What is the difference between premium and standard grade wood pellets?
The only difference between grades is in the ash content and price. Premium wood pellets burn a bit cleaner and are a little more expensive. Premium pellets should be less than 1%. Standard pellets contain more ash typically more than 3%. Premium is usually made of core wood (not bark). Below are five fuel characteristics prescribed for both grades. 1. Bulk density per cubic foot (0.028 cubic meters) shall not be less than 40 pounds (18 kg) 2. The diameter shall be 1/4 to 5/16 inch (635-794 mm) 3. Maximum length shall be 1 and 1/2 inches (254-127 mm) 4. Fines (dust) of not more than 0.5% by weight shall pass through a 1/8 inch (317.5 mm) screen 5. Sodium content shall be less than 300 parts per million (ppm). You can check pellet fuel quality by inspecting the bag for excessive dirt and dust. (Dirt can form clinkers in the stove.) There should be less than one half of a cup of dust at the bottom of a 40 pound (18 kg) bag.
