Cast iron stoves for wood-burning cottages: which ones are better and how to choose

Rating of the TOP 12 best stoves-fireplaces for a summer house and country house in 2020

Cast iron stove

The first type of cast iron stove has two chambers - the first for accumulating ash, that is, already processed material, the second for loading the fuel itself.

Using a special pipe outlet, the stove is connected to the chimney.

Combustion air enters through a special bolt, which opens slightly during heating. This type of oven has very low power.

How to choose and what to pay attention to?

A fireplace is not a cheap product, so when choosing a model you should accurately determine its characteristics and not make a mistake.

Experienced engineers recommend paying attention to the following factors:

• Power is the most basic thing required from a fireplace. The required power is selected based on the area and volume of the room. Optimal and simple calculation - at least 1 kW per 10 sq.m. rooms.
• The body material is the key to the durability of the fireplace and its thermal efficiency. Steel models heat up quickly and cool down quickly, so they need to be “refueled” regularly. In addition, steel walls are prone to burning. Cast iron retains heat longer, but it is a fragile material that should be protected from shock and damage.
• Type of fuel - most fireplace stoves consume wood, but there are models that burn peat briquettes and coal. The choice depends on the financial capabilities and personal preferences of the consumer.
• The diameter of the chimney depends on the technical characteristics of the house; the wider the chimney, the better the combustion products are removed.

Design features

Like all other types of heating systems, cast iron stoves and fireplaces have a number of their own characteristic differences and features:

Advice: if you want to make such a stove with your own hands or are just choosing the appropriate option, we recommend paying attention to models whose combustion chamber is lined with brick inside, as it can withstand high temperatures up to 700-1000 degrees and their sudden changes. In addition, over time, such coating can be easily replaced.

Important: the combustion chamber itself can also have either a closed or completely open structure. Open ones are characterized by low efficiency and do not create the required level of safety during operation, which is why in most cases they are used in decorative structures. Cast iron stoves and fireplaces of a closed type are more efficient, have high efficiency, heat up quickly and are usually equipped with various doors and screens.

Tempered transparent glass is the most convenient to use, maintain, and from an aesthetic point of view!

It is interesting to know: despite the fact that cast iron fireplace stoves do not have special automated controls, it is possible to control and set the intensity of the flame burning in the hearth. For this purpose, a special damper is provided, which is additionally supplied with the ash pan.

Cast iron fireplace stoves are distinguished not only by their durability and good tolerance of high temperatures. They are able to accumulate accumulated and generated heat, releasing and distributing it throughout the premises even after the end of the fire.

Classification of cast iron stoves

First of all, cast iron stoves and fireplaces for the home are classified based on the place and method of their installation and placement:

• Wall. They have small dimensions and do not take up much space during installation;
• Built-in and suspended. Such fireboxes look original and stylish in any interior;
• Angular. Favorable viewing angle of the flame burning in the hearth, as well as simultaneous saving of free space;
• Ostrovnoye. The most massive models have high power and can be placed on any site that is most convenient and advantageous from your point of view.

Closed hearths are highly efficient and ensure safe use

A certain type of fuel can be used for the firebox (coal, firewood or purchased pellets)

Corner installations are small in size and do not take up much space

Important: when choosing cast iron stoves and fireplaces, pay special attention to their functionality. Such devices can perform exclusively a heating function. Some hearths are intended only for cooking and are wood-burning analogues and prototypes of kitchen stoves. The best stoves advantageously combine these two functions at once, but the price for them will be an order of magnitude higher.

Interesting to know: also, cast iron fireplaces and stoves, despite working with solid fuel, can operate on coal, wood or purchased pellets. It is equally important when purchasing to pay attention to the power of the heating unit, which must correspond to the total area of ​​all rooms in the house. When reviewing product specifications, do not confuse rated power with maximum power.

Example: in order to calculate the rated power, the oven must operate for about 3 hours. To determine the maximum, about half an hour is enough.

The best fireplace stoves for a summer residence in price/quality ratio

Vesuvius PK-01 (270)

Convection fireplace made of cast iron with chamotte cladding retains heat well, is easy to install and operate.

