Pellet stoves are an excellent alternative for heating your home sustainably. But with so many options, the choice can feel overwhelming. Each pellet stove has specific features that can make a difference depending on your needs and budget.
What power do you need?
Before comparing options or prices, you must first determine what power output is suitable for your heating needs.
The required power depends on several factors:
- Open or closed space? In an open space, heat spreads to adjacent rooms, so you’ll need more power.
- High or low ceiling? The higher the ceiling, the greater the stove’s power should be.
- What efficiency for the stove ? Choose a recent appliance and ensure at least 90% efficiency.
Example
To heat a room of 8 m² with a standard ceiling height, you need about 1 kW.
- A stove for one room has a maximum power of 8 to 10 kW, necessary for start-up. Afterwards, it runs at a lower power.
- Stoves that heat multiple rooms via hot air or radiators have a power of 10 to 20 kW.
What are the possible features?
Pellet stoves come in many designs to fit any interior. Some models can be wall-mounted, and some are even ultra-slim, with a depth of just 25 cm.
With or without heat accumulator
Modern stoves may include a heat accumulator, usually made of natural stone or ceramic. This stores heat during combustion and releases it gradually, even after the fire has gone out.
Classic or hybrid
Hybrid models offer flexibility by working with both pellets and logs. This allows you to adapt your heating system according to fuel price or availability, and better control your costs.
One or several rooms
Basic models heat only the room where they are installed. More advanced appliances can blow warm air into an adjacent room. Some work like small boilers, producing hot water for a few radiators.
Fan or natural convection
Recent stoves using natural convection have no fan, are very quiet and consume less electricity. The flame looks also more natural. These stoves should be placed in the centre of the room, not against a wall, for optimal heat distribution and natural air circulation.
How much does a pellet stove cost?
For the appliance: between €700 and €8,000
A small entry-level model from a DIY store costs around €700. For more powerful cast-iron or ceramic models with advanced features, expect to pay over €8,000.
For installation: from €200
In addition to the appliance price, there’s an installation cost.
- If a flue already exists: €200 to €550.
- If a flue needs to be installed: €1,500 to €3,000.
Good to know : hiring a professional may entitle you to a reduced VAT rate of 6% under certain conditions.
For pellets
In DIY stores, a bag of pellets costs between €4.80 and €7.50 (incl. VAT), depending on quality. If you have storage space, buying in bulk is more economical.
Don’t focus solely on price: it’s better to choose certified pellets, which perform better and produce less dust.
For electricity
The electricity cost is quite low: from €30 to €80 per year in Brussels, depending on the model and duration of use. This represents approximately €0.10 to €0.25 per day in winter.
Ready to take the plunge?
Choosing a pellet stove is a significant investment, but also a personal choice for more sustainable heating.
It’s an ideal solution if you want to supplement your central heating with a comfortable and eco-friendly heat source in the living room.
Still hesitating? Check out our analysis to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision.
What are the pros & cons of a pellet stove?
Pellet stoves are easy to use and environmentally-friendly. But like any other appliance, they also have some drawbacks.