Piazzetta P130T Pellet Heater

Disappointing due to the running costs – We weren't actually looking to purchase a heater because we had reverse cycle A/C. BUT the AC really only cools/ heats the immediate area and as soon as you turn it off, it gets cold or hot almost immediately. Wood fires have that warm and cosy everywhere feeling. Anyway we happened to be in the Plumbers shop on a cold and wet day and I noticed it was pleasantly warm in the shop. I inquired where the heat source was and the lady pointed to a pellet heater in the corner. It was a Piazzetta, (Brand) made in Italy. Very nice looking and quality.

I had never heard of them up to this point. Anyway I noticed a very small flame (about cupped hands size) and proceeded to ask questions. I was so impressed and called the importer to find out more. I asked about the pellets and efficiency and most of the other questions. They told me the pellets were $14 for a 15Kg bag. Depending on the temperature setting, a bag would last up to 24 hrs, so I didn't think it was too bad. The importer alluded to the fact they were building another pellet factory in South Australia, which would make pellets easier to come by and possibly a little cheaper.

Anyway I was so impressed that I purchased one. Installed, it was close to $11,000 ! but I was OK with that. (We priced conventional wood heaters and the pellet heater was only about $1,000 more) They burn very hot, cleanly and (cheaply ?) and as we would only be using it for 3 months of the year, I wasn't too worried about the initial cost. Given we have a large solar system, I figure the export earnings would pay for the pellets and we could save power (Batteries) for rainy days.

So I went to buy my first lot of Pellets at $24 a bag! A lot different than the $14 I was initially quoted. STUPIDLY, I did not consider asking if that was including freight of not. So, Piazzetta, offers a bulk buy of a ton (66 bags), but the freight costs are nearly the same as the pellet costs. So, delivered to me, it works out at $28 a bag!. I called the importer and had a chat about slowing the burn rate down and the costs of the pellets. They told me they were looking at signing up somebody to buy the pellet making equipment in SA, which is contrary to what they initially let me to believe.

So be aware of the running costs. I am looking at selling the heater due to the overall running costs!

Is it a good Heater? Well, putting aside the running costs, it's a fantastic heater (P130T). I specified the model, because the operation is not really for those with limited Tech Savyieness because it does not have a Remote Control available. Operation is via an APP on your phone.

The APP is quite basic but functional. You can control the heater externally from your home (Internet), so you can program it to come on, so its nice and warm when you get home. It has timer functions, so you can have it turn On/ Off and there is a silent mode so you can switch the 3 speed fan off when you're watching television at night. There are some other useful and cute features.

It is very easy to clean and if you use good quality pellets, the burner pot only needs emptying maybe once a week. Then, once a month, I vacuum the insides. The whole cleaning process takes about 20 minutes and there is never a lot of mess. The glass is very easy to clean, a moist paper towel will do it. Overall, it's a great Heater, BUT at $28 a 15Kg bag for pellets, is ridiculous. (The importer manufactures the pellets in NSW) As I mentioned, I didn't even think to ask about freight costs before purchasing the heater.

I actually replied to a quote for pellets they had provided and mentioned I was very disappointed and was thinking about selling the heater. Surprisingly they did not respond, which I though was very poor form. An acknowledgement would have been in order. So are they really interested ? You'll have to make your own deduction. I spent many many years in the service industry, where repeat business and mutually beneficial outcomes dictated your survival rate. Initially I was very happy to promote these heaters and brand, but would do so now by highlighting the overall running costs first.

I haven't had the need to speak to the importer about any service issues, but they seem like they take the service side seriously.

If it were my business, I would lower the margin on the pellets to sell more heaters. That would give them more leverage over the freight costs due to the volume and hence discounts. But far be it to tell them how to run their business.