A while ago (February I think) I wrote a bit about wood pellet stoves as they are becoming more and more popular in Europe & the USA and so with winter coming (already here actually) I’ve decided to write up a little more on the subject. Hopefully if you haven’t already heard about or seen wood pellet stoves (or wood pellet furnaces), this post will spark your curiosity.
Wood pellet stoves which are most commonly found in the USA/Canada are typically very ugly, somewhat inefficient and well, very ugly! Not to say there aren’t nice looking models, there probably are… but even a diligent search on Google or Yahoo! will reveal mostly homely models available in North America.
If you’re looking for sexy style and high efficiency, look to Italy. The Italians have been making wood pellet furnaces for years and quite frankly, they’ve come closer to perfecting it than anyone else (in my opinion anyway). Italian wood pellet stoves (furnaces) are hot! (yah, bad joke, I know)…
The Italian wood pellet furnaces can found in different forms:
- stand alone furnace (industrial look, basement install)
- stand alone furnace (sexy look for living rooms, etc.)
- fireplace
- firebox (in wall fireplace installation)
- wood pellet stove with cook top
Italian wood pellet furnaces use small pellets (like the others) that can be loaded into the unit’s hopper, usually about 30kg (approx. 66 lbs) capacity and the unit will automatically feed these pellets into the combustion chamber. Most (if not all) furnaces will have a thermostat built in to regulate room temperature so there should be no need to install external hardware, you just plop it into place and start heating! They are the ultimate in convenience, good looks, great heat and cheap/efficient heat.
The good European models (unlike many of the US models) have extremely high efficiency, similar to a gas furnace (I think upwards of 95%, but don’t quote me on it). The pellets are usually made of wood or biomass so it’s pretty green when you think about it… no fossil fuels, renewable fuel source and the high efficiency means that most of the energy is used and there is only a small amount of exhaust. In fact, the exhaust is usually like those of gas furnaces and doesn’t require a chimney.
They look fantastic. You have to admire the Italians when it comes to style and design.
These wood pellet stoves are a fabulous idea.
They really are pretty cool. They look fantastic and I could easily see them fitting into just about any decor, modern or other.
The best part is the output, they can easily put out 25KW which is crazy! That can heat an UN-INSULATED house of 150-200m2 in the dead of winter!
Can you help please. I am looking for a very modern multi fuel or wood burning stove. Every site that claims to have “modern” stoves has the same old rubbish for sale. Where can I fine really modern funky stoves thanks
Hi Yogi, I’d have to say that the best place to start is this post.
Visit the websites of the manufacturers I’ve included in this post. On their websites you’ll probably be able to find a contact phone number. I do suggest calling them and not just emailing… you will always have more success dealing directly with people.
Ask them if they have an importer/distributor in your country. If they do, your search is over.
If they don’t have an office in your country you can always import directly from Italy (it’s not as hard as you might think), just make sure you can buy the fuel (whether it be pellets or gas) locally before you buy!
Best of luck.
www .pellet24.com.pl
www .metalwerk.com.pl
Thanks for the website addresses. Do they have a US affiliate/distributor?
we are producers of fine wood pellets in Greece. if you interest for our product contact with us.
thank you
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Excellent post. Keep it up!…
I’m surprised that Ecoteck isn’t listed on here. I’ve been following the company for a long time and love the design of their pellet stoves. But they are expensive as all get out. But again, they’re Italian.
http://www.ecoteck.it/
(That’s the companies official site)
It also looks like someone is selling them in America now. Just not a lot of info on their site about how much and which models are being sold.
http://www.ecoteck.us/