Wood vs Pellets in the Solostove Mesa | Let's put this to rest | Which fuel is best?
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- Опубликовано: 1 окт 2023
- I get asked this all the time... so I thought I'd show you exactly what you'd get with both types of wood. I think the results are pretty clear :-)
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• 6 MONTHS LATER | IS IT...
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After many trials, I’ve come to the assertion that a combination of wood chunks and pellets produces the best results. You get the tall full circular flame while also getting longer burns with less frequent refills. Start by filling with pellets, do a top down burn and add wood chunks as the pellets burn down. Occasionally sprinkle a handful of pellets on the chunks.
I’ll give that a try!
I do this in my fire place works very well
I also use both in my Mesa XL during the same burn.
Thanks for the tip, I've just bought a Mesa XL and some pellets. Already have some kindling so I will give it a try.
I made a solo stove out of a ice bucket I got from a goodwill , I was expecting a good burn from the pellets , sadly I was disappointed as well , it was hard to keep the fire going...I found my best results were by using mostly wood and then sprinkle a small amount of pellets into the mix... good vid
In my experience pellets burn much better/efficient from the top down instead of the bottom up. If you fill it up and use the fire starter on the top instead of the bottom, you shouldn't have the issue of it extinguishing itself. Thats what I do.
Thank you, I came here to say this!
Me too.
Fill with pellets and light from the top center.
No problem and long burn
you're absolutely right.
Can somebody give me a definitive answer to this question?
Are wood pellets sold for fires the same as wood pellet cat litter. It looks identical… but is it?
Hey, I have a “radical idea” to improve the even-ness of the pellet burn, . . . it’s called a “stick.” Seriously, about 3 seconds of really superficial stirring of the top layer once the flame gets started pretty much solves the “problem.”
I just used my Mesa XL for the first time and filled the chamber with pellets up to the burn holes and a fire starter on top. It burned for 1.25 hours with flame with no more pellets added.
Yep I’ve just recently done one too down too, I didn’t get that amout of burn time but still a much more pleasant experience
@@TheMidweekEscapeArtisthe used the XL. That's about the time I get.
And this is the way to do pellet! Not the way he is doing it.
I love out XL. Definitely a lot easier with pellets
So glad I got the XL. My burn time with pellets is the same as above.
Thanks for taking the time to make this video!
My pleasure!
Very cool how you were able to light the smoke. 👌🏾
That’s one of the most fun bits!
Got one of these for Christmas... can't wait for the camping season. Thanks for the video. Definitely be doing the sticks over pellets
Hope you enjoy it!
Love the wood as well.😊
If you used a flat stainless steel drain plate in the base of the Mesa and then fill it up with pellets and use some hand sanitizer as the fire starter poured straight over the pellets, you should get an uninterrupted burn of about an hour if filled to just below the internal burn holes. Might be worth a try 😉
I’ll give that a go for sure!
Bingo....the perfect way
That’s the way me and my friends do it. Absolutely no reason to add any pellets after you first fill it to the secondary holes then light it! Gasifier stoves by their nature are top down stoves. Be sure to use hand sanitizer or gel alcohol to light the pellets.
Great video! Thanks for sharing. I actually got this from target off the clearance shelf for $49 bucks and really didn’t know how it worked until watching your video. Great review!
Glad I could help!
Excellent run down - the most complete test/trial/eval I've seen so far for pellet versus wood - appreciate you taking the time to do this for everyone with Solo Mesa!
You’re most welcome!
Just bought a two pack of Mesa XLs at Sam’s Club for $100. We have a large patio area with a couple of tables. Looking forward to the experience. Thank you for the video!
Oh wow! Good price! Enjoy mate!!
We live in the sierra Nevada mountains..and I cut and split 🪓 firewood all Year..Oak kindling is one of my favorites...lights easily and burns hot... cedar lights easier but burns up fast and not nearly as clean burning..the oils in the cedar can add alot of creasole and black soot.. Great video review ❤
Thanks for watching! I hope it was informative and helpful! Cheers!
