Pellet stoves are designed to burn small, compressed pellets made from a variety of materials. While wood pellets are the most common and widely used fuel for pellet stoves, there are some alternative fuels that can be used as well. Here are a few examples:
Corn pellets: These pellets are made from dried, compacted corn kernels. They are a renewable and readily available alternative to wood pellets.
Switchgrass pellets: Switchgrass is a tall, prairie grass that can be pelletized and used as a biofuel. It's considered an eco-friendly option due to its rapid growth and low environmental impact.
Cherry pits: Cherry pits, which are the hard seeds found inside cherry fruit, can be dried, processed, and used as fuel in certain pellet stoves.
Olive pits: Similarly, the pits of olives can also be processed into pellets for use in compatible pellet stoves.
Grain pellets: Some pellet stoves can burn pellets made from various grains, such as wheat, barley, or rye. These pellets may be more common in agricultural regions.
It's essential to check your pellet stove's manufacturer guidelines and specifications before using alternative fuels. Not all pellet stoves are designed to burn these alternative pellets, and using the wrong type of fuel could damage the stove or void its warranty.
Using alternative fuels in pellet stoves can have varying effects on performance, efficiency, and maintenance requirements. Additionally, the availability of these alternative pellets might differ depending on your location. Before trying an alternative fuel, it's a good idea to consult the stove's manual or contact the manufacturer to ensure you're using a suitable and safe fuel source for your specific model.