When it comes to heating your home with a wood stove, choosing the right wood stove pellets is crucial for efficiency and performance. In 2020, several brands and types of wood stove pellets stood out for their quality. In this article, we’ll provide a technical review of the best wood stove pellets in 2020.
What Makes the Best Wood Stove Pellets?
Before diving into the specific brands and products, it’s essential to understand the key characteristics that make for the best wood stove pellets:
Low Moisture Content: The ideal wood stove pellets should have low moisture content, typically below 8%. Low moisture content ensures efficient and clean combustion.
High Heat Output: The heat output of wood stove pellets is measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs). A higher BTU rating means more heat generated per pound of pellets.
Low Ash Content: High-quality pellets produce minimal ash, reducing the frequency of cleaning and maintenance.
Consistent Size and Shape: Uniform pellets feed consistently into the combustion chamber, optimizing burn efficiency.
Low Fines: Fines are small wood particles that can clog the pellet stove’s auger and affect combustion. The best pellets have minimal fines.
Top Wood Stove Pellets in 2020
Lignetics Premium Wood Pellets: Lignetics consistently ranks high in quality. Their pellets have low moisture content and produce minimal ash. With a BTU rating of around 8,000 per pound, these pellets offer excellent heat output.
Bear Mountain Premium Wood Pellets: Bear Mountain wood pellets are known for their high BTU rating, around 8,500 per pound. They produce low ash and have minimal fines. These pellets are produced from sustainably sourced wood.
Turman Hardwood Pellets: Turman hardwood pellets are highly regarded for their low moisture content, averaging around 5%. They offer a substantial BTU rating of approximately 8,200 per pound, making them a reliable choice for heating.
Hamers Hot Ones: Hamers Hot Ones wood pellets have gained a reputation for consistency. They maintain low moisture content and produce minimal ash. These pellets have a BTU rating of around 8,200 per pound.
Green Supreme Premium Wood Pellets: Green Supreme pellets are known for their high BTU rating of approximately 8,300 per pound. They are produced from 100% hardwood and have low moisture content.
Considerations When Choosing Wood Stove Pellets
While these pellets were top choices in 2020, it’s essential to consider the following factors when selecting wood stove pellets:
Stove Compatibility: Ensure that the pellets you choose are compatible with your specific wood stove model. Some stoves may have requirements for certain pellet types.
Local Availability: Check for local suppliers of the recommended pellet brands, as availability can vary by region.
Storage: Proper pellet storage is vital to maintain pellet quality. Store pellets in a dry area to prevent moisture absorption.
Budget: Consider your budget and heating needs. While some premium pellets offer excellent performance, they may come at a higher price point.
In conclusion, the best wood stove pellets in 2020 shared common characteristics like low moisture content, high heat output, and low ash production. Lignetics, Bear Mountain, Turman, Hamers, and Green Supreme were among the top brands that met these criteria. When choosing wood stove pellets, ensure compatibility with your stove, local availability, and proper storage to maximize their efficiency and heating performance.