Pellets are an environmentally friendly and convenient solution for home heating due to their high heat output and low ash production. However, not all pellets are the same, and choosing a quality product can make all the difference in terms of efficiency and safety. Let’s see together how to recognise quality pellets through some key factors.
Official certifications
The first step in recognising a quality pellet is to check for official certifications. Certifications such as ENplus, DINplus and ÖNORM guarantee that the pellets meet certain quality standards, including ash content, moisture content, density and calorific value.
- ENplus: This European certification ensures that the pellets have an ash content of less than 1%, high density and high calorific value.
- DINplus: Similar to ENplus, this German certification verifies the quality of pellets in terms of purity, density and heat yield.
- ÖNORM: Austrian certification guaranteeing strict standards for pellet composition and performance.
Wood provenance
The quality of pellets also depends on the origin of the wood used. Virgin wood, derived from conifers such as spruce and pine, performs better than wood derived from treated or contaminated wood. Coniferous wood, in particular, has a high resin content, which contributes to more efficient combustion and higher calorific value.
Appearance and colour
The appearance of the pellets can also provide an indication of their quality. A quality pellet has a uniform colour and a smooth, compact surface without cracks or crumbling. Any imperfections may indicate a poor quality of the production process and lower fuel efficiency.
Calorific value and ash production
The calorific value of pellets must be at least 4.5 kW/hg to ensure good energy efficiency. In addition, a quality pellet produces less than 1% ash, thus reducing the need for stove maintenance and improving home air quality.
Price and reliability
Always be wary of pellets sold at prices too low compared to the market average. An excessively low price may be indicative of inferior quality due to poor workmanship or the use of poor raw materials. It is advisable to purchase pellets from reliable and recognised retailers who can guarantee the quality of the product.
