Wood Burning Stove and Fire Pit Review

Buy the Vogelzang Cast Iron Pot Belly Stove

Model# PB65XL

The Vogelzang Cast Iron Pot Belly Stove (model PB65XL) is the charming big brother of the Vogelzang BX26E. With a much higher BTU rating (200,000 BTU) it will provide heating for a much larger home than the smaller model.  And, with more traditional antique styling it is a real Cast Iron Pot Belly Stove to add a touch of old world charm to any room. Combined with one of the many in floor heating options this will make a room as warm as possible and a real comfort to be in.

Vogelzang Cast Iron Pot Belly Stove Model# PB65XL Features

• Full cast iron construction for great heat radiation
• Traditional pot belly stove design
• Flare top with 8″ lift out opening for kettle or fry pan
• Ash door with slide vent for draft control
• Large ash pan for easy cleaning
• Burns both wood and coal
• Large 40lb capacity allows coal to burn for 8 hours with a single lighting
• 8×10″ door with swivel draft control for easy filling
• Cool touch spring handle and lid lifter included
• 6″ flue (flue pipes not included)
• Size 34″H, x 20″W, x 22″D.
• 200,000 BTU (click for BTU calculator for your home)

There are currently no customer reviews available for the Vogelzang Cast Iron Pot Belly Stove (Model PB65XL).  Be sure to leave yours after purchasing to help future customers.

Buy the Vogelzang 96,000 BTU Cast Iron Boxwood Stove

Model# BX26E

TheVogelzang Cast Iron Boxwood Stove (Model  BX 26E) is an affordable wood burning stove.  Currently being sold at under $250 it provides serious heat at a low price.

Perhaps more suited to the rustic get away, cabin or garage this is not the flashiest wood burner.  But, it offers a great pot belly stove for those that love antique and rustic design.

Vogelzang Cast Iron Boxwood Stove Model BX26E Features

• Fully sealed joints to ensure safe and efficient burning of wood
• Swing away lid to make refuelling easy
• 2 lift out lids for your kettle and pan
• Slide out ash draw for easy cleaning and simple draft control
• Included are a cold touch spring handle and lid lifter
• 6″ flue (flue pipes not included)
• Total size 26″H, x 12″W, x 32″L.
• 96,000 BTU (click for BTU calculator for your home)
  
• Stability provided by wide set legs

The Vogelzang Cast Iron Stove – Model BX26E is supplied fully assembled apart from the legs.

Vogelzang Cast Iron Boxwood Stove Model BX26E Reviews

You can see from the reviews of the Vogelzang BX26E that reviews are mixed.  Some absolutely love this economical wood burning stove whilst others are less impressed.  To ensure you are happy with your purchase you nned to really decide this is the right stove for you.

As it is less expensive than some options there are a few points to consider.  For example the caulking at the joints will need to be reapplied in time.  To ensure you never experience smoke coming into your home it is important to keep the flue clear and get the fire burning hot quickly.

This is a cheaper stove that may need a little care and attention over the years.  But with an old-fashioned sturdy design, no glass to break and nothing technical to go wrong that attention should be nothing too complicated.

You could vastly improve the efficiency of the BX26E by using a flue pipe will a built in damper.  This will give you much greater control over the heat output and reduce heat loss via the chimney itself.  This is a useful tip for improving heat control and draft control with any cast iron wood burning stove, not just the Vogelzang BX26E.

The Pot Belly Stove is a truly iconic piece of home engineering.  Choosing to heat your home, a single room, or the cabin with this type of  wood burner stove is about more than just heat.  This speaks volumes about our love of antiquated memories and ideals.

Pot Belly Stove – Antique Cast Iron Good Looks

But the Pot Belly Stove is far more than just a trip into nostalgia.  In fact, these cast iron wood burning stoves are so well remembered because being so durable and efficient they have continued to be used long after they became ‘unfashionable’.  Thankfully times are a little different now, and many homes are having the Pot Belly Stove reinstated.

One of the quaint things about this type of cast iron wood burner is simply the name.  The ‘pot belly’ refers to the rather barrel-like shape of these stoves.  Always round they tend to fatten out around the middle, allowing ample room for a large amount of wood or coal to be burnt.

As the Pot Belly Stove is made of cast iron it is extremely hard-wearing and simple to clean.  Although it is possible to buy reconditioned genuine antique wood burning stoves many home-owners prefer to choose a new Pot Belly Stove.

Choosing a New Pot Belly Stove

These cast iron wood burning stoves come in a huge range of sizes.  The bigger, the stove, generally the larger space it will heat sufficiently.  But, remember big is not always better.  If you do not intend to heat a huge space opt for a smaller model so you waste less fuel.

Choosing a new Pot Belly Stove is always going to be about looks.  But do not forget the practical matters.

• There should always sufficient venting to allow complete control of your fire.  This helps maintain efficiency, saving you money on fuel over time.
• The ash-pan should be straightforward to access allowing ease of emptying and cleaning.
• Consider also the doors.  Glass doors improve the ambiance of a room, allowing the fire to be seen at all times.    Solid cast iron doors are traditional, but choosing double doors allow you to open up the fire, (when you are in the room) to improve direct heating of the room and again improve ambiance.
• A key design idea behind the original Pot Belly Stove is the flat cook top, allowing the room heater to double as a ‘proper’ stove.  If buying a modern reproduction consider keeping this feature.  Even if used only rarely, nothing beats the joy of a family cuppa brewed on a cast iron stove.
• Ensure your cast iron wood burner is EPA certified.  This ensures it is energy efficient and therefore economic to run.
• Have a look at the BTU or square foot heating capacity estimates, but bear in mind that no-one knows your home specifically.  All wood burner stoves heat differently according to fuel, climate and the situation.

Don’t forget, for your new Pot Belly Stove you need a nice new kettle to sit on top too.  These Cast Iron Wood Burning Stoves are nostalgic in design but can sit extremely comfortably as a feature in a more modern home too.  So, don’t dismiss them even if your home is not from the 1800s.