I really liked your test. I Have a Tiki fire pit, which is a giant mesa. I like to fill it with pellets, put a fire starter on top and after a while it has a beautiful flame. The trick is to toss some wood in there before it goes out and then you keep the fire going with wood pieces instead of pellets. I have the Mesa XL which has the pellet grate at the bottom already. I have a couple of oak pallets I broke down. I just need to figure out how long of a stick to use in the mesa XL. I'll bring 10 lbs of pellets and half of wood blocks and see how it goes.
Good video thanks - I did see another that filled the chamber up with pellets and then did a top down burn with a fire lighter placed on to of the pellets. Have not tried that but I assume it would not have the air flow issues as much.
It actually works quite well!
Hey Thanks I like the wood myself. I use wood in the evenings and gas in the morning so I don't have to wait forr it to cool down. I have the TOAKS stick stove and love it for the wood smell masks a few of the odors if you have been out a few days
Exactly ;-) thanks for watching!!
Thanks for the video comparison, however there is a problem with your methodology. These wood gas stoves are burned (top down), meaning you fully load the stove so that the material is just under the secondary burn ring, then you light it from the top. This is how you achieve proper pyrolosis, wood gas production and clean and efficient burn. The material will also burn evenly and consistently and much more efficiently.
When you light it from the bottom, and then start adding material on top, you are smothering the lit material, creating a bunch of smoke that cannot be combusted since the chamber is not up to temperature, and a very dirty and inefficient burn. You will also have a hard time getting the material to burn evenly when you light it from the bottom and loaf material on top. Keep in mind this is not like a traditional camp fire where you light some tinder and pile wood on top, this is a wood gasification stove, and it's operation is quite different.
For the sake of comparison, I would suggest you try this vid again, changing only one thing. Load the stove fully then light it from the top. I'm sure you will see a noticeable improvement in your results.
Also, the one disadvantage of a wood gas stove designed like this one, is that when the material burns down to the bottom, and you add new material (like pellets), they need to be added very slowly, or you end up smothering the burn and creating a real messy smoky and inefficient burn. In a nutshell they burn best with a single load when lit from the top.
How do you start a burn from the top? And do you mean just for PELLETS with this method?
I just got the cheap WalMart clone.
@@Ira88881Just put a fire starter in the center, on top. Or a little dab of something flammable, sap, alcohol, charcoal lighter.
Because if the way they work it will light start easier than usual that way. As soon as it starts to warm it will draw air.
I have a Walmart one also. I actually think it burns a little better than the mesa in the video but that aside. When I cook with it I sometimes make smaller fires and start them from wherever and add just one stick at a time from the top opening in the cooking ring.
@@RaggedyHobo Since I posted my question to you, I watched other videos to learn you’re 100% correct! The pellets burn beautifully from top down!
And as you may know, he posted a new video based on your suggestion.
@@RaggedyHobo Since I asked the question, I’ve watched videos and read posts to confirm you’re 100% correct! And he had since posted a new video based on your proper technique.
Pro tip: buy the cooking insert from the Titan model and it fits perfectly on the Mesa. I've been cooking on it for awhile now. Love it! You're welcome! 😊
Do you have a link?
The spilling literally hurts my head
Hi i just get the solo mesa and my didn’t come like the one you show. Also i read the manual and it show to fill up whit pellets first and them use the fire starter on the top but like i say mine is different they have small holes not the grill on the bottom
Thanks for taking the time to do this bruh! 🫵🏽👍🏽🙌🏽
Any time! I hope you liked it!
I use a stainless steel soup spoon to feed the pellets
I’m a bit of a fire bug too 😂 nothing’s better than bush tv 📺
I couldn’t agree more!
I mean other than the Kardashians
@@athomas2k8 haha
In another video, they fill the camber completely full of pellets and then insert the starter fuel into the very top center.
