Hi CK! Thanks for your exquisite reply - your insight and understanding re this topic are formidable!
I've currently got a standard fireplace but due to extremely cold winters, I want to buy either a gas insert, pellet or a wood burning stove. I'm starting to shy away from the pellet and wood due to the labor of cleaning the stoves after the pellets and wood ash. The gas insert is more expensive, but as spud stated, it's a lot cleaner and much easier. I love 'easy'.