Wood Pellet vs. Wood Burning Stoves

Pellet stoves can provide supplemental or even primary heat in your home, helping to cut your heating bills. You can buy models that are freestanding, or you can buy a model that is a fireplace insert, taking the place of your fireplace.

A fireplace insert is probably the best option if you have a fireplace. Fires in the fireplace are not very efficient, so it's probably better to put a high efficiency pellet stove in there instead. This option also saves you from having to give up living space for the stove.

Pellet stoves look a lot like wood stoves, but looks is where similarities end. Pellet stoves have a few moving parts, some of which need occasional maintenance. They also, as the name implies, burn pellets. These pellets are made of recycled wood shavings, sawdust or even corn and wheat bits.

One main benefit to a pellet stove over a wood burning stove, is that they automatically feed pellets from the storage hopper into the combustion area as needed. You only need to be sure the hopper stays full, but you won't need to keep stoking the fire as with a wood burning stove.

When purchasing a pellet stove, take some considerations into mind.

One, if you like to watch the fire flames flicker, be sure to get a stove with a good flame pattern and a good sized viewing glass.

Also, get one that makes it easy to get to the parts that need servicing. If you don't want to service them yourself, consider a service contract and extended warranty.

Next, you need to choose between a top fed or a bottom fed stove. And of course, there are pros and cons to having either one.

Top feed pellet stoves are a bit safer in that the fire is less likely to burn back into the pellet hopper. On the other hand, a top feed model is more likely to become clogged with ash and clinkers.

A bottom feed model is less likely to become stuck with ash and clinkers as you burn your fires, but you still need to be sure to clean the ash out at least weekly if you're using the stove regularly. So another consideration is how large the ash pan is and how easy it is to remove and clean.

Pellet stoves also need electricity to run the motors, so you'll either need electricity nearby or need to have an outlet installed where the stove is.

And, of course, you need to be sure you buy the right sized stove. Their heat production is measured in BTU (British Thermal Units) per hour or BTU/h. You'll need 25 to 30 BTU per square foot of space you're heating. So, for example, you would need a stove producing at least 7,500 BTU/h for a 300 square foot room or area.

There are other considerations when looking at BTUs, such as the quality pellet you burn, the temperature where you are, the insulation factor of your walls and roof, and more. Have a good long conversation with a knowledgeable dealer before you purchase, but do keep these things in mind.

If you really come to love the efficiency of your pellet stove, keep in mind that you can even get a larger unit to replace your entire furnace!

Wood pellet stoves are becoming very popular as a way to supplement or heat a home entirelyThe popularity of pellet stoves is increasing, especially now that heating costs are going up so much more. With some foreknowledge, some good questions, and a reputable dealer, you will be able to make a purchase that will serve – and heat – your family comfortably for years to come.

Dave Roth owns and operates SC Fireplace Tools which sells various log carries and racks. The site carries numerous hearth rugs, outdoor fire pits, and outdoor fire pits.