I imagine these at like a trendy restaurant and they just make you cook your own food on a stick over the big candle
I’d actually love to go to this restaurant;-)
Are there stoves like that (without pipes) for iside?
Thanks for your movie, I hav e a question: I was wondering if it is possible or safe to use the solo stove under a shelter or canopy?
As long as it’s not in an enclosed space and you have ventilation. Keep the shelter or roof as far from it as possible and keep testing the surface to feel for increases in temperature. As always, USE CAUTION AND COMMON SENSE. It can be dangerous if not used safely.
I use charcoal in mine. Its definitely a game changer. Hot coffee or tea while fishing.
Liked and subbed, is that a jaffel pan hanging behind you? Getting the Ranger 2.0 in a weeks time so keen to make some fire.
Yep all the way from Joburg. Sounds wicked man! I hope it’s epic.
The manufacturer recommends placing the fire starter on top of a heap to pellets. I made the same mistake as you with pellets and had a hard time keeping it burning bc the pellets choked out the fire.
I did try that too but didn’t seem to make much of a difference for me
I wonder if pine would burn as fast as the pellets. I seriously doubt the pellets have any hardwood in them. Thanks for the video.
Pellets for wood stoves are 100% soft wood. Most BBQ pellets are about 70% soft wood, and 30% hard wood.
Did you watch any videos from "Solo Stove" on how to operate your pit
ok, I should start by saying that I really appreciated that you made a video about wood versus pellets. thank you for your time and effort. I have a suggestion for the next vs video; at the beginning of the video, you know which is going to be better from your past experiences. as the audience, we don’t know. so from the stuff that you were saying, it was obvious that you were against pellets and you knew wood would be better. in my opinion, this diminishes the audience’s curiosity. when I was watching the pellet part, at times, I felt like a salesman was trying convince me not to buy pellets. so you might actually try to act like you’re curious about the outcome so that we would feel more curious about the other half of the video. I hope it makes sense. Anyway, keep up the good work. no hate, just a little suggestion.
Good video. Been watching for reviews, bc i keep eyeing the mesa xl. I would absolutely do the pellets top down, instead of that process. Also, I would suggest a small propane torch, and small metal scoop for topping it off...moght make it much easier.
Good call!
We’ve had a Bonfire for a couple years, but I wanted something smaller to use under my covered patio. I’ve had my Mesa XL for just over a week and I love it. I just ordered the heat deflector. Ten handfuls of pellets and a little gel fire starter gives me a good fire for about 30 minutes.
That is the key to long burn time
What is the point of these units? Do they give off heat or is it just the ambiance of the open flame on a table top?
I just did a short on the solo mesa xl. Definitely a lot easier to maintain with pelets. It was a pain with a lot of kindling to keep it going. Id prefer the pellets.
I would like a clamping handle for emptying while hot ... And a basket with a handle to shake the fuel.... Just a couple tools to help it out
Great suggestions!
I use a metal scoop for ice to add pellets to mine. I get more in it without risking burning my hand.
Great tip!!
Rocket stoves are cool. Are they smokeless also? Yes i think they are its how soldiers used to cook without smoke right? Much cooler design imo. They come small also and u coyld turn any log or piece of wood into one👍
Is there a ceiling or covering over you and the Mesa in this demo? I'd like to buy one but want it on my porch with a high ceiling, like 10 ft.
That would be totally fine.
@@TheMidweekEscapeArtist thanks a bunch 💚
Just curious if this gives off any decent heat?
Loads. More than enough for 2-4 people huddled around it
You have to give pellets another go! Starting from the top-down. I have been tinkering with mine a few days, pellets top-down is unreal! Constant, clean, even, beautiful flames with zero feeding. Bottom is not red-hot, it's cold, one hour into my first burn I can pick it up. I used a cotton ball soaked in alcohol on top of a completely full chamber.
Watch out though, that bottom turns on like a lightbulb. For reference I am using an Ozark Trail Walmart brand. It did not come with the additional interior piece.
