Review of the best pellet boilers for 2021, their advantages and disadvantages

For owners of country houses or cottages not connected to central heating, maintaining a comfortable microclimate in the harsh Russian reality becomes a serious issue. A conventional boiler has to be constantly loaded with fuel, which burns quickly and requires a lot of space for storing coal or firewood. The solution could be the widespread use of a new product that has recently appeared on the market - a pellet boiler. The operation of this device is characterized by high efficiency, high efficiency up to 95%, good efficiency, and a long service life of over 20 years.

Now you can find many models that differ in size, shape, additional features and, of course, price. In the review you can get acquainted with such boilers, their structure, selection criteria, rating of the best products for the middle class and “premium class” devices.

What it is

A pellet boiler is a type of solid fuel heating device, where pellets are used as fuel - cylindrical granules from agricultural or woodworking waste, pressed on a granulator (special press).

Main types of pellets:

white - made of high quality wood, low ash content up to 0.5%, but expensive;

agropellets – agricultural waste (straw, sunflower husks) with a high ash content, as well as the need for regular cleaning of the boiler from slag;

industrial - gray-brown in color with a high bark content, ash content greater than 0.7%, not recommended for domestic use.

Advantages of pellet boilers

high degree of automation with programming of operating modes, as well as long-term operation without operator participation;
equipping with remote sensors;
simple maintenance;
remote control from mobile applications or via GSM module;
high efficiency;
economical consumption of pellets compared to diesel fuel, liquefied gas or electricity;
long service life;
minimal emissions of harmful substances.

Flaws

high cost of pellets;
sensitivity to their quality;
the need for dry storage;
dependence on electricity supply;
impressive dimensions.

The best single-circuit pellet boilers

Such models are designed to ensure the operation of heating systems. They have smaller dimensions and power compared to their dual-circuit counterparts, and consume a small amount of fuel.

Biomaster CS 60

★★★★★

editorial assessment

100%

buyers recommend this product

The reinforced screw fuel supply mechanism allows you to add up to 50% of crushed dry biomass to the pellets. This makes it possible to use sawdust, wood chips and other low-quality wood waste in order to save money.

The unit is made of high-strength steel 4 mm thick. Its power is 69.6 kW, dimensions are 1315x630x1110 mm.

The design includes two technological doors for separate access to the burner and heat exchanger. A mechanical switch stops the boiler operation when one of them is opened, eliminating the risk of sparks entering the room.

The bunker is completely sealed and equipped with an inspection window, providing convenient control of its fullness.

Advantages:

fuel economy;
reliable design;
high power;
safety of use;
ease of maintenance.

Flaws:

high price.

Biomaster CS 60 is designed for heating systems for large areas. The right choice for installation in industrial buildings or low-rise buildings.

Wirbel ECO-CK Pellet Set 25

★★★★★

editorial assessment

97%

buyers recommend this product

A modern automatic ignition and fuel supply system, as well as a spacious hopper with a volume of 370 liters, allow the boiler to operate without control for a week.

The unit does not require complex maintenance. During continuous operation during the heating season, it must be cleaned of ash no more than once a week.

The boiler is made from fireproof steel 5 mm thick. Unit power - 25 kW, dimensions - 1545x1191x1065 mm. The control console makes it possible to regulate the supply of pellets and air. You can also connect the automation of heating system pumps to it to organize a single control center.

Advantages:

high power;
economical fuel consumption;
ease of maintenance;
convenient control;
easy installation.

Flaws:

lengthy automation setup.

Wirbel ECO-CK is worth purchasing to ensure the operation of an extensive heating system in a country cottage.

ACV Tkan 2

4.9

★★★★★

editorial assessment

95%

buyers recommend this product

The combustion process is supported by the boiler using a blower fan. The built-in turbulator increases operating efficiency and provides an efficiency of about 90%.

The owner can adjust the temperature and control the supply of pellets from the digital control panel. Ignition is carried out both manually and automatically.

The modular design allows you to expand the capabilities of the unit by equipping it with an additional fuel tank and an outside air temperature sensor.

The bunker has a twin-screw feeding system that reliably protects it from ignition. The ash removal system operates automatically, which makes servicing the burner easier.

Advantages:

convenient control;
ease of maintenance;
collapsible burner design;
high efficiency;
forced air supply.

Flaws:

complex installation.

ACV Tkan 2 can use various types of fuel. The use of granules ensures automatic operation of the boiler for up to 7 days. An excellent choice for installation in a residential building or in a country house, where the owners come only on weekends.

Moderator Unica Vento BIO 15

4.8

★★★★★

editorial assessment

91%

buyers recommend this product

The model can operate in automatic or manual modes. This allows the owner to burn not only fuel pellets, but also lump wood waste. The boiler body is made of certified steel 6 mm thick. The burner is equipped with an ash removal system, which makes maintenance easier.

Boiler power - 15 kW. With device dimensions of 1470x490x1080 mm, the loading hopper can be installed on both the right and left sides. This guarantees ease of installation and space saving in the room.

The kit includes the necessary equipment for cleaning the boiler yourself. Its operation is controlled remotely thanks to the presence of a GSM module.

Advantages:

high efficiency;
ease of maintenance;
convenient installation;
remote control of work;
combustion of various types of fuel.

Flaws:

low working pressure.

Moderator Unica Vento BIO is suitable for installation in a country house. The boiler can use various fuel combinations, including pellets and coal.

Teplodar Cooper OVK 10

4.8

★★★★★

editorial assessment

90%

buyers recommend this product

The owner of this boiler has the opportunity to set a comfortable temperature setting on the control panel. It is supported automatically by the system and does not require manual fuel supply. The boiler is small in size and does not take up much space in the room.

Operating power is 10 kW, weight is 90 kilograms. The burner is equipped with a sensitive photosensor that monitors the presence of fire in the firebox. If it is absent, the automatic ignition device is activated.

This guarantees ease of maintenance and stable operation of the unit when there are fuel pellets in the bunker.

Advantages:

small dimensions;
ease of installation;
regulation and maintenance of the set temperature;
simple controls;
almost fully automatic operation;
high efficiency.

Flaws:

small bunker volume.

Teplodar Kupper should be installed in a private house or country house. An excellent choice for connecting to a short heating system.

Types and classification

By fuel

1. Pellet - only compressed granules are used.

2. Combined - the use of other raw materials as backup fuel (wood, coal).

By burner type

1. Retort - feeding pellets into a bowl “from the bottom up”, where air is pumped and where combustion occurs.

2. Flare - dosed supply into a horizontal tray, where the fire is inflated by injected air to form a powerful torch.

According to heat exchanger material

1. Cast iron - with a long service life and resistance to overheating, but heavy weight and poor impact resistance.

2. Steel - with a shorter service life, but more durable.

By download

Automatic – pellet loading is regulated by programming by specialists;
Semi-automatic – with manual adjustment;
Mechanical – manual filling of the bunker.

By number of circuits

1. Single-circuit – only for operation in heating mode.

2. Double-circuit – the possibility of additional production of hot water.

Installation Rules

Pellet boilers are installed only in a separate room. For such purposes, a basement with a special floor covering - durable and made of non-combustible material - is suitable. Simple options are poured concrete or a base lined with metal sheets. The device itself is installed at a height within 10-20 cm.

The boiler room should be heated and have moderate humidity. The unit is installed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions (so that there is free access for cleaning, repair and maintenance).

Design Features

Main components:

Combustion chamber - a combustion chamber with an installed burner, as well as two doors (inspection, cleaning).
Convective - a built-in heat exchanger in the form of pipes or plates with a vertical, horizontal or combined arrangement for heating water (coolant) with hot air released during combustion.
Ash pan is a container for collecting ash.
Bunker – a container for storing pellets before feeding them into the firebox.
Auger – for portion feeding into the firebox;
Fan - to pump air in the absence of natural draft and maintain the combustion process.
Control unit - for setting operating modes, combustion parameters, maintaining temperature.

Equipment design

Pellet boilers are designed to consist of 3 main parts. This:

The device itself, the body of which is standardly made of high-temperature resistant steel. It is equipped with a special burner for igniting fuel.
A bunker where raw materials are stored.
Mechanism for feeding pellets into the combustion chamber. Most models use a screw device. However, there are also those where the fuel enters the chamber under the influence of gravity.

Some units are equipped with automation that controls operation. The devices are characterized by reliability, but correspondingly high prices. Devices can be programmed for the desired turn-on time, support specified temperature parameters, etc.

Criterias of choice

Before purchasing, experts advise paying attention to:

power - the simplest calculation is the ratio per 1 sq. meter 100 W, for example, for a room of 150 sq. meters, a floor-standing solid fuel pellet boiler with a power of 15 kW (100 W x 150 sq. m = 15,000 W) is suitable;
Efficiency - as a rule, values are in the range of 85-95% with a direct dependence on the quality of the pellets;
heat exchanger type – steel or cast iron;
number of circuits - single-circuit or double-circuit if hot water supply is required;
the volume of the bunker - depending on the needs of the user, as well as the characteristics of use;
fuel supply - using a screw or vacuum with low noise level, but more expensive;
additional functions: auto-ignition, self-cleaning, temperature sensors, GSM module.

Comparison table of the presented models

Basic information on the technical parameters of each of today's models is presented in a brief table.

Model	P (kW)	Efficiency %	S heating (m²)	Weight, kg)
ZOTA Pellet 25S	25	90	250	395
Sunsystem V2 25KW/PLB25 – P	27	96	250	488
Kostrzewa Pellets Fuzzy Logic 2	25	92	250	430
Kiturami KRP 20A	24	92	330	210
ACV ECO Comfort 25	25	88	250	428
Cooper OK 20	20	95	200	99
Pelletron 40 CT	40	92	400	120

Where can I buy

It is better to buy popular models of pellet boilers in specialized stores of heating equipment for the home, as well as in representative offices of manufacturers of such equipment or their dealers. The best units offered by the best manufacturers, where you can not only visually inspect them, but also twirl them or listen to practical advice and recommendations - which company is better to buy, what they are, how much they cost, how to choose, what to pay attention to in order to avoid mistakes when choosing .

