Why is a pellet bin essential?
A pellet bin is essential for storing pellets near your stove. Its specially designed shape preserves pellet quality by protecting them from moisture, temperature changes and exposure to air. A pellet bin also makes loading the stove easier, preventing spills when transferring pellets from bags to the hearth.
Characteristics of pellet bins
If you use your pellet stove frequently, choose a pellet bin with a large capacity able to store up to three bags of pellets. For more moderate use, opt for a medium-capacity pellet bin, i.e. 20-30kg (up to two bags of pellets). For use as a back-up or in restricted spaces, choose a small pellet bin of 10-20kg (i.e. one bag of pellets).
It is also important to choose durable and sturdy materials for your pellet bin. Steel is often preferred because of its strength and resistance to wear. Baskets are also popular, available in a wide range of materials (felt, faux leather, recycled tyre, fabric, etc.), suitable protection and a cosy look.
The ergonomics of the pellet bin is an essential factor to consider. Choose a model offering easy and practical handling – wide enough to empty the pellet bag and to accommodate a pellet scoop when loading the stove. Most Dixneuf steel pellet bins are equipped with wheels to make it easier to move them close to the stove, while our baskets are fitted with handles.
Available types of pellet bins
There are various types of pellet bins available on the market, including:
- Bins with lids. These pellet containers offer optimal protection from humidity, dust and other undesirable elements, helping to maintain the quality of your wood pellets.
- Bins with viewing windows. The window allows you to check at a glance how many pellets are remaining, so you can top up your reserve when necessary.
- Bins with built-in dispensers. These bins come with multiple compartments so that you can fill your stove’s hopper more accurately. This gives you control over how much fuel is added to your fire.
- Bins with sieves. The sieve separates the pellets from the dust present in the bags, improving pellet quality. The dust falls into a removable easy-to-empty drawer.
- Bins with handles or wheels. Once filled, pellet bins can weigh between 10kg and 60kg, which is why steel bins with wheels, or baskets with handles, are particularly popular. They’re much easier to move around when refilling or cleaning your hearth area.
Tips for optimising wood pellet storage
To optimise the storage of wood pellets, choose a suitable location for your bin – ideally in a dry place away from humidity.
Humidity negatively affects pellet quality, reducing their efficiency and potentially rendering them unusable.
You should also regularly monitor humidity levels in your storage area, as moisture can gradually increase over time. If you notice an increase in humidity, consider using dehumidifiers or ventilating the space frequently to maintain optimal conditions.
Another tip for effective storage is to organise your pellets in batches. Once purchased, arrange your pellet bags by date and use the oldest first. This prevents pellets from sitting too long in storage and helps preserve their quality.
Cleaning your pellet bin
To ensure your pellet bin lasts over time, it is important to clean it regularly. Remove accumulated dust and debris frequently. Use a brush or an ash vacuum cleaner to remove debris that might block the bin’s openings.
Use cleaning products suitable for your bin’s material. For steel containers, a soft microfibre or non-abrasive cloth and a gentle cleaner are ideal. For fabric or other materials, a pellet vacuum is your best ally. These are specifically designed to collect pellet dust and ash efficiently.
Dixneuf’s wood pellet storage solutions
Dixneuf offers a collection of high-quality pellet storage accessories. These include steel pellet storage bins, which come in various capacities and are renowned for their durability. Baskets, meanwhile, combine practicality with design appeal.
Consider the Duo pellet storage bin, which holds up to two bags of pellets and includes a dedicated compartment for essential maintenance tools – helping you keep your fire clean and organised.
Model 1: Steel pellet storage bins
Dixneuf’s steel pellet storage bins hold between 10kg and 55kg of pellets. These steel containers are made in France and certified with the “Origine France Garantie” label. Built to last, they are robust enough for daily use and come with a 5-year guarantee.
Some models feature compartments to simplify pellet transfer to your stove. Others include viewing windows, making it easy to monitor levels at a glance. Certain bins are fitted with sieves to remove dust before pouring the pellets into the hopper, protecting your fire over time. Most steel bins also come with wheels for easy movement.
With their sleek, minimalist design, these steel bins add a refined touch to your interior.
Model 2: pellet baskets
Dixneuf’s pellet baskets come in various sizes to suit every need. Made from felt, velvet, recycled tyres or faux leather, they blend function with style. These baskets, with wheels or handles, make it easy to refill your stove. Some also come with resealable bags to preserve pellet quality by limiting exposure to moisture and dust.
Model 3: Duo pellet storage bin
The new Duo bin can store up to 30kg of pellets, along with three essential cleaning tools (the Scopa brush, Pala scoop and Pulse pellet measurer).
This bin is not only a real space-saver thanks to its dual function and slim design, but also practical with built-in castors for easy movement to and from the stove. The maintenance tools are cleverly stored at the back for discreet and easy access. The Duo pellet bin is a smart, all-in-one solution for a clean and tidy fireplace.