Wood VS Propane Stoves

Homeowners can use propane and wood-powered appliances to cook food and provide heat to their homes. While both of these types of stoves are popular, they each have different benefits and pitfalls that consumers should consider before making a purchase.

Green Factor
One thing most people consider when shopping for a heater is the impact it will have on the environment. All heaters require some form of energy, some of them more damaging than others do. Using a wood stove leads to deforestation, but wood is a renewable resource. The smoke emitted from a wood stove also contributes to pollution, so this is another thing to consider. When compared to wood, the emissions from a propane stove are minimal.

Cost
The cost of wood varies depending on your location. The cost of lumber in an urban area will be far higher than the cost of wood in an area populated by forests. Homeowners can even use trees from their own property for firewood. The price of propane fluctuates often, but propane gas users can expect to pay at least $3 per gallon.

Dangers
While both stoves pose fire hazards; propane stoves introduce an addition risk of gas poisoning. A gas leak can quickly fill a home, causing illness or even death. Propane is scented, however, so homeowners should be able to detect a leak before it becomes too dangerous. Wood stoves often get hot, so homeowners will small children or curious pets should take extra precaution to avoid burns.