Alrighty then! So many people have requested this. I’ll do it tonight.
@@TheMidweekEscapeArtist Sweet. No cotton necessary, a bit of alcohol just as well.
@@tannerrule2556 exporting the vid now for Wednesday! I’ll ping you when I have it up!
I got Walmart one and Mesa xl and bigger Walmart one, used Walmart brand cooking hardwood pellets and they burn hot and good, does take awhile to get even burn starting at top of pile, but when it goes oh man it’s a turbine jet afterburner shooting up especially high with the smaller Walmart camp stove version a knockoff of the solo Mesa xl and campfire models…
What is the goal of this test? It was burning well at 14 min, etc. Is the goal to keep a high flame? Is the goal to get coals? Is the goal to burn the fuel the fastest?
I think wood sticks is more efficient and can get for free from nature. Pellets definitely more tricky.
I have used a gasification camp stove for a few years now. Normally, I use twigs because it's a camp stove. I have also used wood chips. I found lighting the wood chips from the top works better than the bottom. It burns off the wood chips then works itself down as they burn to ash. Obviously, it's a camp stove is different than the Mesa but it seams like the principle should remain the same.
By judging from your video, my camp stove is smaller than the mesa since it's made for camping. But it let's me cook a meal and a moka pot of coffee or two on a single burn..
I’m actually just finishing off a top down burn video for the Mesa, very interesting way of doing it!
@TheMidweekEscapeArtist I'll look 4 it. By the time I finish cooking a meal and coffee, my camp stove leaves nothing but a fine ash.
Unfortunately, it's mostly pine here, too much sap wood. But even with that, I have little problem with smoke. You should have the advantage of a hardwood source, which, of course, is the preferred choice. But in the woods you got to use what you got. Lol.
Can you use this little thing inside an apartment? Or is it smokey? Also, does it SOUND like a fire? Thanks:)
I don’t recommend using it inside, it’s not smokey but it’s a fire and creates c02, only use it outdoors or in well ventilated spaces like any combustion fire.
I think what you are measuring is burn surface area. Pellets should be hotter and faster if equal fuel (BTU maybe). Wood will burn lower temp (less flame) for longer.
That’s exactly what I keep finding
I’m so confused why you didn’t just pour in the pellets from the pot they are in lol! 😂 great comparison Man! I have heard that the mesa xl works a bit better and you can just fill it up and let it run on pellets so maybe this design for the mini isn’t the best!
Believe it or no I was trying to NOT make a mess ;-) didn’t work so well. Thanks for watching!!
stupid question: would this be ok to use in a pyramid top tent that has ventilation at the top?
I’m always in the safe side with this stuff. I FEEL like it would be ok, but c02 is a silent killer and you should always be cautious. Maybe leave a door open too…
@@TheMidweekEscapeArtist oh sorry it's a canopy, no sidewalls. I was thinking more about the upward flame/heat, though I think there's ample space to avoid melting/staining.
Also the stove you are using matters, the east oak will do a much better job of evening out the burn pattern.
biomass briquettes need to be more common place. They are pretty much jumbo sized pellets (my best example are charcoal briquettes but made of wood or some other burnable organic material) and for these small fire pits biomass briquettes seem to be ideal.
I’ll absolutely try that as well in another video. I’m actually just busy with a top-down pellet burn to test that.
What about using charcoal?
i find pellets are a dirty burn and always see black smoke coming off them. there must be some sort of wax or something in the pellets i have bought.
I think it depends heavily on the pellets.
Yup, top down burn with pellets. Ditch the pellet adaptor in the video. They sell ones now that are just flat. I made my own flat one long before they started selling theirs.
What size are the hardwood chunks that you have?
i just try to cut the bits so they fit into the mesa easily, you can cut pieces as big as you like.
It is a top burn unit. Add your fuel and forget it. Adding more fuel will not work with pellets.
