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Stoves and thermo stoves

Stoves and thermo stoves

Stoves and thermo stoves

Stoves and thermo stoves

Fireplaces and inserts

Fireplaces and inserts

Fireplaces and inserts

Fireplaces and inserts

Boilers

Boilers

Boilers

Boilers

Fireplaces

Fireplaces

Fireplaces

Fireplaces

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Tips for choosing

the perfect pellet

Buying Guide
  1. 1. A cheap pellet is not always synonymous with savings

Choosing the cheapest pellets may seem like a good idea, but it can be counterproductive in the long run. There is a wide range of low-cost pellets on the market, but these products are often of inferior quality and can cause several problems for both your stove and your wallet.

 

Here’s what can happen when using poor quality leather:

 

  • Damage to the brazier and combustion chamber: Low-quality pellets often contain resinous materials that, burning poorly, leave deposits inside the stove, compromising its efficiency.

 

  • Reduced calorific value: Poor quality pellets generate less heat, forcing the stove to work at higher power and therefore consume more fuel, thus nullifying the initial savings.

 

Investing in a quality pellet will allow you to heat your home efficiently, avoiding breakdowns and costly maintenance.

 

2. Read the label: the secret to making the right choice

A fundamental step in choosing the best pellet is to carefully read the product label. Here you will find essential information that will guide you in making an informed choice.

 

Here are the main values to consider:

 

  • Calorific value: Indicates how much thermal energy the pellet produces. A higher value in kWh/kg means a higher thermal yield and, therefore, a higher efficiency.
  • Ash residue: This value expresses the amount of ash that the pellet will leave in the stove after combustion. A low percentage of residue guarantees clean combustion and less maintenance.
  • Wood used: Pellets can be produced from different types of wood, such as beech and fir, both of high quality. The important thing is that they do not contain chemical or treated substances that, in addition to damaging the stove, can be harmful to health and the environment.
  • Moisture content: The drier the pellet, the higher its calorific value. A pellet with a high moisture content reduces the yield and increases fuel consumption.

 

3. Certifications: guarantee of quality and safety

Quality certifications are one of the best indicators to understand if a pellet is reliable and well made. These standards guarantee that the product respects certain physical, chemical and environmental sustainability characteristics. The most widespread and recognized certifications are:

  • EN ISO 17225-2: This is the standard according to which pellets are certified, it determines the specifications and classification of wood pellets for commercial, residential and industrial use.
  • EN Plus: The European certification divides pellets into three categories: A1 (high quality pellets), A2 (medium quality) and B (lower quality).
  • Din Plus: The Din Plus Certificate (different from the EN Plus standards) provides a calorific value of at least 18 MJ/kg and a residual ash percentage of less than 0.5. Overall, a Din Plus certified pellet is better than a pellet with EN Plus A1 certification.
  • Pellet Gold: Given that the use of pellets in domestic settings is increasingly widespread in Italy, the need was felt to develop a voluntary system of pellet quality certification: Pellet Gold.
    It should be emphasized that Pellet Gold is a system and a mark of attestation and not of quality certification, for the simple reason that AIEL, which developed the project, is not a certification body. In any case, the difference is not substantial, since all the analyses are entrusted to external and independent laboratories.
  • ÖNORM M7135: Austrian certification that evaluates the overall quality of pellets.

 

An important tip is to always check the presence of the identification number of the manufacturing company and the country of origin, to ensure that the pellet comes from a reliable and certified producer.

4. The size and origin of the chips

The shape and size of the pellet chips are also factors that should not be overlooked. High-quality chips have a regular cylindrical shape with a diameter of between 6 and 10 mm. Otherwise, combustion may be ineffective and your stove may become more dirty than necessary.
The origin of the wood used to produce pellets is also important. Make sure it comes from sustainable sources and from companies that respect environmental regulations, avoiding products of unknown origin or from countries where adequate production standards are not guaranteed.

 

5. Contact your trusted dealer

 

One last and valuable piece of advice: always ask your trusted dealer! No one knows your pellet stove needs better than him and will be able to advise you on the best fuel based on your specific situation. A good dealer is always up to date on market news and can offer you certified and safe products.

 

Now that you know all the elements to evaluate, you are ready to make an informed choice that will make your winter warm and carefree.

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