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5 Best Suet Feeders You CAN'T Miss (How to Use Correctly)

Written by Garrett Hayes

Last updated on Feb 20th, 2024
a colorful bird on a suet feeder

Do you struggle to attract woodpeckers, chickadees, wrens, to your yard? Or you just want your birds to have a taste of an exotic suet cake?

Nevermind, I’m sure you find it hard to keep these birds in your yard.

And it’s all because you don’t serve their favorite treat, and on a feeder that mimics their nature of eating…

Here’s the trick:

All you need to turn your yard into a hot zone of woodpeckers is a quality suet feeder.

Correct me if I’m wrong that you struggle to attract these birds, but you definitely are here for the best suet feeder. Suet feeders have a cage design without perches that are only suitable for clinging birds like chickadees and woodpeckers.

In this article, I’ll review the best 5 suet feeders across varying price ranges to ensure you don’t miss out on these lovely birds flocking into your yard, while Stokes Select Double Cake Suet Feeder made it to the top of our list.

Also, I’ve made a comprehensive guide to help you choose the right suet feeder.  

Top 5 Suet Feeders Reviewed

Product Details
1. Stokes Select Double Cake Suet Feeder

Simple & Sleek Design

  • Holds 2 Suet Cakes
  • Double Locking System
  • Squirrel-Proof
  • Easy To Clean
  • Affordable
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2. Kettle Moraine Window Mount Suet Feeder

Attracts Smaller Birds

  • Closer Viewing Experience
  • Strong Suction Hold
  • Easy To Refill
  • Easy Installation
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3. Birds Choice 2-Cake Pileated Suet Feeder

Great For Pileated Woodpeckers

  • 2 Suet Capacity
  • Unique Design
  • Made Of Recycled Materials
  • Squirrel-Proof
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4. Woodlink Large Premier Bird Feeder

Suet & Hopper Feeder Combo

  • Sturdy Construction
  • Screen Base For Drainage & Aeriation
  • Made Of Recycled Plastics
  • Easy To Clean & Refill
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5. Stokes Select Single Suet Feeder

Most Affordable

  • Single Suet Feeder
  • Double Locking System
  • Easy To Clean & Refill
  • Flimsy
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1. Stokes Select Double Cake Suet Feeder – Best Overall

Stokes Select Suet Bird Feeder, Two Cake Suet Buffet with Weather Guard Roof

Birds, like humans, want a comfortable place to feed, and this is precisely what the Stokes Select Double Cake Suet Feeder offers. Its all-around functionality is why it claims the top spot in this review. 

Why, you ask?

The feeder has room for not just one but two suet cakes. It saves you a lot of time not having to refill it regularly. And of course, it’s less stressful too.

The feature I like the most has to be the roof. The metal-like shade protects the suet from the elements (sun, rain, snow, etc.). This protects it from melting or quick spoilage. With that not being an issue, you don’t have to clean so often. For me, this is a big W.

It gets even better:

The grid design makes a good attraction for clinging birds – Woodpeckers, Nuthatches, Chickadees, and more. While suitable for suet, it is also good for seed cakes and oranges.

Its simple yet sleek design is of the highest quality as it is anti-rust resistant and weather-proof. The sturdy build and double side cage allow multiple birds to enjoy the nutritious suet on both sides at once.

Now to cap it all off, it is very reasonably priced for its quality and durability when compared to other brands. No wonder this feeder is a favorite of many birdwatchers.

Pros

  • Holds two suet cakes
  • Durable
  • Squirrel-proof
  • The roof offers protection from the elements
  • A double-locking system that’s secure easy to use
  • Easy to clean
  • Affordable

Cons

  • It may not be resistant to strong winds.

Takeaway

With so many lovable features and a negligible downside, this feeder is perfect for all birdwatchers. You do not have to break the bank for this feeder.

Whether you’re new to bird watching or an expert, this is the bird feeder for you to attract woodpeckers and other suet-loving birds.

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2. Kettle Moraine Window Mount Suet Feeder – Best Window Suet Feeder

Kettle Moraine Window Mount Single Suet Cake Woodpecker Bird Feeder

This Kettle Moraine window-mounted feeder mainly attracts smaller birds but brings the birdwatching experience right at your window. But hey, don’t brood whenever they leave a mess at your window...

It has powerful suction cups that hold the feeder firmly in place. This feeder would hold up even if there are a couple of birds fighting over the suet treat at the feeder.

