Pellet baskets

A pellet basket is a small metal basket that sits inside a woodstove or fireplace and holds wood pellets. Pellet baskets allow a person to heat their home using existing stoves or fireplaces; thus eliminating the need for electric and natural gas. Pellet baskets are lower-cost alternatives to pellet stoves.

Capacity

Baskets range in size from 10 to 26 inches and hold from 10 to 30 lbs. of pellet fuel. A fully loaded basket can burn unattended for 2 to 12 hours.[1]

Use

  1. Place the basket in your woodstove or fireplace and fill it with wood pellets
  2. Set the damper/air intake for maximum air flow
  3. Light the pellets with a gel fire starter
  4. Regulate temperature to the desired heat setting by using the damper on the stove to choke airflow

No fan is needed to circulate air within the stove because there is enough air flow through the basket itself to allow pellets to burn with a flame. Wood pellets can be added on top of the hot pellets with a small metal scoop when needed. They may smolder for a few minutes until they ignite. Readjust the air settings for a safe working temperature.

Maintenance

Remove ashes from the bottom of the pellet basket once daily for maximum air flow. Always remember proper wood stove or fireplace maintenance. This includes proper chimney care in order to keep creosote buildup in check. Remove the pellet basket from the wood stove or fireplace to remove ashes.

See also

Notes

  1. ↑ Donegan, Fran J. "Get More Heat from Your Fireplace and Wood Stove". This Old House. Retrieved 29 October 2012.
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