In the hardwood vs softwood pellets debate, neither is better across the board. Softwood pellets (spruce, pine, fir) often list a slightly higher heat value per kilogram because conifer wood contains resin. Hardwood pellets (maple, oak, beech, birch) are the traditional choice in Quebec. What decides how a bag performs in your stove is its ash, moisture and consistency, which depend on how it was made.
Side by side
| Hardwood pellets | Softwood pellets | |
|---|---|---|
| Common species | Maple, oak, beech, birch | Spruce, pine, fir |
| Heat value per kg | Varies by product | Often slightly higher (resin) |
| Ash | Depends on the mill and raw material | Depends on the mill and raw material |
| Lighting | Good in a working pellet stove | Good, often quick |
| Typical price per 40 lb bag (Oct 2026) | $6.94 to $10.49 in our listing sample | $6.89 to $7.99 in our listing sample |
Prices are listings we recorded on 26 October 2026; see our price guide.
What actually matters
- Ash content: lower ash means fewer clean-outs and less build-up in the burn pot.
- Moisture: every bit of water has to be boiled off before the wood gives heat.
- Certification: CANplus, ENplus and PFI set limits for ash, moisture and other properties, and audit the producer. Check the certificate number.
- Your stove: some stoves are tuned for low-ash pellets; the manual may say which grade to use.
How to choose
- Read your stove manual for any pellet requirement.
- Buy a few bags of one hardwood and one softwood product.
- Burn each for several days at your usual setting. Note how often you clean, how much ash is left and how warm the room gets.
- Buy the pallet of the one that works best.
Shop hardwood pellets or softwood pellets, or see how to judge a pellet.
Frequently asked questions
Are hardwood pellets better?
Not automatically. A well-made softwood pellet can outperform a poorly made hardwood one. Compare ash, moisture and heat value.
What are the best pellets for a pellet stove?
The ones your stove maker recommends, certified, with low ash and low moisture, that burn cleanly in your stove.
Can I mix hardwood and softwood pellets?
Yes, in most pellet stoves. If your stove has settings for pellet type, set it for the one you burn most.