The only thing is, other critters can get at it if it's close enough. And when they do, they can destroy the feeder. If this ever becomes an issue, the solution is to serve the birds Hot Pepper Suet.

It’s pretty simple to install: Just ensure you clean the window thoroughly before mounting. Also, refilling and cleaning is a walk in the park.

Asides from its small capacity, this bird feeder is a great choice for a more up-close viewing experience.

Pros

  • Easy to remove and refill
  • Simple design
  • Strong suction to attach to windows
  • Close viewing experience
  • Affordable price

Cons

  • Small capacity
  • Birds can leave your window messy after feeding

Takeaway

Practical design, affordable price, and ease of use describe the Kettle Moraine Window Feeder. Birders who live in tall apartment buildings, in particular, would love this feeder.

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3. Birds Choice 2-Cake Pileated Suet Feeder - Best for Large Birds

Birds Choice 2-Cake Pileated Suet Feeder with Green Top

Bird’s Choice is a reputable brand known for making quality and innovative bird feeders. This 2-Cake Pileated Suet Feeder, with its unique design, can accommodate both large and small birdies to enjoy a taste of its content.

As its name suggests, it was designed to attract large Pileated Woodpeckers. The long tail-prop allows not just Pileated Woodpeckers but also other larger birds to feed comfortably.

With its 2-suet capacity, birds can eat from either side of the feeder. It also gives more time between refills. Plus, you can offer a variety of cakes simultaneously to see what the birds love the most.

For an environmentalist, like me, its construction from recycled plastics may cloud your decision to buy it over other suet feeders. Besides, poly lumber, the recycled material is highly resistant to splits or cracks compared to plastic.

Pros

  • It is made from recycled materials
  • Durable
  • Easy to use and clean
  • Suitable for large birds
  • Squirrel-proof

Cons

  • Expensive

Takeaway

Despite being designed for a particular bird in mind, the design is practical enough to accommodate any bird that doesn’t mind a bite of suet.

All in all, it’s the best suet feeder to attract larger birds.

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4. Woodlink Large Premier Bird Feeder – Best Multi-Purpose Suet Feeder

Woodlink Large Premier Bird Feeder

More expensive than other options on this list, this premium bird feeder is definitely worth the price tag. It is a great choice to attract birds of all kinds.

The Woodlink bird feeder doesn’t just have suet cages to attract clinging birds, it also comes with a hopper style feeder. As you’d expect, this combo brings many more birds into your yard.

The suet cages attached to the sides of this feeder would take standard suet cakes. The cages are sturdy and screwed to the hopper feeder to last for years.

What I love most about this feeder is that it is constructed of 90 percent post-consumer recycled plastics. It’s no surprise it has a sturdy construction. The screen base allows for proper drainage and aeration of bird seeds.

It is easy to fill and has ample perching areas for birds. It can either be pole-mounted or hung from a tree.

If you have a couple of extra dollars to spare and want all types of birds to your yard, this bird feeder is worth it. It’s no wonder it is a favorite of many birdwatchers.

Pros

  • Large Capacity
  • Multi-feeder design
  • Roof protects feed from sun and rain
  • Easy cleaning and refilling
  • Screen base allows for drainage

Cons

  • Pricey
  • Attracts bully birds

Takeaway

If you want a feeder that will serve not just suet-loving birds but also seed-loving birds, this is your go-to feeder.

Remember, it would set you back a few more dollars than an average suet feeder.

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5. Stokes Select Single Suet Feeder – Best Budget Option

Stokes Select Suet Cage Bird Feeder, Single Suet Cake Capacity

If you seek a capable suet feeder but have a limited budget, your search is about to come to an end. The Stokes Select Single Suet Feeder is an incredibly affordable feeder from a respected brand.

Its simple design makes it awfully easy to clean and refill as needed.

What it lacks in weather guarding features, it makes up for with a simple hook, which can be easily hung under a cover to protect the suet cake.

For a feeder of its price, you may have worries about it having a cheap construction. Surprisingly, it is made to last with a steel cage and powder-coated finish that keeps it going under the weather.

Also, it has a secure double-locking system that ensures the suet doesn’t fall out when the birds squabble at the feeder.

However, many users have complained that its lock system becomes compromised after a few months. So, as you expected earlier, there are some traces of flimsy construction after all. Nonetheless, buying a couple of units a year still won’t burn a hole in your pocket.

