Wood burning stove vs pellet stove...which one is more practical? I know the pros and cons for each but...?

Question

I know the pros and cons for both I can't decide which one makes more sense.

Answer 1

It truly is personal preference. You state you already know the pros and cons. I see no reason for any of us to reiterate them in an answer.

Obvious is the residue from each. Pellet stoves are more intricate; especially those with auger type/self feed mechanisms; and probably more expensive to buy and fuel.
As one answer states pellets are likely easier and neater to store.

A usual wood stove offers that one need not BUY wood.

Steven Wolf

Answer 2

1

Answer 3

Like most things these days, you pay for convenience and ease of use. You get that from the pellet stove but the stove itself and it's fuel are quite expensive. Firewood is usually cheaper, even if you buy it, but it takes a lot more work to handle it, store it, burn it and clean up after than pellets. If cost is a concern firewood is nearly free if you get a permit and cut your own. Permits are typically $25 for 4 or more CORDS from the Forest Service. Of course you also need to figure the cost of buying and maintaining a chain saw, splitting maul and gasoline (to run the saw and to haul the wood) so it is only cheaper if you plan to use the stove a LOT.

Bert

Answer 4

Not an easy decision but pellets are from recycled material, much cleaner around the home w/less possibility of crawleys and pellets will probably be available as long as there are stoves that need them. Some units are using alternative fuels such as corn kernels. Be aware that pellets burn more consistantly at higher temperatures and don't always trust the manufacturers word on unit and flue clearances. Reading comments on the net re users of a particular unit can be very helpful.

Answer 5

If you know the pros and cons for each than what do you want for advice. I researched pellet vs. gas and it turned out that gas was cheaper. I like the idea of pellets over wood because you can load it up with a couple of days worth of pellets, it's self igniting and you can hook it up to a thermostat.

Answer 6

I have had both pellets and wood both were great till the price of pellets went up & up. to me the priced themselfs out of the market.Wood burns ok cheeper in most areas.clean up and choping really takes the time.But i'm staying with wood from now on . been working good for hundreds of years.It's more practical if you have good axcess to wood because of the cost.

Answer 7

if it's wood stove vs. pellet stove - I vote wood cheaper, just as hot, or hotter, & free wood


vs. fireplace - i vote pellet stove ....fp's just suck air out of a house

Answer 8

around here wood is free , pellets cost money...

Answer 9

pellet's are easier to store and handle and burn more efficient