Wood pellet vs. gas stove

[prairyway]

We are supposed to be ordering our first stove in two days for our new home. We were going to be going with the Castle Serenity stove. It falls within our budget and I have heard some pretty convincing, positive reviews. However a neighbor just told me that with the rise in cost of decent wood pellets (and I am still so lost as to what are good pellets here in RI) that gas is a more affordable option. He also predicts a certain shortage of wood pellets this year. As a result we are feeling the need to rush to order the tonnage we need, which means we wouldn't get a nice period of time to sample different brands of pellets. Because of clearance and budget restraints we can't consider a wood stove. I'd love your thoughts on my neighbors observation, as well as what you think will happen moving forward into the future. Any insights and recommendations are much appreciated! THanks!!

 

[Tonyray]

Might be confusing last year when Pellet supplies we're short and late in the season..
from all we know here, there is an Abundance of pellets this year everywhere..Big Box Stores are bursting with Pellets..
[lessons learned from last year plus a big fire at a Major pellet plant in 2014 on the East coast caused delays in pellet shipments..

 

[Wilbur Feral]

Natural gas or propane? NG will be less expensive than pellets per BTU of output, but propane is often more.

 

[TimfromMA]

If I did not already have one, I would not buy a pellet stove right now. Pellet prices have risen pretty sharply over the last couple of years making them more expensive than oil and NG.

 

[bogieb]

Probably won't be a shortage of pellets by the looks of things - so you shouldn't be rushed to buy just any old tonnage. If you had already looked at the alternatives and a pellet stove still came out on top, then I don't see any reason not to get one. However, if cost of burning is a big consideration, and you have access to NG, then you might look harder at gas stoves (beware of costs if you have to run NG to your property though - not cheap from what I hear).

 

[Fsappo]

For the OP, if you have natural gas, its a hands down winner. If propane, do you have service to your home now with a tank set up? If yes, what are you paying per gallon for propane?

 

[RAVinMetrowest]

I have NG and installed a pellet insert last year.

I had my home NG furnace replaced and during the work, needed my chimney rebuilt. I opted to install a pellet insert to regain some use of the fireplace I never used. I had them also run a gas line to the back of the fireplace so I can change to anything I want years down the road.

If there is ever any issue with NG, I have the pellets as a backup.

I now also have a nice usable option in an easy to use and clean fireplace that I have not had in many years.

I did a similar thing at my mother's house and chose a gas insert for her for the convenience (remote control).

I like the 2 forms of heating at my house.

Since we will not be using these items for primary heat, we'll be able to get pellets anywhere we want. Those heating their homes with pellets are more particular about the $ vs efficiency than users like me who are using their pellet stove for atmosphere and enjoyment.

YMMV

 

[Bioburner]

Was not that long ago propain was hitting $4 a gallon. Not much difference than a cylinder exchange for the BBQ. Some areas out east are still getting over $2/gallon. Here in western MN its 93 cents. Pretty reasonable heating option. Still trying to figure out why gasoline prices have went up another 20 cents last week here.

 

[RAVinMetrowest]

One other thing, if you are getting any gas work done, plan for a future BBQ connection. Easy to add a $15 valve in the future to a capped line than to have to call in a plumber off the street to do a full BBQ connection.

 

[rich2500]

wood pellet vs NG = NG
wood pellet vs Propane = wood pellet and no need to rush for supply plenty available

 

[Marina1327]

For the OP, if you have natural gas, its a hands down winner. If propane, do you have service to your home now with a tank set up? If yes, what are you paying per gallon for propane?

I had ng boiler and for me...it ran 130 dollars a month and my house was always freezing...so far the pellet stove is doing a far better job for alot less...I wouldn't always say NG is better...it may seem so based on numbers but for me the heat came from baseboards....and I could never get the house above 62....so I think you have to base your decision on situation.

 

[Polar Bear]

NG>Pellet>Propane>Oil>Electric