Why quality matters
Poor pellets burn worse, leave more ash and slag, foul the boiler and burner faster, and give less heat per tonne. The cheapest tonne is not always the cheapest heating.
The five key parameters
| Parameter | What it means |
|---|---|
| Calorific value | Energy per kilogram. Good wood pellets give about 16.5 MJ/kg or more (≈ 4.6 kWh/kg). |
| Ash content | Less ash means less cleaning. Good wood pellets usually have less than 1% ash. |
| Moisture | No more than about 10%. Damper pellets burn worse and crumble. |
| Durability and dust | A lot of dust at the bottom of the bag means weak pressing or poor storage. |
| Composition | Wood only, with no glue, paint or chemical additives. |
How to check at home
- Look: a smooth, shiny surface and similar length show good pressing.
- Dust: check the bottom of the bag; the less crumbs, the better.
- Water test: well-pressed pellets usually sink, poor ones float longer and fall apart quickly.
- Burning: after a few days, check the amount of ash and whether slag lumps form.
Standards and documents
In Europe pellet quality is assessed under the EN ISO 17225-2 standard, which divides pellets into classes A1, A2 and B. Certified pellets show a certificate number on the bag. In any case, ask the seller for the technical specifications.
BioWood Nordic pellets
Our 6 and 8 mm pellets: calorific value at least 16.5 MJ/kg, ash up to 0.5%, moisture up to 8%, bulk density at least 0.65 kg/dm³, wood only with no additives. More: Wood pellets 6 and 8 mm.
Frequently asked questions
Which pellets are best for a home boiler?
Pellets with a calorific value of about 16.5 MJ/kg or more, under 1% ash, up to 10% moisture and little dust. Choose the diameter the boiler manufacturer recommends.
Are darker pellets worse?
Not necessarily. Colour depends on the wood species and drying. Ash, moisture and dust matter more.
How much ash should be left?
Good wood pellets leave less than 1% of the burned weight as ash, i.e. less than 10 kg per tonne.
Any questions?
Call +370 686 06149, email vladas@biowood.lt or use the contact form.