When it comes to wood-burning devices to heat your home, pellet stoves offer some advantages over standard stoves and fireplaces, said a New Mexico State University energy specialist. The pellets look similar to little pieces of animal feed and are stored in bags, so it's a really clean way to buy wood. Because they burn completely, pellet stoves are less polluting then wood-burning stoves or fireplaces. Also, flue gases burn cooler than in other types of wood burners, so less creosote forms in your pipes and stove. Also, because the gases are cooler, they don't require an elaborate exhaust system for ventilation.
Many pellet stoves have automatic feeders.
An auger automatically moves fuel into the stove as it needs it,so you don't have to get up in the middle of the night to restoke your stove. Because pellet stoves are mechanically more complicated, there's a greater chance that something could go wrong. When the power goes out, the automatic feeders won't work. Some of these stoves may not be very stylish in their appearance, although newer models are looking less commercial and more attractive.