When it comes to 100% Douglas fir wood pellets, the popularity is—pardon the pun—catching like wildfire.

Now you may ask, “Aren’t all pellets the same?”

Nope.

Then, you may ask, “What’s the big deal with Douglas fir pellets?”

We’re so glad you asked.

Douglas fir wood fibers are one of the hottest burning wood species in North America, as evidenced in the chart below. BTUs are British Thermal Units, and they measure energy output. A higher BTU rating equates to more heat output, and Douglas fir tops the list.

There are fewer minerals in this kind of wood, especially for the old growth Douglas fir trees. Fewer minerals equates to low ash levels and can mean up to two to three times less ash than the average premium-grade pellet. Enjoy less time spent cleaning your stove and more time curled up inside a warm house doing what you love.

So why doesn’t everyone use Douglas fir pellets? Douglas fir trees grow in the Pacific Northwest, so transportation costs are high to deliver pellets to the Northeast, making it more difficult for retailers to offer them in the eastern portion of the U.S. When they are offered, the price tag is often higher than other options due to this transportation cost. But remember that these high-quality softwood pellets last much longer than the average hardwood pellet. This makes the purchase more economical—and preferable—for many of our customers.

If you decide you want to go the Douglas fir route, consider pairing the premium pellets with a high-quality stove. Such stoves can adjust their feed rate based on room temperature, maintaining a constant temperature and reducing pellet usage accordingly.

Also, beware of pellets that are Douglas fir “blends,” as such pellets often contain a minimal amount of Douglas fir. There is a huge difference between a 100% Douglas fir pellet and a blend. Our Douglas fir pellets are made with 100% Douglas fir, so you don’t have to worry about getting other wood species in your fuel.

Interested in trying Douglas fir? Enter your zip code at Woodpellets.com to see what pellets are available in your area. If you have questions, we’d love to chat. Call us at 1-800-735-5387 to speak to an expert!