The Ultimate Guide to the Best Wood Pellets for Sustainable Heating in 2023

Best wood pellets for sustainable heating. As the world becomes more conscious of the need for sustainable living, many homeowners are turning to wood pellets as a cleaner and more renewable source of heat. Wood pellets are an excellent alternative to traditional fossil fuels, as they produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions and are made from renewable resources.

But with so many brands and types of wood pellets on the market, it can be challenging to know which ones to choose. In this guide, we will explore the best wood pellets for heating, including the top-rated brands, the cheapest options, and the best hardwood and softwood pellets.

What are Wood Pellets?

Wood pellets are a type of biomass fuel made from compacted sawdust, wood shavings, or other wood waste. They are typically cylindrical, with a diameter of about 6-8mm and a length of about 10-30mm. Wood pellets are easy to handle, store, and transport, making them a popular choice for home heating.

Benefits of Using Wood Pellets for Heating Wood pellets offer several benefits over traditional fossil fuels, including:

• Renewable: Wood pellets are made from sustainably sourced wood waste, making them a renewable source of heat.
• Low Emissions: Wood pellets produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions than fossil fuels, making them a more environmentally friendly choice.
• Cost-Effective: Wood pellets are often cheaper than fossil fuels, especially in areas with abundant wood resources.
• Easy to Use: Wood pellets are easy to use in automated heating systems, such as pellet stoves and furnaces.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Wood Pellets

When choosing wood pellets, there are several factors to consider, including:

• Quality: Look for wood pellets with a low moisture content (less than 10%) and a high density (over 40 lbs per cubic foot). These pellets will burn more efficiently and produce less ash.
• Species: Hardwood pellets, such as oak and maple, burn hotter and longer than softwood pellets, such as pine and spruce. However, softwood pellets are often cheaper and produce more smoke, which can be a benefit if you’re using a pellet grill for cooking.
• Brand: Some brands of wood pellets are more consistent in quality than others. Look for brands with a good reputation and positive customer reviews.
• Price: Wood pellet prices vary depending on the brand, species, and region. Shop around to find the best deals, but be cautious of prices that seem too good to be true.

Best Rated Wood Pellets for Heating

There are several top-rated brands of wood pellets on the market, including:

1. Vermont Wood Pellet Company: This brand is known for its high-quality hardwood pellets, made from 100% northern hardwood sawdust. Their pellets have a low moisture content and produce minimal ash, making them a popular choice for home heating.
2. New England Wood Pellet: This brand offers a range of hardwood and softwood pellets, including premium, standard, and value grades. Their pellets are made from sustainably sourced wood waste and have a low moisture content and high density.
3. Lignetics: This brand offers a range of hardwood and softwood pellets, including premium, standard, and value grades. Their pellets are made from high-quality wood waste and have a low moisture content and high density.
4. Bear Mountain: This brand offers a range of hardwood and softwood pellets, including premium and standard grades. Their pellets are made from sustainably sourced wood waste and have a low moisture content and high density.

Cheapest Wood Pellets for Heating

Wood pellet prices vary depending on the brand, species, and region. Some of the cheapest wood pellets on the market include:

1. Pine Time Premium Pellets: These softwood pellets are made from 100% pine sawdust and have a low moisture content and high density. They are often cheaper than hardwood pellets and produce more smoke, making them a popular choice for pellet grills.
2. Tractor Supply Co. Wood Pellets: These pellets are available at many Tractor Supply Co. stores and are often cheaper than brand-name pellets. They are made from a mix of hardwood and softwood sawdust and have a moderate moisture content and density.
3. Southern States Wood Pellets: These pellets are available at Southern States co-op stores and are often cheaper than brand-name pellets. They are made from a mix of hardwood and softwood sawdust and have a moderate moisture content and density.

Best Hardwood Pellets for Heating Hardwood pellets are known for their high heat output and long burn time. Some of the best hardwood pellets for heating include: