Best Wood Pellets of 2023
The best wood pellets of 2023 were chosen based on actual burn tests, ash residue, heat output, and user satisfaction. Whether you ran a Harman, ComfortBilt, or Quadra-Fire stove, these pellets earned top marks across a wide range of conditions. If you’re still burning through a few leftover bags from 2023 — or just want to compare last year’s winners — here’s the breakdown.
Top Pellet Picks from 2023
EasyBlaze Softwood
This pellet continued to dominate in 2023. Burned hot, super low ash, and very little variation between bags. Solid, reliable, and a top softwood option in multiple stoves.
Northern Warmth Douglas Fir
Hard to beat. These West Coast softwoods produced high BTUs and next to no ash. Still one of the cleanest-burning pellets I’ve tested year after year.
Golden Fire
Low moisture. Low ash. Great heat. Golden Fire stood out in 2023 for overall performance and cleanliness, especially on the West Coast.
Hamer’s Hot Ones
As always, Hamer delivered the heat. These dense hardwood pellets held strong in 2023 and kept burn pots clean and efficient all winter long.
La Crete Wood Pellets
A great all-around softwood pellet. Clean, consistent, and widely available. Bags were sturdy and the burn results were dependable.
Maine Woods Softwood
Affordable and locally available throughout New England. These pellets did well in terms of heat output and left behind a manageable amount of ash.
How We Rated These Pellets in 2023
All of the above brands were tested in live burning conditions across multiple stoves. Here’s what we measured:
- Heat output (BTUs)
- Ash production
- Burn consistency
- Bag strength and storage quality
- Real-world feedback from readers and stove owners
Keep Your Stove Clean — Always
No matter how good the pellet is, it can’t make up for a dirty stove. Every year, I see complaints that trace back to blocked airflow, dirty burn pots, and neglected ash pans. A clean stove will make even an average pellet perform well — and turn a great one into a superstar.
Compare Other Year Rankings
Curious how 2023 stacks up to other years? Browse more reviews and rankings:
