There are many types of stoves available on the market, so much so that choosing one can be challenging. Below is an overview of eight options that will help you pick a stove that is best for you.

Coal Stoves

Coal stoves look very similar to wood stoves; however, they have longer burn times and can put out more heat. Wood needs far more labor, time, and effort to cut, stack, and season than coal. Coal stoves are also very inexpensive. Coal stoves start from $1,300, with an additional $500 for installation at a minimum. For instance, 1,200-3,500 square feet will consume 1-4 tons of coal yearly, which averages roughly $230 per ton. Coal has nearly twice the amount of BTU/lb, so it is half the cost of wood pellets

Pellet Stove

This stove burns compressed wooden pellets or similar biomass instead of gas. The user must place the pellets into the hopper, and from this hopper, the pellets will then go into the burn chamber, where they will be burned up. Because pellet stoves utilize mechanical systems for pellet feeding, it requires electricity for their operation. Pellet stoves range in price from $1,030 to $3,090. A 40-pound bag of wood pellet fuel ranges from $4 to $9. You can purchase wood pellets in bulk, saving you money in the long term. You should budget between $250 and $380 for one ton of pellet stoves. Remember that anthracite coal costs the same per ton but has nearly twice the energy as pellets.

Wood Stove

As the name suggests, this stove burns wood as its primary fuel. Most manufacturers construct these stoves from metal, usually cast iron or steel. The main components include the burn chamber, an ash deposit area, and a baffle. Depending on whether or not there is an existing chimney, installation costs between $2,500 and $10,000. A cord of wood might cost anything from $200 to $600 for fuel.

Electric Fireplace

An electric fireplace is a type of electric heater manufactured to mimic the feel and look of classical fireplaces. Many of the models available are portable with a design that enables them to function with standardized residential electrical outlets. Some models will also allow the user to deactivate their heating features so they can see the appearance of fire within its chamber without the accompanying heat. Labor and supplies for an electric fireplace can range between $700 and $2,250, not counting the installation. Electric fireplaces are the safest alternative since heat output can be monitored closely, and there is no exposed flame. However, an electric fireplace does not heat a room as rapidly as a gas fireplace. To feel the heat, you typically need to be near the fireplace.

Gas Stoves

These stoves function similar to wooden burners, except they burn natural gas or propane rather than wood. Gas is beneficial since it emits far less pollution, and managing it is a lot easier when compared to wood. You can buy these stoves in two main variants: ventless and vent models. A gas fireplace may cost between $2,750 and $7,300 in labor and supplies, not including installation. Its annual running costs are $60. While it is more efficient, gas fireplaces are more complex to build since a gas line must be installed and connected.