Things to Consider When Purchasing a Stove

Fuel

Wood – For a natural and beautiful fire, nothing beats the real McCoy. If you own a wood lot, then heating your home will be very inexpensive. If you must purchase wood, in most areas it is still very cost competitive with other fuels. Then there's the satisfaction of stacking and loading the wood, and starting and poking a wood fire. Plus, wood is a renewable resource, and it functions without electricity.
Natural Gas/Propane – Convenience is the primary attribute of gas hearth appliances – just push a button on the unit or on your remote control. Gas burns cleanly and is a North American fuel. The realism of the fire has progressed dramatically over the past five years. Units with standing pilots function without electricity.
Pellets – Nothing beats pellets for being kind to the environment. Pellets are made from recycled wood waste, burn so cleanly that EPA approval is not necessary and function automatically via an auger fuel feeding system. When power is out, pellet products require a battery back-up to function.

Steel – Steel is the most common material used for hearth appliances, although cast iron is rapidly gaining in popularity. Most steel units offer blowers that provide convective heat and trim kits to enhance appearance and complement your decor.
Cast Iron – Cast-iron hearth appliances are formed from molten metal, which allows a greater flexibility in design. Through radiant heating, they warm objects, not the air, in the room. Much greater and more ornate detailing is a hallmark of cast-iron stoves and fireplaces.

Stoves – A stove is a freestanding heating appliance that usually must be placed on a non-combustible surface such as a hearthpad or masonry floor. Manufacturer's instructions determine how close a stove may be placed to combustible surfaces, such as adjacent walls, mantels and surrounds.
Fireplace Inserts – A fireplace insert is basically a stove that is placed either in a masonry or factory-built fireplace. An insert will dramatically increase the efficiency of your fireplace.

Chimney – With the exception of vent-free gas hearth products and electric fireplaces, all hearth appliances vent through a masonry or metal chimney.
Direct-Vent – Both gas and pellet appliances can be vented directly through a wall, ceiling or roof. Direct-vent products are sealed combustion appliances that do not use room air from your home. A two-pipe venting system carries the burnt flue gases to the outside, while bringing in fresh outside air for combustion.
Vent-Free – These gas hearth appliances need neither a chimney nor direct venting. However, particular regard must be given to sizing guidelines, which take into account the geographical region in which you live, the cubic area that you plan to heat and the tightness of the home in which you live.