The hermetically sealed firebox door prevents combustion products from entering the room and preventing excess air draft.

Supports two operating modes – intensive and long burning . In addition to heating a room with a volume of up to 150 cubic meters. It is possible to connect the fireplace to a water circuit for long-term heating of the entire house.

The cladding is available in several colors, which will allow you to match the fireplace to the design of the room..

For quick heating, it is possible to connect an electric fan. The fireplace is also equipped with a hob, which allows it to be used as a stove.

Specifications:

• Material: cast iron;
• Power: 9 kW;
• Chimney: top connection, 11.5 cm;
• Type: closed;
• Efficiency: 82%;
• Fuel consumed: firewood.

pros

• fast heating;
• long service life;
• possibility of connecting to a water circuit;
• ease of installation;
• hob.

Minuses

• fuel burns out quickly in intensive mode.

Kratki Koza K9

A very original option, close in design to classic fireplaces . It has a spacious firebox that allows you to use firewood up to 35 cm long.

High power and long-term heat retention allow you to heat rooms up to 250 cubic meters.

Heats up within 30-60 minutes and releases heat from the body for a long time even after the fuel burns out.

Consumes any type of firewood - oak, birch, etc.

The built-in ash pan and the “clean glass” system make it easier to maintain the fireplace during operation..

The possibility of rear and top connection of the chimney simplifies installation in houses with different technical characteristics.

Specifications:

• Material: cast iron;
• Power: 13 kW;
• Chimney: rear and top connection, 15 cm;
• Type: closed;
• Efficiency: 78%;
• Fuel consumed: firewood.

pros

• stylish design;
• power;
• design;
• ease of installation and maintenance.

Minuses

• high price.

Guca Lava

A high-quality cast iron fireplace with wood heating is capable of warming up rooms with a volume of up to 240 cubic meters..

The body material retains heat for a long time, the firebox has a secondary combustion function, which saves fuel.

Built-in self-cleaning fireplace glass system simplifies stove maintenance.

Nice design combined with power and warm-up speed make the model very popular among consumers.

Built-in spacious ash pan is easy to clean.

However, the model does not have a compartment for firewood, which requires additional costs to accommodate them. Users also note that the design of the firebox handles and ash pan is not very well thought out.

Specifications:

• Material: cast iron;
• Power: 12 kW;
• Chimney: top connection, 12 cm;
• Type: closed;
• Efficiency: 78.1%;
• Fuel consumed: firewood.

pros

• appearance;
• quick heating of the room;
• power;
• spacious ash pit.

Minuses

• no compartment for firewood;
• poor ergonomics of the handles.

How to choose a home metal stove?

Enterprises create dozens of iron stoves, which differ in size, firebox volume, design, appearance and operating modes. When choosing a metal heating device, a number of factors :

• region of residence;
• area of ​​the house , number of heated rooms;
• frequency of use of the stove;
• design and home owner preferences

In regions where sub-zero temperatures last up to 5-6 months a year, the requirements for heating devices increase, and home owners give preference to brick buildings. But if in winter the temperature rarely drops below 10 degrees , a metal device is quite suitable for heating your home.

If the owners live permanently in the house, the metal stove must maintain a comfortable temperature for several hours after burning one portion of fuel .

The area of ​​the home and the number of heated rooms also influence the choice of device . If the house consists of spacious rooms, choose a large long-burning stove with good heat transfer. For small houses where there is only a kitchen and a couple of rooms, a medium-power unit is sufficient. If the owners appear in the home only from time to time, you can install a small stove that quickly releases heat.

The choice of device is also influenced by the tastes of the owners of the house . There are iron stoves on sale, decorated in high-tech, baroque, and Provence styles.

Photo 1. A very unusual metal stove, designed in the form of a bucket from a Cat tractor.

The best long-burning fireplace stoves

THORMA Milano II

Ergonomic floor-standing fireplace with a secondary combustion function, which ensures long burning of fuel and its economical consumption.

Special convection channels heat the air from the floor, which improves the indoor climate.

