Cast Iron vs Steel Wood Stoves

In the past wood burning stoves used to be the only solution to cooking and heating requirements. Even today, they still have an important function in homes and many are still the primary source of heat, but of course, there have been improvements to wood stoves. For instance, in the past they needed to be positioned a good distance from any wall while many of the more recent designs can be as close as eight inches to a wall. Moreover, they are extremely clean burning with high ratings for their heat efficiency.

The wood fuel stoves occasionally called fireplaces stoves, are available in a variety of designs, ranging from conventional to contemporary looking. The three main components they are manufactured from include plate steel, iron and sheet metal although sometimes a combination of all three may be used. Several of the manufacturers modify the design of the more traditional cast iron stoves through the use of various kinds of material on the external surface. More often than not enamel, porcelain and marble are employed in an array of various colors to alter the appearance.

Cast Iron Wood Stove

The steel plate stoves are typically made out of 3/16 to 1/4" thick plates which are first cut and then stamped into shape. Cast iron stoves on the other hand are made of cast components that get bolted together. Since there is hardly any difference between the cast iron and steel wood stoves, it is much easier to make a decision based upon your budget, style and size that you need. In addition, they both include detailed lines as well as a grain free surface to help with your selection.

More often than not it is possible to tell whether wood burning stoves are well designed simply by looking for tight doors, smooth welds, clean castings and draft controls which are smooth functioning. Needless to say attention to detail along with good craftsmanship will always be important. Many of them have metal plates or fire-bricks that can help protect against burnout. Most of these materials improve the life span of the stoves as well as the thermal mass to some degree. Even after a fire has burned out, wood fireplaces and stoves that weigh five hundred pounds, will still radiate heat for many more hours.

If you are purchasing one of the wood stoves to fit inside a house which has not had one previously, then you must have a chimney put in, which normally entails cutting a hole in the roof. Furthermore, if you intend to utilize a chimney which is already installed, then make certain the stove which you are considering buying is compatible with it. Even when utilizing a pre-existing chimney chances are that it will need to be relined with steel, so as to work properly with the modern stoves which are being manufactured today.