I had initially thought they where a lot of coin as well, comparing it to fossil fuel units. Could get to of them for 1 of these. But then look at good top of the line wood stoves, there almost as much. I was looking at a new hearthstone, I believe it was the Mansfield. They wanted like $ 4,000/4,200.. Way more bang for the buck with the Kuuma. The thing I see with heating appliances, They last a long time so you better be happy with them or that's a long regret period. If you plan on burning wood temporarily, or just getting the feeling if you would like the work that goes along with them. Then cheap is the way to go. If I burn till I'm 60, that's 20 years. So if I only save 2 cords a yr with the Kuuma, that's 40 cord that I don't have to process. Plus 20 years of comfort, and effortless operation. The extra $2-3,000 would then be priceless.