Best Softwood Pellets for Pellet Stoves
Softwood pellets are prized for their high heat output and low ash content. Because of their resin content and structure, many softwood pellets outperform hardwoods in both efficiency and cleanliness. Below is a list of the best softwood pellets I’ve personally tested, burned, and reviewed over the past 10+ years.
Whether you’re using a Harman, ComfortBilt, or Quadra-Fire pellet stove, these softwood brands consistently produce strong BTUs and clean burns. If you’re chasing performance, this is your go-to list.
Top-Rated Softwood Pellets by Brand
#1 – My Favorite are the Cleanfire Doug Fir Pellets
- Northern Warmth Douglas Fir
- Okanagan Douglas Fir
- Vermont Wood Pellets
- LaCrete Softwood Pellets
- EasyBlaze Softwood Pellets
- CleanFire Douglas Fir
- Golden Fire
- Bear Mountain
- Logik-e Softwoods
What Makes Softwood Pellets So Effective?
Many people assume hardwoods are better simply because they’re denser — but when it comes to pellet stoves, softwoods burn hotter and cleaner due to their lower moisture content and higher resin. They also tend to create less ash, which means fewer cleanouts and better efficiency.
Tips for Getting the Best Burn from Softwood Pellets
- Always store your pellets in a dry, sealed container or bin.
- Clean your stove regularly — softwoods are cleaner but not magic.
- Try a few bags before committing to a ton — especially with new brands.
- Look for pellets with low moisture (< 6%) and minimal fines/dust.
