I've seen just a couple discussions on pellet patio heaters in the subreddit. Wondering if anyone has experience with this product? At a burn rate of 4 hours per 18 lb, it seems pretty pricey to run but I've seen some people note that it's cheaper than propane. It definitely puts out more heat! Any thoughts?
by mepel
5 Comments
This is the first I have heard of these, interested as well. Keep in mind that you would not use smoking pellets in this, there are fuel pellets that are sold at places like tractor supply that are $7 for 40lbs so its not terrible.
I came here so say it’s gotta cheaper than the propane ones. I bought one of the propanes for $90’ish on Black Friday a few years ago, and burned through almost two tanks the first (and last) time I used it. It sat on the side of the house for maybe 2 years until it finally made it to the curb.
I don’t have one, but I’m also interested. Here’s what I know after my own research. You’d use wood heating pellets not food grade pellets. You’ll find those at Tractor Supply Store and similar if not at Costco (I’ve never seen them there). As for cost and value for heating vs. propane, pellets come out somewhat ahead. Plus they are a renewable resource, not a fossil fuel, and as you say they heat more efficiently. You have to weigh cleaning out the ashes vs taking a propane tank to get refilled. Quick check on the Web shows avg cost for heating pellets is $5 per 40lb bag, vs. maybe $20 per 40lb bag for food grade pellets.
Price per BTU is way cheaper. Problem is this thing only runs at 100%. Propane you can adjust down to the heat you need. It gets my 20×20 covered patio cooking pretty quick even in super cold temps, but then I have to shut it down. It does light easy and I haven’t had smoke issues.
How tall is this?