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Buy pellets by the bag or pallet?
Written by Dries Nijs3 min read
Buying pellets by the bag or pallet: a quick comparison
Buy a pallet if you heat frequently and have dry storage, as it is cheaper per kilo. Loose bags are more flexible if you heat less often or have limited space.
Never buy more than you can store dry.
Whether to buy pellets by the bag or pallet mainly depends on your heating habits and available dry storage. A pallet usually contains 65 to 70 bags of 15 kg and is significantly cheaper per kilo. Loose bags cost more per kilo, but they offer more flexibility if you consume less or have limited space. Base your choice on usage, storage, and shelf life, not just on the lowest price per kilo.
A pallet is especially cost-effective if you use a pellet stove as your primary or main secondary heating source. With an average consumption of a few kilos a day, a pallet often runs out within half a season. If you only heat on cold evenings, you will be left with the same stock for a long time, which increases the risk of moisture damage.
Pellets by the pallet or bag at a glance
Never buy more pellets than you can store dry within the same season.
How to weigh a pallet against bags
Four or five factors determine which purchasing option suits you best. Take your time to review them before ordering, because the wrong choice can cost you money or result in damp stock.
First, estimate your annual consumption. Those who heat for a large part of the season often use more than a ton, easily benefiting from a pallet. Feel free to check how many pellets a pellet stove uses per day to accurately estimate your needs.
Next, measure your dry storage. A full pallet takes up about one square meter and weighs around 1000 kg, so you need a sturdy and dry spot.
Compare the actual price per kilo, including delivery. Sometimes the pallet discount disappears due to transport costs or a pallet deposit.
Check the shelf life. Pellets remain good for years if stored bone-dry, but quickly absorb moisture in a damp garage or basement.
Finally, check the delivery and handling. A pallet is delivered to your driveway with a pallet jack, whereas you can easily take loose bags home in your car.
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Checklist for your situation
You heat throughout the entire season and have a dry, ventilated space: a pallet pays off.
You heat occasionally or are still testing a brand: loose bags are a better fit.
Your storage is small, damp, or hard to reach: opt for bags.
You want the lowest price per kilo and can buy in bulk: go for a pallet.
You are unsure about the quality: buy a few bags first and a pallet later.
Why dry storage often makes the difference
Dry storage usually determines this choice. Pellets consist of compressed wood dust and absorb moisture from the air, causing them to expand, crumble, and burn poorly. A pallet is only worth it if you can store it in a dry, ventilated place for months.
If you are unsure about your space, read how to store wood pellets dry first. This prevents an affordable pallet from being ruined by moisture. Also, consciously choose good quality, because which pellets are best for your pellet stove partly determines how long your stock remains usable.
Also pay attention to the surface and ventilation. Never place bags directly on a cold concrete floor, but on a pallet or plank, and leave some space for air around the stack. A temperature change can otherwise cause condensation under the foil, exactly where moisture does the most damage.
Price, consumption, and supply in Belgium and the Netherlands
The price per pallet fluctuates strongly with the season and demand. In summer and early autumn, pallets are often cheaper than in the middle of a cold winter. Those who stock up on time usually pay less per kilo.
In Belgium and the Netherlands, supply and delivery mainly vary by region. Always ask if the price includes VAT and delivery, because only then is the comparison fair. A local supplier often saves you transport costs and can deliver a single pallet faster.
Calculate your choice based on your heating habits. In our overview of pellet stove consumption and annual costs, you can see how quickly a pallet pays for itself. If you want to weigh quality and price together, our guide on buying the best pellets for a good quality-price ratio will help.
Preferably buy pellets with a recognized quality label, whether you get a bag or a pallet. This ensures the moisture content is low and ash residue is minimal, keeping your stove and flue significantly cleaner.
Still torn between a pallet and loose bags for your home and heating habits? Request a free quote or advice and receive honest, tailored recommendations.
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Frequently asked questions
A standard pallet usually holds 65 to 70 bags of 15 kg, totaling about 975 to 1050 kg. The exact amount varies by brand and supplier, so always check the total weight.
Yes, a pallet is almost always cheaper per kilo than loose bags. Do factor in delivery costs and a potential pallet deposit, as these can partly reduce the savings.
Pellets remain good for years as long as you store them bone-dry and covered. Once they absorb moisture, they expand and crumble, causing them to burn poorly and produce more ash.
Storing outside is only possible briefly, fully covered and off the ground, as moisture is the biggest enemy. A dry garage, storage room, or shed is always the safer choice.
