Can you use any wood pellets in solo stove mesa?

The Short Answer

No, you cannot use just any wood pellets in a Solo Stove Mesa. Solo Stove recommends using their proprietary hardwood pellets for optimal performance. Using lower quality softwood pellets or non-recommended pellets may produce more ash and smoke while reducing the heat output. Sticking with Solo Stove’s pellets will ensure efficient, clean burning and the longest product lifespan.

Comparing Solo Stove’s Pellets to Other Wood Pellets

Solo Stove designed their own proprietary hardwood pellets to meet the specific needs of their fire pits. Here is a comparison between Solo Stove’s pellets and other wood pellet types:

Pellet Type	Pros	Cons
Solo Stove Pellets	Made from hardwoods like oak and maple Compact and dense to burn longer Produce ultra-low ash and smoke Made in small batches for quality control Burn hotter and more efficiently	Only available from Solo Stove (more expensive)
Premium Grade Pellets	Typically hardwood blends Low ash and smoke Good heat and efficiency	May not be optimized for Solo Stove Can have more ash than Solo Stove pellets Don’t burn quite as hot
Standard Grade Pellets	Affordable option	Typically contain softwoods like pine Burn faster and produce more ash Can create more smoke May clog Solo Stove faster
Low Grade or Bargain Pellets	Cheap price	Use higher percentage of softwoods Higher moisture content Burn inefficiently and low heat Produce abundant ash and smoke Higher risk of jams/clogs

This table shows that Solo Stove’s pellets are specially engineered to provide hot, efficient burns with ultra-low ash in their fire pits. While premium hardwood pellets can work decently, standard and low grades have higher risks of performance issues.

Issues With Using Standard Wood Pellets

There are a few potential downsides to using regular wood pellets not recommended by Solo Stove:

More Frequent Cleaning and Maintenance

Lower grade wood pellets produce more ash due to higher softwood content, moisture, and inferior manufacturing. This excess ash can clog airflow through Solo Stove’s precision burn tunnels, resulting in underperformance. Standard pellets may require more frequent ash cleanout to keep the fire pit working properly.

Reduced Heat Output

With more energy lost to ash, regular wood pellets just don’t burn as hot or efficiently as Solo Stove’s pellets. Lower heat output means it takes longer to fully incinerate logs and may fail to properly reburn smoke. You’ll get less warmth for your fire pit’s size.

Excess Smoke Production

Solo Stove’s patented design channels smoke back into the fire to reburn until only ultra-low particle emissions remain. Cheap pellets produce abundant ash and subpar heat, making it harder to reburn smoke down to near zero like Solo Stove’s pellets enable. More smoke means more air pollution.

Shorter Solo Stove Lifespan

Using standard wood pellets may save a little upfront but cost you in the long run. More ash, reduced heat, and excess smoke from bargain pellets put extra strain on the inner components of the fire pit. This accelerates deterioration of the stainless steel ring and other materials, shortening the product lifespan. Solo Stove’s pellets enables optimal performance for years longer relative to regular pellets.

Best Practices When Using Solo Stove Pellets

Follow these tips to get the best results from Solo Stove’s proprietary wood pellets:

• Store pellets in a dry area to prevent moisture absorption.
• Avoid pouring pellets directly from the bag, which can allow ash to fall in and clog airflow.
• Let the stove preheat for 5-10 minutes before adding more pellets.
• Add pellets in small batches to maintain the target temperature.
• Don’t overfill the stove – follow Solo Stove’s capacity guidelines.
• Conduct regular maintenance like ash removal and component cleaning.
• Replace stainless steel ring components once excessively worn.
• Only burn dry natural wood; no treated lumber or paper logs.
• Make sure adequate ventilation is available.

Proper practices like these will get you the best performance and lifespan out of your Solo Stove when using their proprietary wood pellets.

