Reddit reviews Large Pellet Basket, Heating Source Using Wood Pellets in Your Wood Stove or Fireplace
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Dimensions are 17" Wide X 8" Deep X 9.5" HighBasket weights 16 lbs and holds 16 lbs of wood pellets1/4 inch thick, non - perforatedHeavy Duty All Welded7 Day Return Policy. Customer responsible for all shipping charges.
I’ve been using one all season. So far it has greatly exceeded my expectations and I have no plans to even buy split wood this year. I have a Vermont Castings Encore with a catalytic converter, using this pellet basket.
I can’t vouch for the durability of this particular basket as it’s only been in use for about a month. Note that some reviewers report warping and burn through after longer term use.
There is also one called the Pelleteer which I’ll try if I have problems with this one.
As a concept, however, it works very well. You have to monitor the initial fire because the pellets can get very hot very quickly. For this reason I’d think twice before using it if you have any air leaks from bad gaskets or whatever which make it difficult to choke down your airflow.
Once the stove is up to temp - 500-600F - I engage the catalytic element and close the airflow all the way down. One basket holds 16lbs of pellets and lasts ~12 hours until it’s burned down to an inch or so of coals, at which point the stove is still at ~200F and the house is still nice and warm.
During the week I’ve only been burning one fire per day (after work and overnight) and two loads per day on the weekends if the weather warrants it, so between 1/2 and 1 bag per day. Pellets run $5-6 per bag. I haven’t worked out the precise math vs split & seasoned oak, but a pallet of 50 bags at ~$250 should last 3-4 months at this rate whereas oak is ~$300/cord delivered. We go though 3-4 cords in a normal winter so it would seem to be far cheaper to burn pellets, but we’re not into the really cold months yet so the current consumption rate will undoubtedly go up. That said, it still seems favorable to hardwood cost wise.
There is a bit of re-learning required in how to start the fire and it took me a week or two to find a technique that works well every time, but it’s pretty dialed in now. I fill the basket, then mound about 4 cups of pellets on either side and 4 more in front of it, then start it with a few pieces of fatwood or a line of alcohol gel on top of the mound in front. Leave the door cracked and the damper wide open for about 20 mins until everything takes off, though sometimes a bit of bellows or blowing is needed on a cold start.