In addition, budget new items can be ordered online in an online store specializing in the sale of such products. In this case, help will be provided by popular aggregators, such as E-catalog or Yandex.Market, where product cards with the necessary information are posted - description, parameters and their comparison, photos.

Pellets

The compressed pellets, 6–8mm in diameter and up to 50mm in length, are made primarily from waste wood and are considered an environmentally friendly, renewable and carbon-neutral fuel. The granules are made without any kind of chemical additives. When burned, pellets emit more heat than wood, gas or diesel fuel. And at the same time, the price for them does not rise as catastrophically as for other types of fuel.

Pellets differ in their raw materials and the method of processing, which determine the color of the finished product. White pellets are obtained from wood waste. Gray - from a mixture of wood with bark and peat or seed husks. Black pellets are produced from the same raw materials, but by oxygen-free firing at high temperatures; their calorific characteristics are similar to coal, do not rot and are water-repellent.

Many boiler owners speak negatively about the quality of domestic pellets. Although it is difficult to rely only on reviews. Each region has its own producers of this type of solid fuel, and you can only find out what quality the pellets were after burning them. Even clean seed husks burn well and provide enough heat with the correct granule manufacturing technology. It is recommended to determine the approximate quality of granules by their appearance. They should be shiny, without cracks, at least 10 mm long, and not crumble into dust in your hands.

How to install

You can try to install a pellet boiler at home with your own hands if you have special knowledge or by using the Internet, where step-by-step instructions are provided. However, it is better to entrust the solution to this issue to professionals from a specialized organization that has a construction license, who will reliably install the unit during repair or construction.

Design must be completed before installation can begin.

Main stages

1. Preparatory:

preparation of the premises;
strengthening and leveling a fireproof base capable of supporting the unit;
electrical wiring;
installation of ventilation and chimney.

2. Installation and piping:

installation on a hill, connection to the chimney of the gas-air duct;
bunker installation, auger connection;
control panel assembly;
circulation pump piping;
installation of an expansion tank;
installation of automation for return control;
wiring of backup power supply, installation of stabilizer;
connecting the coolant and return circuits.

3. Commissioning activities:

control of compliance with the project;
leak testing;
automation check;
crimping;
control start-up and parameter measurement;
adjustment work.

4. First launch:

filling the container with pellets;
checking water pressure, replenishing it to the standard if necessary;
opening the smoke damper;
ignition - by control panel or manually;
checking the compliance of the parameters with the project;
stopping after burnout;
control of coolant temperature to prevent condensation formation.

Common mistakes

Lack of return temperature control.
Unsatisfactory tightness of the gas circuit, decreased efficiency due to leakage of pyrolysis gas;
Poor thermal insulation of the base, causing condensation and the release of harmful substances.
The size of the boiler room does not comply with fire safety requirements, which does not allow servicing the bunker or auger.

Pellet boilers are characterized by efficiency, ease of operation, and long battery life. But optimal parameters can only be achieved if the equipment is correctly selected, installed and configured.

Enjoy the shopping! Take care of yourself and your loved ones!

View from the outside

Pellets need to be loaded into the receiver and this also requires time and effort. This is why many owners create their own storage bin and feeding conveyor. You can order a feed hopper yourself, which will minimize labor costs. In addition, every 2 weeks it is necessary to remove ash from pellets , and if you burned with coal, then it accumulates every day. This is also a significant disadvantage. The high cost of the boiler is relative. In any case, it is cheaper than a gas boiler; in addition, such a boiler is safer to operate.

The boiler requires a hole in the wall, but does not require a special chimney. In addition, when the power is turned off, the fan will automatically stop, so some of the smoke may enter the house. This can also be considered a disadvantage.

The consumption of pellets depends on the volume of the boiler, its power and the temperature outside the house.

At -30, the flow rate can reach 60 kg for a 25 kW boiler, at -5 the flow rate will be 30 kg, at 0 degrees – 22 kg.

You also need to remember that the heating season in the country is on average 5 months, from this you can calculate exactly how much fuel is needed for your home. In addition, we take into account the area of construction and the need for water heating if the boiler is double-circuit.

Some owners, having switched from diesel heating to pellet heating, believe that the costs are recouped in a year. However, we must not forget that the pellets themselves must also be purchased somewhere and delivered to your home, so purchase and transportation costs must also be taken into account. You also need to create a warehouse for storing pellets, which have special requirements for humidity, so you will have to allocate a special room for them.

Whether it makes sense to install this equipment or not, the buyers themselves decide, but many reviews are positive, which means that pellet boilers are quite satisfactory for the owners. Sometimes it’s easier to find firewood than to bring gas cylinders to a village where there is no main gas pipeline, so if you buy a universal boiler, you don’t have to worry about being left without heat for the winter. In addition, a distinctive feature of pellet boilers is complete fire safety , which is why they are in great demand among buyers. Moreover, this design does not depend on electricity or consumes it in a minimal amount, which can be solved with the help of a generator.

Such a pellet boiler can be installed in a house in the middle of nowhere and without having to worry about having to go for gas in winter.