Solo Stove Mesa Specifications

Before purchasing any pellets, make sure they align with the specifications of your particular Solo Stove model. Here are the key specs for the Solo Stove Mesa:

• Fire pit dimensions – 12” H x 17” W
• Weight – 20 lbs
• Material – 304 stainless steel, nichrome wire
• Pellet capacity – 2 lbs
• Burn time on low – Up to 5 hours
• Burn time on high – Up to 3 hours
• Recommended pellet fuel – Solo Stove premium hardwood pellets
• Works best with – Hardwood logs under 3″ diameter
• Not recommended – Aged/wet wood, softwood, logs over 3”
• Safety certified – Meets CSA standards

Given the Mesa’s 17” width, compact 2 lb pellet load, and precision airflow design, it’s especially important to use the right wood pellets optimized for this model. Solo Stove pellets in the Mesa will burn longer, produce less ash, and enable more complete smoke combustion.

Where To Buy Solo Stove’s Wood Pellets

Solo Stove’s proprietary hardwood pellets provide the best fuel source for their fire pits, but can be harder to find than regular pellets. Here are some of the best places to buy Solo Stove pellets:

Directly from Solo Stove

Purchasing pellets directly from SoloStove.com is the best way to ensure you’re getting an authentic product. Expect to pay a premium, but you’ll know you’re getting the right pellets designed specifically for your fire pit. Solo Stove offers free shipping on pellet orders over $20.

Amazon

Solo Stove has an official store on Amazon that sells all their pellets varieties, though prices are marked up compared to direct sales. Still, the convenience of Prime shipping may offset the marginal extra cost. Double check any third party sellers claiming to have Solo Stove pellets.

Home Depot

Select Home Depot locations, primarily in Utah where Solo Stoves are made, carry the company’s pellets in stock. Call ahead to check availability if Home Depot is convenient. Supply can fluctuate seasonally.

Specialty Outdoor and Hearth Stores

Some independent specialty stores focused on outdoor products, fire pits, and stoves may carry Solo Stove’s pellet offerings. These smaller stores can provide excellent customer service guidance.

Curbside Pickup

If located near Solo Stove’s headquarters in Utah, curbside pickup can save on shipping costs. This ensures you’re getting pellets straight from the source. Not feasible for most, but a good option if possible.

While Solo Stove pellets cost a bit more than bargain options, remember that you get what you pay for in terms of burn performance. Using the right wood pellets saves on maintenance, prevents malfunctions, and improves safety – well worth a small premium.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some of the most common questions about using wood pellets in a Solo Stove Mesa:

Can I use wood pellets made for pellet stoves?

Pellet stove pellets are not recommended. They are designed to ignite and smolder in specialized pellet stove burn pots, not rapidly combust in a high-heat fire pit like the Solo Stove. Performance will suffer.

How long will Solo Stove pellets last in storage?

Unopened bags stored in a cool, dry place will last for years. Once opened, keep pellets in an airtight container or bucket to maintain freshness for up to 6 months. Discard pellets if they become moist, moldy, or otherwise contaminated.

Can I make my own wood pellets for Solo Stove?

It’s not advisable to make DIY pellets. Achieving Solo Stove’s precision in material sourcing, size, and density would prove extremely difficult. You’re also unlikely to match their temperature output and low emissions.

What’s the best way to start a fire with Solo Stove pellets?

Start with a small amount of kindling to establish initial flames before adding a quarter cup of pellets at a time. Slowly build up the pellet base. Avoid dumping in lots of pellets at once which can smother the fire.

Should I use pellets with logs or just pellets alone?

Solo Stove recommends using pellets as a base layer to establish hot coals, then adding logs on top. This uses the pellets’ high heat to efficiently incinerate logs while creating ambiance. The pellets keep temperatures high for proper smokeless operation.

Conclusion

When using a Solo Stove Mesa fire pit, it’s important to choose the right wood pellets as fuel. Solo Stove’s proprietary hardwood pellets are engineered specifically to deliver optimal burn performance. Their dense composition, precise sizing, and quality materials create an efficient burn with minimal ash and smoke.

Attempting to save money on cheaper standard wood pellets will likely result in more maintenance, less heat, excess emissions, and faster deterioration of your fire pit. While more expensive upfront, Solo Stove pellets actually save you money in the long run via better performance and longevity.

Following proper usage tips, only burning dry natural wood, and conducting regular cleaning/maintenance will also get you the best experience with your Solo Stove Mesa. Using the right pellets the right way lets you enjoy your fire pit for many seasons to come.