I have been burning pellets since 2007.
I have tried about every supplier out there.
Because of my location in the FL Panhandle, each and every pellet has to be shipped in.
I burn about 1/2 lb/hr at 250 deg in my FEC. About 3/4 lb/hr at 300 deg or when using pure fruit pellets with lower BTU/hr output.
My Traeger Lil Tex burns about twice that.
My favorite is CookingPellets, because they are 100% flavorwood and a quality pellet.
But---over $1.25/lb with shipping. OUCH.
I have changed to Candy Sue's and they work great. Another quality pellet. They are blended with Oak, but I have learned to live with that.
I finally bit the bullet and bought a 400# bulk order from Candy Sue late last year. Cost about $260 or 65 cents per lb.
Great move.
I thought it seemed like a lot of $, but I used to spend way more than that maintaining my charcoal, chunks, and firewood inventory.
The pellets have an infinite shelf life (unlike smoker wood) if they are kept dry.
I just looked today and I am down to about 150# and need to be thinking of a re-order.
And, I only cook Comps and a limited amount of recreational cooking.
What I am trying to say is:
Don't be afraid of a 400# order for yourself--it is not really all that many $$ and works well.
You will have so much fun--you will go through that before you know it. It just SOUNDS like a lot :redface:
Good luck.
TIM