As energy costs spiral ever upwards, more and more of us are investing in off grid heating solutions. So, why should you consider a wood pellet stove instead of a more traditional wood burner?

First and foremost because of their practicality – you can operate a wood pellet burner using a remote control and set the timer just as you would for a gas or oil boiler, but at a much lower cost. A pellet burner can be used to provide heat and water for an entire house, from your armchair.

What’s inside wood pellet stoves?
Superficially, pellet burners and wood burning stoves look alike, but inside they’re very different beasts. A wood pellet stove is, in fact, a sophisticated and highly efficient combustion device that delivers low cost heating. If you need a pellet burner to drive a whole house heating system, then look for a model with a large hopper that will give you the freedom to light the stove and then control it remotely without having to constantly add pellets.

Getting the sizing right
When buying a pellet stove you’ll need to decide whether its primary function will be to heat a room or to replace an existing gas or oil boiler to provide both heat and hot water. To roughly calculate the size of stove you’ll need, first calculate the area to be heated in cubic metres (length x width x height) then divide by 34. However, many factors can affect the sizing so contact us for advice before investing in one of our wood pellet stoves. Getting the sizing right is crucial to avoid wastage and pollution.

Other considerations when buying wood pellet stoves
• Where the stove will be located – is there sufficient ventilation? Is the floor surface suitable for your stove?
• The look and style of your stove – we sell both contemporary and traditional styles stoves suitable for any interior.
• Do you prefer the look of a traditional fireplace? If the answer is yes, invest in a pellet burner that has a visible flame.

Advantages of pellet burners
Pellets burn very hot and much more cleanly than wood because of the way they’re made. Pellets, made from compressed sawdust, are carbon neutral give off much lower levels of particulates and have a far lower water content than logs. This super efficient form of heating is more expensive to install up front, but pays dividends in the long run. At Stove Steller’s we’re fully qualified, registered and insured, and happy to help you make the switch to a wood pellet stove.