Not the last but having had experience with coal and after looking at what was available we wanted auto ignition, no coal dust, no coal bin, no coal ash, auto feed. And we actually don't consider the maintenance high. Clean once a month. Dump ash twice a month.
Fair enough. Just fyi. Bagged coal comes pre washed and is vertually dust free. Pellets are "much" dustier. And bagged coal is same as bagged pellets. No bin needed. Coal stoves have come into the 21st century. You should look at a video of a Harman Magnum stoker burning. Absolutely beautiful!