burning wood in a coal stove

I would like to buy a coal stove to try and burn the locally available bit coal. If the bit does'nt work out due to smoke,ash, etc. will I have a stove that can due a good job of burning wood. I hate to drop the dough on a coal stove if it does'nt work.

Thanks, Josh

Wood and bituminous have similar draft requirements so yes is the short answer. Check the bituminous forum as there is a lot of info that can help you in there. The choice you make for a stove is important, not all of them will perform well with both fuels.