When it comes to wood pellets, two choices are there: hardwood pellets and softwood pellets. However, several people are not aware of the differences between the two.
If you are among them, read this hardwood pellets vs. softwood pellet post till the end. It finds the difference between hardwood and softwood pellets based on several aspects.

Raw Material Used in Hardwood Pellets Vs Softwood Pellets
Generally, raw material for hardwood pellets is derived from deciduous trees, such as maple, birch, oak, elm, yew, poplar, etc. These trees lose their leaves annually. On the contrary, raw material for softwood pellets comes from gymnosperm trees that are mostly evergreen. These include cedar, pine, spruce, mahogany, and more.The are processed by wood pellet machine https://www.zenopelletmachine.com/product/wood-pellet-machine/.

Uses of Hardwood Pellets Vs Softwood Pellets
Since hardwood pellets and softwood pellets burn differently, they have diverse uses. Hardwood pellets have lower water content. They burn for longer than softwood. Therefore, people prefer them for fireplaces and wood stoves. They are ideal for slow heat grilling.

Softwood pellets, on the other hand, burn more quickly and efficiently. Individuals commonly use them in heating stoves, industrial boilers, barbecues, and power generation.

Price of Hardwood Pellets Vs Softwood Pellets
Whether you want to buy wood pellets or start a pellet-making business, the price might be a concern for you. Well, hardwood pellets are often more expensive than softwood pellets. After all, the cost of raw material for hardwood pellets is high.

Apart from this, you will require a pellet making mill and related equipment. To make a good profit, you will have to sell pellets at a higher price.

simple pellet making line

Heating Value: Hardwood Pellets Vs Softwood Pellets
Softwood pellets have better heating capacity than hardwood pellets. They have a higher calorific value.

Softwood pellets generate between 10 to 20% British thermal units (BTU) while burning. It happens primarily due to the higher sap amount in the softwood. Nonetheless, hardwood pellets have a longer lifespan.

Ash Content: Hardwood Pellets Vs Softwood Pellets
The ash concentration is the percentage of the weight of the ash. Generally, it depends on the cleanliness of the raw material rather than the type of wood you use.

Since softwood pellets burn more cleanly, we can say they produce less ash. A good quality wood pellet production by wood pellet plant https://www.zenopelletmachine.com/product/wood-pellet-production-line/ must have less than 1% ash content.

Hardwood pellets produce more ash than wood pellets. It could be up to 3 times extra.

Dust Emission: Hardwood Pellets Vs Softwood Pellets
Dust emission can be a concern for several pellet-making companies. Softwood pellets emit more dust when the burning rate is low. If the combustion rate is high, hardwood pellets make more dust.

Quality: Hardwood Pellets Vs Softwood Pellets
The quality of hardwood pellets and softwood pellets depends on the raw material. If you are using good-quality sawdust and other raw material, you will not get complaints about the quality of your wood pellets.

Ensure the raw material has a moisture content between 10 to 15%. Also, use an international standard pellet-making machine to make quality pellets.

Advantages of Hardwood Pellets vs. Softwood Pellets
Both pellet types have their ins and outs. Let us learn their advantages one by one.
Softwood Pellets Advantages
Softwood pellets produce cleaner and consistent heat.
They are hotter than hardwood pellets.
Since they have sap content, they burn easily.
They are comparatively more affordable than hardwood pellets.
Software pellets generate less airborne particulate emissions.
These pellets produce a low percentage of ash. As a result, individuals will not need to clean their stoves frequently.
They contain more resins, and so have a higher heat value.
Benefits of Hardwood Pellets
Hardwood pellets have a longer burn time. Therefore, you get heat for a longer time.
Hardwood pellets have low moisture content making them ideal for fireplaces and wood stoves.
You can also use hardwood pellets as bedding for animals.
Hardwood pellets have a better shelf life.