Wood Burning Stove and Fire Pit Review

Cast iron has been used to create solid fuel heating systems in the US since  1642.  Essentially these were boxes, made from flat sheets of cast iron pinned or bolted together.  In the 1740’s Benjamin Franklin improved on the idea for a cast iron wood burning stove creating the Pennsylvania Stove.  Over the next 60 years, several redesigns and improvements led to the kind of cast iron wood burners we use today.  Incorporating a slanted fire-back and adjustable damper giving efficient heat and control to the householder.

During the 200 years since then, the basic concept of the cast iron wood burner has remained the same.  But, with worries about pollution from wood-burning in the 1980s new models are much more efficient at cleanly burning wood.

Cast Iron Wood Burners

Cast iron has been viewed as a perfect material for wood burning stoves for a number of reasons:

• It is able to withstand the stresses and strains of changing temperatures.
• It quickly dissipates heat, so if one part of the fire is hot, the heat is spread so the whole fire is evenly warm.
• Although strong, cast iron is extremely easy to drill allowing for simple fixings.
• It is simple to incorporate decoration when pouring the cast iron and it will accept enamel easily.  This is probably part of it’s charm, cast iron personifies the Victorian era.
• Being made up in sections, it is simple to replace any damaged cast iron panel.
• Cast iron radiates heat well, and for a significant amount of time after the fire is finished.

Cast iron wood burning stoves are available in both antique and modernist designs.  Cheaper fires will often incorporate some sheet steel in their construction.  This is not a particularly bad thing, as welding makes sheet steel extremely easy to fit tightly together.  The sealed wood burning stove is an efficient wood burner.

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.