Wood burning stoves were used as a primary source of heat and cooking at one time; they are no longer the sole source but they are still used. At one time wood stoves had to be placed close to the center of the room or at least a fairly good distance from a wall. They are also very clean burning with high ratings for their heat efficiency.

The wood stove sometimes referred to as wood fireplaces, come in many different styles, ranging from traditional looking to contemporary. The three major materials that they are made from include plate steel, iron and sheet metal; at times a mixture of all three may be used.

wood stoves
Some of the manufacturers alter the look of the more conventional cast iron stoves by using different types of material on the outer surface. Many times enamel, porcelain and marble are used in a wide range of different colors to change the appearance.

Up to 1/4" plates are first cut and then stamped in order to make the steel plate that many of these stoves are made of. The cast iron wood stoves are usually made from the cast parts that get bolted together.

There is not a major difference between the steel and cast iron stoves, as both normally include detailed lines along with grain free surfaces. There is not a major difference between the cast iron and steel; therefore, it is best to make your choice considering the design, your budget and size of the stove.

wood fireplaces
Many times it is easy to tell whether or not wood burning stoves are well crafted by looking for tight doors, smooth welds, clean castings and draft controls that are smooth operating. Of course attention to detail and good workmanship are always important. Most of them have metal plates or fire-bricks to help prevent burnout.

All of these materials help to increase the life of the stoves and even the thermal mass to some extent. Even after a fire has burned out, wood fireplaces/stoves that weigh 500 lbs. radiate heat for several more hours.

If you are installing a stove in a home that has not had one previously, then you will need to have a chimney installed, which of course calls for cutting a hole in your roof. For the wood burning stoves, a prefabricated metal chimney works the best and is the easiest to retrofit and install.

fuel stoves
If you are using a pre-existing chimney, then in order for the stove to operate correctly with high efficiency it will probably need to be relined with stainless steel.