Pellet Stove vs Wood Stove: Which Is Right for You?
By the SpaceHubs team · Updated · 5 min read
Compare pellet and wood stoves on convenience, fuel, venting, power needs and running costs to choose the right one for your home.
Both burn wood, but they live very differently. Here are the practical differences.
Convenience
A pellet stove feeds itself from a hopper and holds a set temperature with a thermostat. A wood stove needs loading and air adjustment by hand, but rewards you with a real open flame.
Fuel
Pellets come in 40 lb bags that stack neatly in a garage. Cordwood is often cheaper or free if you cut your own, but needs space and a year of drying.
Electricity
Pellet stoves need power for the auger, fans and igniter. Wood stoves need no electricity at all, which makes them the stronger choice for areas with long outages.
Venting
Most pellet stoves vent through a wall with 3" or 4" pellet pipe. Wood stoves need a chimney or class A insulated flue running above the roof line.
Our take
Choose pellet for steady, automatic heat with little effort. Choose wood for independence from the grid and the classic fire experience.
Frequently asked questions
Can I burn wood in a pellet stove?
No. Pellet stoves are designed for pellets only. Multi-fuel stoves burn wood and, in some cases, coal, as listed by the manufacturer.
