A wood stove burns logs, needs no electricity and costs less to run if you have cheap, dry firewood, but you split, stack, carry and tend the fire. A pellet stove burns pellets automatically with thermostat control and little handling, but it needs electricity and you buy fuel by the bag or pallet. Choose on effort, storage and power reliability as much as on fuel price.
Side by side
| Wood stove | Pellet stove | |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel | Firewood logs (or eco logs) | Wood pellets, 40 lb bags or pallets |
| Electricity | Not needed | Needed for auger, igniter and blowers |
| Heat control | Air control, varies between loads | Thermostat, steady |
| Daily effort | Load and tend the fire | Fill the hopper, empty the burn pot |
| Fuel storage | Woodpile outdoors, drying time | Bags under a roof, about one pallet per ton |
| Works in a power outage | Yes | Usually no (battery backup on some models) |
| Running cost | Depends on firewood price and dryness | Depends on pellet price |
To compare running costs fairly, use cost per unit of useful heat: see pellets vs firewood.
Which suits you?
- Pick a wood stove if you have access to cheap, well-seasoned firewood, space to store and dry it, you don’t mind the work, and heat during power outages matters.
- Pick a pellet stove if you want steady, thermostat-controlled heat with little handling, limited storage space, and you have reliable power (or a backup).
Both need proper installation and venting to code and the maker’s instructions, and regular maintenance. See how a pellet stove works.
Frequently asked questions
Is a pellet stove better than a wood stove?
Neither is better for everyone. Pellet stoves win on convenience and steady heat; wood stoves on independence from electricity and, often, fuel cost.
Is a wood stove cheaper to run than a pellet stove?
Often, when firewood is cheap and dry. Run the numbers with your local prices using our cost comparison.
Can I burn pellets in a wood stove?
Not loose. Some wood-stove makers allow a pellet basket; check your manual.