Easy to install, does not require additional stands or foundation . Great for small spaces up to 120 cubic meters.

It consumes wood as the main fuel, but it can also work with wood briquettes.

Thanks to the design features, it is possible to adjust the flame and burning speed.

The “clean glass” system protects the door from soot and soot.

Specifications:

• Material: steel;
• Power: 5 kW;
• Chimney: rear connection, 12 cm;
• Type: closed;
• Efficiency: 72%;
• Fuel consumed: firewood.

pros

• stylish design;
• ease of installation;
• fast warm-up.

Minuses

• low efficiency;
• power.

La Nordica Ghisa Isotta Con Cerchi

The cast iron fireplace with hob has a very impressive design combined with high power and efficiency.

Thanks to a spacious firebox with a volume of more than 60 liters and a long-burning system, it can heat record-breaking room volumes of up to 340 cubic meters.

Double walls provide protection against burnout and effective heat transfer for a long period even after the bookmark burns out.

Wide panoramic glass hermetically protects the firebox, opening a view of the flame.

Cast iron grates have a long service life and are equipped with a convenient handle for safe cleaning.

Specifications:

• Material: cast iron;
• Power: 11.9 kW;
• Chimney: rear connection, 15 cm;
• Type: closed;
• Efficiency: 82%;
• Fuel consumed: firewood.

pros

• spacious cooking surface;
• fuel economy;
• volumetric firebox;
• ergonomics and ease of maintenance;
• side loading of fuel.

Minuses

• Despite the “clean glass” function, it smokes quickly.

Guca Arina High

An impressive model from a Serbian manufacturer with high power and efficiency, capable of heating rooms with a volume of up to 210 cubic meters.

The combined housing, which combines the rapid heating of steel and the long-term heat transfer of cast iron, provides up to 8 hours of operation on one load of fuel.

The glass door can withstand temperatures up to 750 degrees . High efficiency indicators are achieved thanks to two air flow regulators, one of which operates in the “clean glass” system.

This system ensures optimal combustion of fuel and economical consumption of firewood..

The spacious firebox allows you to load firewood up to 30 cm long.

Specifications:

• Material: steel/cast iron;
• Power: 10 kW;
• Chimney: top connection, 12 cm;
• Type: closed;
• Efficiency: 84%;
• Fuel consumed: firewood.

pros

• original design;
• power and high efficiency;
• flame adjustment;
• ease of care.

Minuses

• no hob.

Main manufacturers

Let's look at the most popular manufacturers on the modern metal furnace market.

Teplodar

Teplodar - model “Vertical” (increased long-burning mode gives 8 hours of heating without adding fuel), “Stove” is equipped with a hob with removable rings, “Top Model” and “Matrix” can act as a fireplace due to fireproof glass in the doors , from where the flame is visible. The T-80 model can be equipped with a smoke exhaust.

The stoves of this manufacturer are designed to heat houses with an area of ​​80-300 m3, and the cost is scattered within 10-25 thousand rubles.

Ephel and Bayard

Efel is a Belgian manufacturer that leads the European home heating technology market. Thus, the “Harmony” model has a power of 12.5 kW and runs on wood and coal with a burning duration of 10 hours. That is, the oven can work all night.

The cost of such a stove is high - from 130 thousand rubles. Bayard 12 is a classic model with a hob and minimal gas emissions (0.28%). Its price is approximately 110 thousand rubles.

Eco fireplace

Another reliable company is Ecofireplace. It produces stoves that combine quality, safety and beauty. High-quality steel is used, and the facade is finished with tiles - this is aesthetically pleasing.

Thus, the Bavaria Arch model with a cast iron grate and heat-resistant glass on the doors opens up a view of the flame. This wall-mounted stove has economical fuel consumption (usually wood) and a glass self-cleaning mechanism. Such models cost about 40 thousand rubles.

The Bavaria Baroque model with a cast iron hob and a 6 mm thick fireproof steel body provides an efficiency of 78%.

Meta

produces wood-burning stoves that are maximally adapted to the Russian climate. All models have a hob with durable cast iron burners, are compact and safe.

