Choosing wood pellets: start with your appliance
A practical reading guide for pellet specifications, from diameter and ash to the information worth checking before you order.
A bag of pellets can look much like the next one. What matters is whether the fuel meets your appliance manufacturer's requirements and whether the supplier provides clear information about the product. Start with the manual, not the colour of the pellets.
Check compatibility first
Find the permitted fuel type, pellet diameter and any quality requirements in the appliance manual. Do not assume that a pellet suitable for one stove is suitable for every boiler. If the manual is missing or unclear, ask the manufacturer or an authorised installer before buying.
Read the specification as a whole
Ash content, moisture and net calorific value describe different aspects of a fuel. Compare values stated on the same basis. A higher energy figure alone does not tell you how much useful heat your home will receive: appliance efficiency, settings, maintenance and heat loss also matter.
Where a product carries a certification claim, check the certification number and the named producer or trader against the scheme's official records. A logo in a photograph is not enough to establish the certification status of the delivered product.
Inspect the bags and keep the details
Look for intact packaging, legible product information and a batch reference. Avoid using pellets that have become wet, swollen or crumbly. Keep the label and order information so that a supplier can identify the batch if a problem arises.
Try a compatible fuel before committing
If you are changing fuel, follow the appliance manufacturer's instructions and observe operation with a manageable quantity first. Unusual smoke, repeated ignition failures or unexpected deposits need investigation, not improvised changes to safety settings. A qualified technician can assess the appliance and flue.
For a product enquiry, share your appliance model and the fuel specification from its manual. This makes the conversation more useful than asking for the best pellet in general.