Palazzetti Melita Pellet Heater Review

The Palazzetti Melita pellet heater is a premium European heating solution that’s been making waves in the Australian market. Part of Palazzetti’s renowned Ecofire range, the Melita comes in two power configurations – 6kW and 8kW – and features a stunning contemporary rounded design that sets it apart from traditional rectangular pellet heaters. Below I take a look at the features of the Melita to help you decide if it is the right pellet heater for you.

Here’s a quick table with all the different Palazzetti Melita pellet heater models available in Australia. My recommendation is the Melita 8kW but read on below for a detailed look and review of this impressive European pellet heater:

Melita Heater Range

The Palazzetti Melita comes in two straightforward configurations – the 6kW and 8kW models. Unlike some brands that offer multiple design variations, Palazzetti has kept things simple with the Melita range, focusing on that distinctive contemporary rounded aesthetic that makes it instantly recognizable. Both models share identical physical dimensions and that premium European styling that Palazzetti is famous for.

If you’re after something that looks more like a piece of modern furniture than a traditional heater, then the Melita is definitely worth considering. The rounded design with its clean lines and available color options (White Steel, Black Steel, Light Gray Steel, Burgundy Steel, and Caffelatte) means it’ll complement most modern home interiors beautifully. This isn’t your typical boxy pellet heater – it’s got real presence and style.

Melita Heat Output

The Melita 6kW model delivers exactly what it says on the tin – 6kW of maximum heat output with a minimum of 2.9kW for those milder days. The 8kW model steps things up with 8.2kW maximum output while maintaining that same 2.9kW minimum. Both models offer excellent modulation range, which means they can dial back the heat when you don’t need the full grunt.

So which is best? For most Australian homes, I’d lean towards the 8kW model. That extra 2kW might not sound like much, but it gives you more headroom for those really cold winter nights or if you’ve got a larger open-plan area to heat. Plus, like most pellet heaters, you won’t be running it at maximum output constantly – it’s more about having that extra capacity when you need it.

Melita Heating Area

The Melita 6kW is designed to heat areas up to around 80 square meters, while the 8kW model can handle spaces up to 110 square meters. These are pretty realistic figures too – not the inflated numbers you sometimes see with cheaper brands.

Keep in mind that the layout of your house is crucial here. If you’ve got an open-plan design, the heat will flow beautifully throughout the space. But if you’re dealing with lots of walls, corridors, and closed doors, you’ll need to be more conservative with those heating area estimates. The Melita’s fan system does help with heat distribution, but physics is still physics.

Revolutionary Zero Speed Fan Technology

Here’s where the Melita really sets itself apart from the competition – the Zero Speed Fan technology. This is genuinely innovative stuff that you won’t find on most other pellet heaters. Basically, the Melita can operate in complete silence by shutting off the fan entirely and relying on natural convection and radiation to distribute heat.

I can’t overstate how awesome this feature is. Most pellet heaters have some level of fan noise, even on their quietest settings. But with the Melita, you can literally have it running with zero fan noise – perfect for bedrooms, quiet living spaces, or those times when you just want to enjoy the ambiance without any mechanical sounds. The heat distribution is still effective thanks to the clever design, though you’ll obviously get better heat spread with the fan running.

You can switch between fan operation and Zero Speed mode depending on your needs. Want quick heat distribution? Turn the fan on. Want peaceful, silent heating? Switch to Zero Speed mode. It’s brilliant engineering that makes the Melita stand out in a crowded market.

Melita Heating Efficiency

Here’s where European engineering really shines. The Melita 6kW achieves an impressive 92.3% efficiency rating, while the 8kW model still delivers a very respectable 87.7%. That’s excellent performance by any standard and means you’re getting maximum heat from every pellet you burn.

This level of efficiency isn’t just good for your wallet – it’s also great for the environment. The Melita meets all current EcoDesign 2022 emissions standards and produces exceptionally low CO emissions. When you’re burning pellets this efficiently, you’re using less fuel and producing fewer emissions, which is a win all around.

Advanced Safety Features

The Melita doesn’t mess around when it comes to safety. It’s packed with multiple safety systems that constantly monitor operation and shut things down if anything goes wrong. The STB safety system monitors combustion and will shut down the heater if it detects any issues. There’s also low pressure safety monitoring that ensures proper flue draught at all times.

