A pellet basket is a small metal basket that sits inside a woodstove or fireplace

Fireplace

A fireplace is an architectural structure to contain a fire for heating and, especially historically, for cooking. A fire is contained in a firebox or firepit; a chimney or other flue allows gas and particulate exhaust to escape...

 and holds wood pellets

Wood pellets

Wood pellets are a type of wood fuel, generally made from compacted sawdust or other wastes from sawmilling and other wood products manufacture, but also sometimes from sources such as whole-tree removal or tree tops and branches leftover after logging and which otherwise help replenish soil...

. Pellet baskets allow a person to heat their home using existing stoves or fireplaces; thus eliminating the need for electric and natural gas

Natural gas

Natural gas is a naturally occurring gas mixture consisting primarily of methane, typically with 0–20% higher hydrocarbons . It is found associated with other hydrocarbon fuel, in coal beds, as methane clathrates, and is an important fuel source and a major feedstock for fertilizers.Most natural...

. Pellet baskets are lower-cost alternatives to pellet stoves.

Capacity

Baskets range in size from 10 to 26 inches and hold from 10 to 30 lbs. of pellet fuel. A fully loaded basket can burn unattended for 2 to 12 hours. http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/article/0,,214830,00.html

Use

1. Place the basket in your woodstove or fireplace and fill it with wood pellets
2. Set the damper/air intake for maximum air flow
3. Light the pellets with a gel fire starter
4. Regulate temperature to the desired heat setting by using the damper on the stove to choke airflow

No fan is needed to circulate air within the stove because there is enough air flow through the basket itself to allow pellets to burn with a flame. Wood pellets can be added on top of the hot pellets with a small metal scoop when needed. They may smolder for a few minutes until they ignite. Readjust the air settings for a safe working temperature.

Maintenance

Remove ashes from the bottom of the pellet basket once daily for maximum air flow. Always remember proper wood stove or fireplace maintenance. This includes proper chimney care in order to keep creosote

Creosote

Creosote is the portion of chemical products obtained by the distillation of a tar that remains heavier than water, notably useful for its anti-septic and preservative properties...

buildup in check. Remove the pellet basket from the wood stove or fireplace to remove ashes.

External links

1. Information about pellet heat and FAQ
2. Information about pellet baskets and proper use
3. Information about pellet baskets in New Zealand
4. Gel fire starter nitro-pak.com website