Pellet Stoves vs. Wood Stoves: Which Is Right for Your Home

If you want to heat your home in a less expensive, more environmentally friendly manner, then you should probably look into a heating stove. They come in many different fueling options but we are going to look at the two most natural; pellet and wood. These stoves have many similarities. However, they also have many differences, and that’s what we’ll focus on in today’s post.

Since wood and pellet stoves each use a more natural, traditional method of heating, there are many advantages to using them. Deciding which one is right for you depends on your specific needs and preferences. What we can help you with is learning what each one offers and how it benefits you.

Pellet Stoves Provide More Heating Consistency

While both stoves can produce enough heat to warm reasonably-sized spaces, the consistency of that heat varies greatly between the two. Since wood stoves burn firewood, the intensity of the flame is conditional, relative to the size/shape of the various pieces in use. Different moisture levels also affect the rate and consistency of the burn.

Pellets obviously are the same size and keep a more consistent heating rate. This is why many of these stoves have a thermostat to set a steady temperature.

Both Are Available as Freestanding Models or Inserts

If you have a home without a fireplace, freestanding wood or pellet stoves are both great options. Or, perhaps you do have a fireplace but it doesn’t work or you rarely use it. In cases like this, you could opt for an insert.

One thing worth noting, however, is that wood stove inserts require an insulated chimney system, whereas most pellet models only need a direct vent (which is much less complicated than an intricate chimney system).

There Is a Significant Difference in Ash and Emissions

Both types of stoves need to be cleaned on a regular basis. Keeping the interior clean not only prevents rust but also helps maintain performance and longevity. Since pellet models produce less ash than wood stoves, clean-up is faster and easier.

And although they are both better options than fossil fuel stoves, pellets also produce fewer emissions than wood, making it the most environmentally conscious of the two.

There Is also a Significant Difference In Fueling

Even though we’ve already mentioned the different types of fuel used by these stoves and how it affects heating consistency, it also plays a huge role in overall amount and storage. Wood stoves require a larger amount of fuel. This comes in the form of bulky logs which must be chopped down into the proper size. Pellet stoves require both less effort and storage area.

Our Verdict: Pellet Stoves Prove Superior

Although wood stoves offer many comparable qualities and often keep up with pellet models, they very rarely offer more benefits or better efficiency. However, there are some categories, such as fuel requirements, heating consistency, and others where pellet models typically offer more value and perform better.