Stove Fuel Types: Compare Wood, Pellet, Gas, Coal, and Electric Fuels

Overview: The Main Types of Stove Fuels

Firewood (Logs): The classic renewable fuel for wood stoves. Requires sourcing, cutting, splitting, and drying.
Wood Pellets: Compressed sawdust or biomass pellets, used in automated pellet stoves.
Natural Gas/Propane: Clean-burning fossil fuel, delivered via pipelines or on-site tanks.
Coal: Dense, long-burning fuel (primarily anthracite) for powerful heat output.
Electricity: Powers resistance heating elements in modern electric stoves—no combustion or on-site emissions.

Each fuel type has its own pros, cons, costs, and storage needs. Read on for a detailed breakdown!

Fuel	Typical Cost	Efficiency	Storage Needs	Best For	Environmental Impact
Firewood (Logs)	Low (if self-supplied); Moderate to High (purchased)	60–80% (EPA stoves)	Needs dry, covered storage (6–12 months seasoning)	Rural/off-grid, renewable heating, ambiance	Carbon-neutral if sourced sustainably; some particulate emissions
Wood Pellets	Moderate	70–85%	Clean, dry indoor area; bagged (40-lb typical)	Automated heating, eco-friendly homes	Renewable, low emissions, low ash
Natural Gas/Propane	Low to Moderate (varies by market)	70–90%	Gas line (NG) or tank (propane)	Urban/suburban, convenience, fast heat	Lower emissions than wood/coal; fossil fuel
Coal (Anthracite)	Low to Moderate (in coal regions)	60–80%	Dry, vented, bulk or bagged storage	Cold climates, long burns, rural/off-grid	Higher CO₂, particulates; less renewable
Electricity	Moderate to High (varies by rate)	~100% (at point of use)	No storage; grid connection	Zone/supplemental, rentals, apartments	Zero on-site emissions; depends on grid mix

Note: Costs and efficiency vary by region, appliance, and usage. Always check local rates and supply before choosing a fuel.

Firewood: Cheapest if self-supplied; labor-intensive; off-grid; cozy ambiance; requires storage and seasoning.
Pellets: Consistent, automated, eco-friendly; requires electricity; higher upfront cost; easy to store and handle.
Gas: Clean, instant heat, low maintenance; needs utility hookup or tank; not off-grid unless using propane.
Coal: Longest burns, lots of heat; more ash and maintenance; limited regional supply; not eco-friendly.
Electric: Simplest install, safe, portable; costs depend on power rates; no heat during outages.

Fuel	Cost per Million BTU^*	Notes
Firewood	$8–$25	Varies by local supply, species, and self-cutting vs. delivered
Wood Pellets	$15–$30	Bagged pellets, prices fluctuate by region/season
Natural Gas	$8–$20	Depends on market rates; often cheapest where available
Propane	$18–$40	Higher in rural areas or winter months
Coal (Anthracite)	$12–$25	Cheapest in coal-producing regions; price volatile elsewhere
Electricity	$25–$60	Varies by local kWh rate; best for small/zone heating

^*Estimates only. Actual costs vary by region, supply, and efficiency. Always compare based on your local rates.

Firewood: Carbon-neutral if sourced and burned sustainably; produces particulates but can be minimized with EPA stoves and dry wood.
Pellets: Made from waste wood/biomass; low particulates; sustainable and very eco-friendly if local supply used.
Gas (Natural/Propane): Lower CO₂ and particulates than wood/coal; still a fossil fuel (not renewable).
Coal: Highest CO₂ and pollution; not renewable; best for regions where other fuels are impractical.
Electricity: Zero on-site emissions; green only if grid is renewable (solar, wind, hydro, etc.).

Availability: What’s cheapest and easiest to obtain in your area?
Convenience: Do you want automated heat (pellet/gas/electric) or don’t mind daily fueling (wood/coal)?
Storage: Do you have space for a woodpile, pellet bags, or coal bin?
Budget: Consider both upfront costs and ongoing fuel expenses.
Environmental Priorities: Want the greenest option? Pellets, sustainably sourced wood, or electric (on green grid) are best.
Backup Power: Off-grid or power outage reliability: wood and hand-fired coal stoves win.

What’s the cheapest stove fuel? Firewood is usually cheapest (especially if self-supplied), followed by natural gas, then pellets, coal, propane, and electricity.
Is burning wood or pellets bad for air quality? Modern EPA stoves and dry fuel minimize smoke; pellets are especially clean. Avoid old, non-certified wood stoves.
Can I use multiple fuels in one stove? Only in stoves designed as “multi-fuel.” Never burn a fuel type not rated for your stove.
Does electric heat cost more? Usually, yes—for whole-house heating. It excels for small rooms and supplemental heat due to simplicity.
How do I store fuel safely? Keep wood and pellets dry and off the ground; coal in a bin or shed; propane tanks outside; gas lines inspected; electricity—no storage needed.