ash content is a little high. Fines are pretty low, but the clinging to the hopper is terrible, and will likely steer me away from these in the future. The Timber Heats didn't cling much at all, but had higher fines, and seemed to burn with a tar-like residue.

 

[mikestod]

I'll definitely blame the pellets for the feed issues. I've had two other brands work much better. For burn quality and heat that are pretty good, ash content is a little high. Fines are pretty low, but the clinging to the hopper is terrible, and will likely steer me away from these in the future. The Timber Heats didn't cling much at all, but had higher fines, and seemed to burn with a tar-like residue.

I'm wondering if there is a big difference between batches. You said the fines aren't bad, but I find the bags to have a higher than average amount of fines. Of course it could be subjective. I haven't measured the amount of fines in a bag, but I would estimate its at least 1/4 cup.

 

[clifftax]

Burned them for the first time this year. Very low ash but low heat too. Has caused hopper issues which I never have. Lots of fines hit and miss. Good to burn in fall and early spring. Not a winter pellet IMO. Must always go through 1/2 of pallet at HD to find good bags not wet. Have seen many returns at my local HD with these pellets

 

[acammer]

Burned them for the first time this year. Very low ash but low heat too. Has caused hopper issues which I never have. Lots of fines hit and miss. Good to burn in fall and early spring. Not a winter pellet IMO. Must always go through 1/2 of pallet at HD to find good bags not wet. Have seen many returns at my local HD with these pellets

Clifftax - I see your in CNY as well - what are you finding around here that you would consider a good "winter pellet" - something high heat. I'd like to try some alternatives and would be interested in your input as you're local.

 

[clifftax]

I burn them all. I like Nations Choice, Stove Chow, New England and Dry Creek BUT have never found the magic pellet. Problem is nobody around here maintains a constant supply of one or the other. HD and Lowes are notorious for this. As they always tell me "what ever comes off the truck"

 

[bayfeet]

Returned 172 bags of heatr's. Had three tons stacked in the garage, and one still wrapped in the driveway. HD would not refund delivery. Bought 4 tons of awf from another depot. Good pellet but a lot of fines. No gym membership needed for the new year.