Ken
If you already have natural gas…
http://www.allaroundthehouse.com/lib.ghi.g1.htm
You can even get an insert with a remote control so you don’t even have to get off the couch much less haul wood.
Ballard location of sutter heart and home web page has an unwieldy flash app base but you might be able to find a pic of their gas inserts selection.
http://www.sutterhearth.com/ballard_showroom.php
Another flash page with links to insert mfg sites.
http://www.hearthsideandhome.com/Gas/Gas%20Inserts/myalbum.html
This is probably not the economy heat solution but you indicated you did not want to haul wood or pellets.
Ask about usage when the power is out since some may require electricity to operate fans and thermostats. Maybe you can use a battery and inverter and disable the fans…