Get an insert. It will keep you heat in your house and not have it sucked up the chimmey
I will be using a PelPro insert and a PelPro freestanding stove. We bought our's at Mendard's and are excited about using them. (see pics on the How is the house coming tab)
Pellets are made from wood or corn biproducts and burn hotter an cleaner than logs.
Note: 7 years in, and still loving our PelPro pellet stoves
We have been using our Pellet Stoves since the first part of December and love them!