We used to be solid fuel which ran the hot water and radiators.
Takes time to get used to, it is more about keeping a stable ambient temperature rather than boosting your heating like normal gas heating. So in the winter months the fire is on 24/7. We would riddle the ash in the morning, I'd usually then open the vents and go have a shower and ny the time I was done it was glowing away and I could fill the stove for the day, let it come through then put on a slow burn and ignore the rest of the day.
Before bed I'd damp it right down, cover the coals with fuel and that kept the fire in overnight.
Down sides, needing to go out in snow or driving rain to fill the coal bucket. Recommend a nice big bucket to minimise trips! Also, going away in the winter you can't leave your heating on low against frozen pipes so you need to turn water off and drain the system and then when you get back it can take a good couple of days to get everything heated up again.
However, it is a very efficient system and cheap to run. We used smokeless ovoids as were in a smoke free zone and although the stove permitted to use wood in smoke free we didn't have storage space for wood. Wood also burns quicker so needs more attention so even if you predominantly use wood I'd recommend having some coal or ovoids too for banking the fire up for overnight or if out for the day.
I'd happily have it again, I do miss my stove at times.