With my gasifier stove, I fill 2/3 full….then 2 cotton balls saturated in hand sanitizer opened and spread on top, light the cotton balls and add just a few to the top…..I get fill coverage burn in 5 minutes and the complete burn time is over 1 hour….
What was the fire starter you used?
Just a little wax wood bundle, I think the Zippo brand makes them too.
@@TheMidweekEscapeArtist thanks man!
So I watched a video where they filled it all the way at the top.with pellets First like it says and then used a fire starter in it and it worked Definitely more efficient than how you did it
I did a follow up with that method also
@@TheMidweekEscapeArtist Trust me I wasn't Trying to insult the methods. Because I had to watch a video on the best way to do. It 'cause honestly I don't like using pellets. But the pellets seem to work better for what this is. But it isn't amazing piece of equipment. I have others being AF Fl dealer and the survivalist.
But definitely thumbs up. I still like your video.
Where are you doing that test and how did you ventilate the indoor space?
Why? How is that relevant to the video? Or any of your business how and where I setup my studio? Would you light a fire in an indoor space?
Sorry, you are right. It is not really relevant to the wood v pellets issue. And, I appreciate it because I just got a little stove and now I know that wood is better. Good video, I just got overly curious about production and ventilation. I apologize.@@TheMidweekEscapeArtist
@@TheMidweekEscapeArtistdamn so sensitive 😂
An alcohol burner is also a third option for fuel. :)
lol i'm gonna try that!
Problem with pellets is they smoke like crazy if they go out. Only time fire department has came to my house was when the pellets started smoking in my bonfire....smoked my whole neighborhood.
I hear you man. Thick smoke too.
@@TheMidweekEscapeArtist yes! I work for the dept so it was all good but pellets are a no go for me😂
I think I prefer the little concrete fire pits that burn rubbing alcohol, similar burn time and a lot easier
i'm a fan of those too, they are just a little bulky for me.
They just aren’t as warm though
Using what looks like an Ezbit changes the burn and burn time for wood ignition….
Please get yourself a metal scoop for the pellets 😂
;-) I know right.
These things are very dangerous. I only went to use mine 3 days ago, all of a sudden, flames started coming out of the holes...and burnt all of the paint off. Never again!!
You have to start with the pellets and then put the fire starters on top.
You put all the pellet s in and flame start on top,
Is this model mest or xl
Mesa
Thanks for this, I was thinking about trying pellets mainly for convenience, I may stick with wood for the time being... cheers.
You’re most welcome. Pellets are super convenient but I’m not a fan. Maybe in the larger XL version they might do better.
I only have a cheap Ohuhu, it's supposed to work ok on pellets tho pellets seem to be expensive, at least at Bunnings
@@TheMidweekEscapeArtist
@@wmzaphod yeah they’re not cheap!
Personally I think of pellets the same way I think of charcoal. It's fuel I use to cook over without a pan. So it is the day hike where I stop to eat and then move on, or I am in a public area where it's not a good idea to be seen with a saw.
@@paulkennedy5021 yep I agree. That’s a good use case for it!
Pellets burn better with a top down burn
I didnt read all the comments however, wouldnt it have been more effective if you just picked up the pan of pellets and dumped them in instead of flailing about like my wife does in the morning when she gets in the car to leave. Things go everwhere.
Ok, for the love of Moses, how much longer did it take after you stopped recording before the fire went completely out?.It is like forgetting to tell the punchline.
1 hour 17 min.
@@TheMidweekEscapeArtist I am assuming that is the total burn time and not how much longer it lasted. Thx for the reply, I just got my Mesa XL & was very curious of the burn time .
Oh, just a FYI-the sales reps at SOLO Stove said that the pot holder apparatus for the Campfire stove not will fit the Mesa XL, and that one cannot order that piece to use on their Mesa XL. Both responses I have found out to be not true. I had just saw a video of the Campfire & Mesa XL where the guy used that apparatus on both incase you were curious, I thought I would pass along this info that I had just been made aware.