The heater is loaded with sensors too – room temperature sensor, pellet probe, flue gas probe, and Hall sensors that monitor component positioning. All these work together to ensure safe operation and optimal performance. If any sensor detects something outside normal parameters, the system will alert you or shut down automatically.

What I really like is that these aren’t just basic safety features – they’re intelligent systems that help optimize performance while keeping you safe. The multiple temperature probes, for example, help the heater modulate output more precisely, which improves both efficiency and comfort.

Innovative Dual-Door System

The Melita’s dual-door design is another thoughtful engineering touch. You’ve got an aesthetic door for everyday use – opening it up to enjoy the fire view or do basic maintenance like emptying the ash drawer. Then there’s a separate technical door that gives you access to the more complex maintenance areas.

This might seem like overkill, but it’s actually really practical. The aesthetic door is what you’ll use 90% of the time – it’s easy to operate and gives you access to everything you need for daily use. The technical door only gets opened during annual servicing or more complex maintenance tasks. It keeps the everyday operation simple while ensuring technicians can access everything they need during servicing.

Both doors feature quality hinges and sealing systems. The aesthetic door has excellent glass viewing area with that air wash system that keeps the glass clean during operation. It’s these little touches that show the attention to detail in European design.

Sealed Combustion System Excellence

The Melita uses a sealed combustion system, which is a big deal for efficiency and indoor air quality. Instead of drawing combustion air from your living room (like cheaper heaters do), the Melita can pull air directly from outside through a dedicated 60mm inlet. There’s also an option for a larger 100mm outside air intake for enhanced efficiency.

Why does this matter? First, it means the heater isn’t competing with your house for air – no weird draughts or pressure issues. Second, it’s more efficient because you’re not heating up cold outside air that’s been drawn into your house. Third, it’s better for indoor air quality because all the combustion air comes from outside.

The system includes proper ducting and sealing to ensure everything stays airtight. This isn’t just a marketing feature – it’s proper engineering that makes a real difference to how the heater performs and how comfortable your house stays.

Smart Room Sensor Configuration

The Melita comes with intelligent room sensing that goes beyond basic on/off control. In the default Configuration 1 setup, the room sensor (positioned on the rear panel) continuously monitors ambient temperature and modulates the heater output to maintain your desired comfort level.

But here’s the clever bit – you can relocate the room sensor to a different position if needed. Want the heater to respond to temperatures in a different part of the room? No problem. The system also includes Eco-mode functionality that can automatically turn the heater on and off based on room temperature, plus antifreeze protection for when you’re away.

The temperature control is genuinely smart too. Instead of just cycling on and off like cheaper heaters, the Melita continuously adjusts its output to maintain steady temperatures. It’s the difference between a basic thermostat and proper climate control.

Melita Hopper Capacity

Both Melita models come with an 18kg hopper capacity, which is decent but not huge by today’s standards. You’ll probably be refilling it every day or two during peak heating season, depending on how hard you’re running the heater.

While I’m personally a fan of bigger hoppers (like you see on some other European brands), the 18kg capacity is perfectly workable for most households. The top-loading design makes refilling straightforward, and the hopper lid is well-designed for easy access. It’s not the biggest hopper out there, but it’s adequate for the heater’s size and output.

Melita Burn Rate

The burn rates are where you see the real difference between the two models. Both start at the same minimum consumption of 0.628kg per hour on low settings, but the 8kW model uses significantly more pellets at maximum output – 1.917kg per hour compared to 1.36kg per hour for the 6kW model.

This makes sense given the higher heat output, but it’s worth factoring into your running costs. Most of the time your heater will be running somewhere in the middle range rather than at maximum output, so don’t get too hung up on the peak consumption figures. The reality is both models are quite economical to run.

Melita Electricity Consumption

Both Melita models use 80 watts during normal operation and 380 watts during the ignition phase. This is pretty standard for modern pellet heaters and means you’ll barely notice any increase in your electricity bill.

The ignition phase only lasts a few minutes at startup, so that higher wattage isn’t something to worry about. During normal operation, you’re looking at less power consumption than a standard light bulb, which is one of the great advantages of pellet heaters over electric heating.

