For many years, wood pellets have been used in the heating industry. Different types of wood pellets provide varying experiences and wood pellet stove operation, influencing both the efficiency and operating costs of this heating system.
• Premium wood pellets – These wood pellets typically contain less than 0.5 percent organic ash and do not contain bark. They are typically made from oak or maple wood species and are more expensive than lower grades.
• Standard wood pellets – This type of wood pellet is typically made from forestry industry waste and has an organic ash content greater than 0.5 percent.
• Food-grade wood pellets – Either premium or standard wood pellets can be labeled as food-grade if no additives or binding agents are used in the manufacturing process.
Choosing the Best Wood Pellet Stove Product
With higher quality wood pellets, your wood pellet stove will perform optimally. Look for products that contain less than 1% organic ash. Oak pellets have a lower ash content than maple pellets, making them a better overall choice.
Moisture content also influences wood pellet stove performance. Remember that dry pellets produce more heat in the same amount of time as wet pellets. Choose lower moisture levels to achieve maximum efficiency and the most comfortable levels of heat.
Wood pellets of high quality, including some standard grade and most premium grade pellets, contain less than 5% moisture. Choose a product with no more than 8% moisture content, and be prepared to pay more if necessary. Your wood pellet stove will produce more heat from each pellet, which will save you money in the long run.
The best quality wood pellets have low levels of organic ash content and moisture, but they are more expensive. Good quality maple and oak wood pellets provide respectable levels of performance from your wood pellet stove, allowing you to keep your home comfortable throughout the season.