Thus, the “Narva” series with ceramic lining and fire-resistant paint on top of a metal body is equipped with ash pans, firewood, and a glass combustion door. Its power is 6 kW and is capable of heating a house or cottage of 60 m2. Its price in the budget segment is 20 thousand rubles. "Meta Gnome-2" is the most compact model from the Meta manufacturer. Its dimensions are 363*502*640 mm and weighs 38 kg, and its power is 5 kW, which is suitable for heating a room of 50 m2.

Termofor

Finally, the Termofor company. Small-sized models for dachas and outbuildings “Selenga”, “Pichuga”, “Student”, “Avoska”, “Cinderella” are known here, which are easily portable, as well as models for heating the house - “Turbo”, “Normal”, air-heating models – “Associate Professor”, “Professor”, “Butakov”.

The latest options are very large and are permanently mounted. Prices range from 10-50 thousand rubles. Reviews about Selenga are very good: it is a beautiful oriental-style model that saves fuel well and can heat a house of 85 m2.

The best cast iron fireplace stoves

Guca Mercury

The Serbian fireplace model, equipped with a hob, becomes not only an object of design and heating of the room, but also acquires additional functions in the form of a stove.

The latter is very important during regular power outages. The original design will pleasantly complement any home. Large glass is protected from soot during incomplete combustion of fuel.

High power and efficiency allow you to heat a room with a volume of 250 cubic meters. The chimney has top and rear connections, which allows it to be used in houses with different technical characteristics.

Thanks to the design features, heating comes from the floor from the bottom up, and the fireplace material retains heat for a long time even after the wood has completely burned.

Specifications:

• Power: 13 kW;
• Chimney: top and rear connection, 12 cm;
• Type: closed;
• Efficiency: 82%;
• Fuel consumed: firewood.

pros

• original design;
• power;
• large glass;
• hob.

Minuses

• spring door.

Kratki Koza K6

A small budget model with a European design, equipped with a panoramic glass firebox.

The furnace power is sufficient to heat rooms with a volume of up to 140 cubic meters and an area of ​​up to 52 sq.m.

The cast iron firebox can accommodate long firewood, and, if necessary, use coal briquettes as fuel.

The manufacturer does not recommend using coal too often, as it contributes to clogging of the chimney and ash pan.

Ergonomic handles make it easy to open the firebox door and ash pan, making the fireplace easier to operate.

Cast iron walls give off heat for a long time even after the fuel burns out.

Specifications:

• Power: 9 kW;
• Chimney: top and rear connection, 15 cm;
• Type: closed;
• Efficiency: 71%;
• Fuel consumed: firewood.

pros

• design;
• fast heating;
• panoramic glass;
• possibility of using coal briquettes as fuel.

Minuses

• no hob;
• low efficiency.

La Nordica Nicoletta

The Italian-made floor-standing fireplace with majolica cladding comes in several colors, which allows you to choose the right option for any home design solution..

The model has good efficiency and economical fuel consumption of up to 3 kg/h thanks to the long-burning function.

The power of the fireplace is enough to heat a room with a volume of 229 cubic meters.

The glass door practically does not heat up during operation and allows you to observe the open fire while resting.

The built-in firewood storage compartment reduces the amount of wood debris in the form of bark residues and wood chips.

The body is made of durable cast iron, which ensures a long service life of the fireplace.

Specifications:

• Power: 8 kW;
• Chimney: top connection, 13 cm;
• Type: closed;
• Efficiency: 80.9%;
• Fuel consumed: firewood.

pros

• design;
• Italian assembly;
• ease of care;
• presence of a compartment for storing firewood.

Minuses

• price.

