title: Pellet baskets
text: # Pellet baskets
  
  A pellet basket is a small metal basket that sits inside a woodstove or fireplace and holds wood pellets. Pellet baskets allow a person to heat their home using existing stoves or fireplaces; thus eliminating the need for electric and natural gas. 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.
  
  ## Maintenance
  
  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.
  
  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 buildup in check. Remove the pellet basket from the wood stove or fireplace to remove ashes.
  
  