Melita Heater Size and Design

Both models share identical dimensions at 530 x 580 x 1131mm and weigh 92kg. The contemporary rounded design is really the standout feature here – it’s completely different from the traditional rectangular box shape you see on most pellet heaters.

The build quality feels premium, as you’d expect from a Palazzetti product. The steel construction is solid, and the finish options mean you can match it to your interior design. At 92kg, it’s not the heaviest pellet heater around, but you’ll still want to check your floor can handle the weight and consider professional installation.

Smart Features and Connectivity

One area where the Melita really shines is its smart connectivity options. With the optional Connection Box, you can control your heater remotely via the SmartStoves mobile app. This isn’t just a gimmick – being able to start your heater on the way home from work or adjust settings from bed is genuinely useful.

The system also provides maintenance alerts and usage tracking, which helps you stay on top of cleaning schedules and monitor your pellet consumption. It’s proper smart home integration, not just a basic remote control.

Maintenance Requirements and Schedule

Let’s be honest about maintenance – pellet heaters need regular cleaning, and the Melita is no exception. But the good news is that Palazzetti has made the maintenance as straightforward as possible with good access to all the key components.

Daily maintenance (or before each use): Check and clean the burn pot. This is crucial – if the burn pot holes get blocked with ash, you’ll have combustion problems. It takes two minutes and prevents bigger issues down the track.

Weekly maintenance: Empty the ash drawer, clean the glass (use a damp cloth with some ash – works better than any commercial cleaner), and give the fan grille a quick clean. Again, we’re talking about 10-15 minutes of work.

Annual professional maintenance: This is where you need a qualified technician. They’ll do a complete system clean including the flue gas transit areas, check all seals, inspect internal components, verify the flue gas outlet connection, and reset any warnings or alarms. Don’t skip this – it’s essential for warranty coverage and safe operation.

The Melita’s design makes most of these maintenance tasks easier than on many other heaters. The dual-door system means you can access the daily and weekly maintenance areas easily, while the annual service can be done through the technical door without major disassembly.

One thing to note – if you get a failed ignition for any reason, you must clean out any unburned pellets from the burn pot before trying again. This is a safety requirement, not just a suggestion.

Professional Installation Requirements

The Melita requires professional installation – this isn’t a DIY job. You need qualified technicians who understand the specific clearance requirements: 800mm from combustible materials on the sides, 150mm rear clearance, 200mm front clearance, plus proper floor protection.

The electrical work needs to be done properly too – 230V supply with earth connection and differential switch. The flue system has specific requirements including a mandatory 1.5m vertical section and proper draught specifications (12 Pa ±2).

Don’t cut corners on installation. Yes, it adds to the cost, but proper installation ensures safety, optimal performance, and maintains your warranty coverage.

Brands Similar to the Melita to Consider

If you’re looking for something similar to the Melita in terms of European quality and design, you might also consider other Palazzetti models or brands like Piazzetta. However, the Melita’s contemporary rounded design is pretty unique in the market – most other European heaters stick to more traditional rectangular styling.

For those wanting similar heat output but less concerned about the premium European engineering, there are cheaper alternatives available. But if you value that combination of style, efficiency, Zero Speed Fan technology, and smart features, the Melita is in a class of its own.

Which Melita Pellet Heater is Best?

For most Australian homes, I’d recommend the Melita 8kW. The extra heat output gives you more flexibility, and the price difference isn’t huge. The contemporary design works in most modern homes, and the efficiency ratings are excellent for both models.

The 6kW model makes sense if you’re heating a smaller space or want to save a bit on the initial purchase price. Both models offer the same premium build quality, Zero Speed Fan technology, dual-door system, and smart features, so you really can’t go wrong either way.

The Melita represents serious European heating technology with genuinely useful smart features and a design that stands out from the crowd. The Zero Speed Fan technology alone makes it worth considering if you value quiet operation. Yes, it costs more than basic pellet heaters, but you’re getting premium engineering, excellent efficiency, and a heater that looks as good as it performs.

If you’re considering the Melita, make sure you factor in professional installation costs and check that you have adequate clearances for the specific mounting requirements. The contemporary design might look simple, but proper installation is crucial for both safety and performance.