As we move through 2026, the way we enjoy our outdoor spaces has shifted. Gone are the days when a clunky propane tank was the only option for a chilly evening on the patio. Today, savvy homeowners and business owners are making the switch to wood pellets.
At Timber Stoves, we’ve seen this trend exploding—and for good reason. If you’re still lugging heavy tanks to the gas station, here is why wood pellet heaters are officially outperforming propane this year.
Cost Comparison: Wood Pellets vs. Propane in 2026
In 2026, energy prices are a top-of-mind concern for everyone. While propane prices continue to fluctuate based on global markets, wood pellets remain a stable, affordable, and locally sourced fuel.
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Quarter of the Cost: On average, running a Timber Stove costs about 1/4th the price of operating a comparable propane heater.
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More Heat for Your Buck: A standard 20lb bag of pellets provides a much higher BTU output per dollar than a gallon of propane. In fact, our Big Timber and Revere model pumps out a massive 90,000 BTUs—nearly double what most standard propane heaters can manage.
Radiant Heat vs. Convection: Why Pellets Feel Warmer
If you’ve ever stood under a propane heater, you know the feeling: your head is hot, but your feet are freezing. Propane heaters primarily heat the air, which can easily blow away with a light breeze.
Timber Stoves produces radiant heat. This is the same type of “deep-tissue” warmth you get from a campfire. It heats objects and people, not just the air. With our Lil Timber and Big Timber models, the heat radiates from the floor up, ensuring you stay warm from head to toe.
The Environmental Impact of Your Patio Heater
In 2026, we are all more conscious of our carbon footprint. Propane is a fossil fuel—once it’s burned, that carbon is added to the atmosphere.
Wood pellets, however, are made from compressed sawdust and wood waste.
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Carbon Neutral: Burning pellets is considered carbon-neutral because the CO2 released is the same amount the tree absorbed while growing.
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No “Rotten Egg” Smell: Say goodbye to the chemical smell of propane exhaust. With pellets, you get the nostalgic, crisp scent of a real wood fire without the heavy smoke.
No Electricity Required: The Gravity-Fed Advantage
Many people are surprised to learn that Timber Stoves require zero electricity. While some high-tech indoor pellet stoves rely on augers and fans, our outdoor stoves use a gravity-fed system.
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How it works: Gravity pulls the pellets into the firepot, and the natural draft of the stovepipe does the rest.
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Portability: Because you aren’t tethered to an outlet or a heavy gas line, you can take your Timber Stove anywhere—from the backyard to the campsite.
Aesthetics and Ambiance: The Glass Viewing Experience
Let’s be honest: a white propane tank is an eyesore. In contrast, our heaters feature three-sided glass viewing panels.
A Timber Stove isn’t just a heater; it’s a centerpiece. It provides the flickering ambiance of a real flame that propane simply can’t replicate.