[Fingie]

Originally Posted by freebeard

Out-of-pocket isn't the only cost. There's also fuel management. What do you think about the convenience of split wood, kindling, pellets, or sawdust?

Split wood is something I can buy from family and friends, (a big plus) but it takes space and has less energy per cubic meter .
It also needs further chopping into smaller pieces, about the size of a half banana (bad example, I know

Kindling is something used in larger fuel applications (heat power plants, etc)
this is also a cheap alternative. don't know the price, though.

Pellets are a common energy source here, but it's a bit more expensive. But it has a great energy content and takes less room.

Sawdust is also an option, but it's a bit too light. The fire can spread easier through the combustion zone, and into the fuel, burning where it shouldn't.