Newbie trying to figure this thing out. Purchased 3 tons of Fireside when I ordered the 10-CPM back in late October. Just finished the first ton and was driving by TSC and noticed they had pellets. Stopped in and bought a couple bags of Maine's Choice and MWP with the stove on the bag. Using an unscientific method I stucl the meat thermometer in the third slit on the left and took a reading and then stuck it in the center slit. What I found: Fireside consistantly ran 150 - 160 on the side and 185 - 195 in the center. Maine's choice, 160 - 175 and center 200 - 215 (noticebly hotter): MWP - 140 - 150, center 175 - 180. The MWP puts on quite the fireworks display when the pellets drop, the Firesides less so and the Choice the least. I'll be trying some Thurmans and Barefoots from a local over the next week. I like these Choice thus far.