Pros

  • Simple design
  • Easy to use
  • Easy maintenance
  • Good bang for the buck

Cons

  • Small capacity
  • May get blown off by strong winds

Takeaway

The most attractive perk about this feeder is definitely its price. Not the most aesthetically pleasing, unlike the other options in this review, but easy to use and clean.

However, longevity may be an issue, so prepare to replace it once or twice a year. Regardless, it makes a remarkable budget option.

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2 birds perched on a suet feeder

What Is A Suet Bird Feeder And How Does It Work?

A suet bird feeder is one of many types of bird feeders. It is constructed with metal or plastic in a cage-like design and has no perches. It is designed to hold suet cakes in place.

What Are Suet Cakes Made Out Of?

Suet, high in calories is a great energy source for birds. It’s made from rendered animal fat mixed with other ingredients such as fruits, grains, or dried insects.

As suet is rich in fatty tissue, it can become messy and make it difficult to clean if it’s served on other feeders. Hence, the need for a separate quality suet feeder.

What Kind Of Birds Does It Attract?

The suet feeder is designed to attract clinging birds such as woodpeckers, chickadees, nuthatches, wrens, etc.

Easy To Use & Maintain

Using a suet feeder is quite easy. You place a suet cake in the grid cage and lock it, that’s all! All you then do is watch as the suet attracts birds of all kinds to your yard.

However, the feeder has to be strategically hung to prevent predators like squirrels that are also attracted to suet.

Most suet feeders have a simple design. Therefore, they are easy to clean and maintain.

There Are Four Types of Suet Feeders:

1. Suet Cages: 

These are the most popular types of suet feeders. They are made from coated wiring which could be metal or plastic.

2. Suet Logs: 

These are logs with pre-drilled holes to make a feeder. Plugs are inserted into the holes so birds can cling to the wood.

3. Mesh Bags: 

This type is suitable for small suet-loving birds. The mesh bag is hung and filled with suet for birds to enjoy. The bag is usually made from recyclable materials.

4. Open Trays: 

Tray feeder is a great way to introduce suet to birds that aren’t used to it. Leftovers, chunks, pellets are made for tray feeders.

A combination of these different types of suet feeders will attract more birds of different feeding preferences.

a male cardinal perched on a suet feeder

Choosing The Right Suet Feeder

Here are tips to guide you in your decision to purchase a suet feeder.

Bird Species: 

There are many species of suet-loving birds. Knowing the type of bird you’re trying to attract would help you choose the right feeder. Woodpeckers and other long-tailed birds prefer cages with tail-prop. Smaller cages would work for smaller birds.

Ease of Use: 

I usually prefer suet feeders that are easy to use, clean, and refill. Depending on the time on your hands, go for feeders with simple designs that are easy to use and maintain.

Capacity: 

Whether you’re buying suet cakes or balls, you should consider how much suet the feeder can hold. Feeders can fall apart if they carry more weight than they can handle. You also want one big enough to handle all the birds that frequent your backyard.

Predators: 

Ensure your chosen suet feeder is safe for birds. Baffles, cages, or barriers are one way to protect the feeder’s content from predators. However, you should try to keep the birds safe through proper installation and planting shrubberies nearby for a hiding place.

Where To Hang A Suet Feeder

Location is of the utmost importance when it comes to suet bird feeders. The birds want to feel safe and comfortable as they feed. So, where you hang your suet feeder would determine how often birds would come to feed or stay.

It’s best to hang a suet feeder at least 5-6 feet off the ground and 12-15 feet away from trees or gutters. A free-standing pole is ideal for hanging your choice of the best bird feeder.

This is to ensure the feeder has hung safely away from predators, especially pests like squirrels that are attracted to suet.

Place the woodpecker feeder close to a tree, and squirrels would maneuver their way to the feeder, and in turn, scare off birds. Consequently, the number of woodpeckers and birds that use your feeder would take a hit.


Wrapping Up

Suet feeders are great at attracting suet-loving birds, especially woodpeckers, to your yard. I have reviewed different types of suet feeders on the market, and I believe you will find one here that suits your needs.

In case you’re still undecided, I highly recommend Stokes Select Double Cake Suet Feeder to keep the birds coming in. It’s easy to clean and refill, offers protection from the elements, and has a solid construction.

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