pellet stove cheap to run and efficent?

[haryv]

How cheap are pellet stoves to run? Grandparents had one and was pretty amazed how they could precisely control the flame in the unit.

 

[dustin]

They are pretty nice. Get very hot. All depends on how much you plan to use it. But compared to regular wood they are probably a little cheaper since they are more efficient. And cleaner. Less ash to remove..

I do remember a few years back, there was a pellet shortage in my area, and all the stores were out.. I suppose you could burn regular wood in one if necessary.

cheers-
Dustin

 

[NorCal Cruiser]

Around here pellets are about $5 for a 40 pound bag and one bag will last 2 to 3 days if the stove is on all day. I got home from Surf and Turf Sunday night and my wife had the down stairs of our house at 80 degrees and the stove was only running at medium.

 

[splitshot]

I do remember a few years back, there was a pellet shortage in my area, and all the stores were out..

This is why we went with a wood burner, not very many pellet dealers close by.

 

[Walton]

I have a Whitfield in my shop, and I love the thing. I'd say it's pretty comparable in price to a woodstove if you have to buy your wood. In my barn/woodshop I like my wood stove though to burn scraps.

 

[Walton]

My damn pellet stove auger jammed today; spent 2 hours taking it out to clear the chute.

 

[Corbet]

Everyone I have known that owned one was happy. But if wood is cheap where you are that could be a better option. For me forest service wood permits are $10 per cord. Much cheaper than buying pellets but lots of hard work involved. If your going to buy your consumables then pellets are the way to go. Assuming you have a local supplier.

This year I bought a pallet of ECO Bricks for my wood stove. They are like really big pellets. Burn all night. So I kind of use both.