I've used one for the last 12 years, first one was an off brand bought used that the electronics finally died on. Replaced it with an Enviro-fire 38,000 btu model I bought used for $400. Works great, the combustion air comes from outside which makes them safer than some woodstoves and they also have safety switches that shuts the unit down if it gets to hot.
Buy your pellets before winter starts and you won't have a problem with shortages, I've only had a problem with one brand of pellets that were made of walnut husk and other ag waste. They were way to ashy, burned poorly and smelled horrible. I still buy whatever pellet is the least expensive as long as they are made of wood.
Tom