I'm not getting the utility of these. They take awhile to get lite. It's finicky. And what is it for, decoration? I can't see using this for anything other than amusement and wasting time when camping in the rain...
I can vouch for them. Especially in Australia. But maybe it’s just not for you, and that’s ok. Thanks for watching.
dont fill a potbelly with pellets. the first top down burn goes well but the second refill will not stay lit. it then smolders until it hits a flash point which will then blow your pot belly door open and a shoot a jet of flames out like a bomb went off.
My 2 cents... There's nothing to rest, everyone will have their favorite fuel. I prefer pellets, I've used wood and either will do. Enjoy the fire and who really gives a damn on which burns longer - just add more fuel.
Has anybody just added a couple of pieces of coal ? Think would last for ages no flame just heat but if it's just heat you want is maybe the way forward ?
interesting idea! thanks for sharing!
I like wood. The pellets burn weird. And if you don’t feed it pellets while the flame is going strong it will snuff itself out too easily.
Exactly my feeling too! i don't know why people keep going on and on about pellets... not my fav at all.
Why are you tossing pellets with your hand? Inefficient and risking a nasty burn! Use a ladle, perhaps?
Just to annoy you apparently.
I just used some fat wood purchased at home depot and it produced way too much smoke, plus the sticks were too long and stuck out of the fire pit. I would not recommend them. The video seems to show that the pellet's last longer and cleaner.
why would you use only fatwood? Fatwood is a STARTER not the main course. i think you misunderstood something mate.
No pellets for me. 1~2cm sticks around the perimeter with splintered sticks in the middle. Make splinters from sticks with a rock. Build a splinter stack fire right on top & push it in. Don’t build fire bottom-up unless it is windy & you can’t improvise a wind screen.
I have no issues with pellets I would get a better stove it's a cheep one
What do you recommend?
I'm not sure about us brands but we have solo smokeless fire pits here in NZ imported.
I have found them to be very good but don't buy small buy the big one with the bells and whistles for grilling etc.
We have many types here in NZ but I use solo stove
The one huge issue you never addressed in any way was how much heat (how many BTUs) were you getting from the 2 different media.
I have no way of measuring that and it’s not the point of the video.
Dump the pellets in, squirt in some rubbing alcohol, light. Done.
It's not serpost to have dump all the pellets in a one time it should burn for 4 to 6 hours slow long
Fire starter what over?
Not sure what you mean.
@@TheMidweekEscapeArtist what is the Firestarter material?
Seems to be a less efficient hobo stove . Thanks for the review
Thanks for watching!
Pellets seems over priced if you buy it online. $18 a bag!
You need to learn how to start a fire with pellets
Dude...just dump from the plastic bin to your metal scoop...killing me watching you scoop like that. Other than that good video.
This guy should watch some other people's videos lol... fill it with pellets light it and enjoy for an hour. Your welcome!
I get an hour but I bought a better stove
Which one?
Your comment has no validity without naming the “better stove.”
You think you would want to start using a metal scoop or even a spoon to feed the stove but… maybe next time u can look less clumsy
I don’t mind looking clumsy.
@@TheMidweekEscapeArtistsome people easily define their character. Karma always comes around
"you think you"? What grammar and you point the finger ..funny how that is. Wise people speak because they have something to say. Fools speak because they want to say something.
Research it! Pellets burn BEST from top to bottom. 😪🔥🔥😎😎😎
Lost interest when this guy didn’t know how to start a fire
Sorry rude but you start pellets from top and it burns top down for 40 min 2 cups.....you did your test verry poorly...it was painful tu watch
how hot is that heat, you was literally a foot away the entire time it burned? lol
Super hot! But I’m South African and fire is in my DNA so it was fine ;-)
@@TheMidweekEscapeArtist Keep making great content bro, you had me up until 1am watching your stuff. Great video quality, I’d love to see you add some catch and cook fishing if that’s something you’re into.