Five best models

Not knowing how to cover a cast iron fireplace and make it yourself, we recommend purchasing a ready-made option. The following rating will help you with this:

1. Ambra. The model is manufactured by the brand of Polish origin “Eurocom”. Its service life is on average about ten years, with a power of 7 kW. The cast iron surface is plated with platinum for added protection, and the design is retro in style, with lots of beautiful and graceful patterns and swirls. The model is capable of heating a house whose total area of ​​all rooms reaches 60-70 square meters. The upper part of the structure is equipped with a hob, on which, if necessary, you can cook food and heat water. The door is equipped with transparent tempered glass, which is equipped with a self-cleaning mechanism. The model has a light weight and optimal dimensions: 840x48x360 millimeters (height, width, depth). The price of a fireplace varies from 20,000 to 25,000 rubles;

1. Legend. The fireplace is from Russian, specially designed for installation and use both in bathhouses and in adjacent rooms. Suitable for rooms with a total area of ​​up to 30 cubic meters, with a power of 30 kW. In the upper part there is a special grid into which special stones are poured. The combustion chamber is equipped with large transparent tempered glass, which is capable of periodically cleaning itself from various types of contaminants. High quality and durability of the product is achieved due to the presence of thick walls - 1.2 centimeters. The installation dimensions are: 76x65x83 centimeters (height, width and depth). You can buy such a stove for an average of 30,000 rubles;

1. Furnace unit "If" from. The unit is equipped with a convenient and practical hob with one large burner. The device is made in the Empire style and has miniature overall dimensions in terms of height, width and depth (77x70x40 cm). The maximum efficiency when using this model can reach about 70-80 percent in economical operating mode. Due to the large and capacious combustion chamber, fairly large and long bars are suitable for use and combustion. The power is 14 kW, which allows you to heat a house with a total area of ​​up to 280 cubic meters. An elegant and miniature door made of cast iron and tempered glass serves as protection and decoration at the same time. The cost of such a fireplace is about 48,000-55,000 rubles;

1. Bavaria. This stove is produced by one of the most popular Russian ones. The device has a high power of 9 kW and high efficiency. This heating unit is enough for use in a house with a footage of up to 90 square meters. Suitable for installation in rooms of any size due to its miniature overall dimensions: 750x560x400 millimeters. The design is equipped with a convenient hob and is capable of operating in economical mode. In order to increase efficiency and efficiency, the sides of the unit are finished with ceramics with an imitation marble surface. The average price for Bavaria is 18,000 rubles;

1. Marseilles. The model is manufactured by the famous and popular Russian company. It is based on high quality and durable French cast iron. The power of the product is 14 kW, which contributes to the rapid and uniform heating of rooms with a total area of ​​up to 140 square meters. The models are available in various sizes and have a rectangular elongated shape. The fireplace body is painted with black protective paint, and the combustion chamber is equipped with heat-resistant transparent panoramic glass. The fastest heating and highest efficiency are achieved due to the ability to place the fuel in a vertical position. You can buy such a stove for 50,000 rubles.

To visually familiarize yourself with the presented models, we also recommend viewing the presented photos.

A cast iron fireplace stove is a profitable and more affordable alternative to brick structures that are quite bulky and difficult to implement. In addition, the installation of such models is very simple and does not require experience or knowledge in this field. In order to buy or get acquainted with these and many other fireplaces in more detail, we also recommend going to the corresponding catalog of our online store and placing an order at any convenient time!

The best corner fireplace stoves

Vesuvius PC-01 (220)

A steel fireplace with ceramic lining, equipped with a combustion control system, is suitable for heating small rooms with a volume of up to 150 cubic meters.

Thanks to the design features, one stack of firewood lasts up to 5 hours without reducing the air temperature.

The materials from which the stone is made ensure long service life and high-quality heat transfer.

Sealed heat-resistant glass with a soot protection system is easy to maintain.

The spacious ash pan also makes operation easier.

However, during the first fire the fireplace emits an unpleasant odor, so it is recommended to ventilate the room.

Specifications:

• Material: steel;
• Power: 9 kW;
• Chimney: rear connection, 11.5 cm;
• Type: closed;
• Efficiency: 79%;
• Fuel consumed: firewood.

pros

• long service life;
• combustion control system;
• ease of care;
• duration of combustion on one load of fuel.

Minuses

• unpleasant smell when first started.

Kratki Thor 8

A corner fireplace made in a minimalist modern design can heat a room with a volume of up to 200 cubic meters.

The steel walls are resistant to high temperatures, and the firebox is equipped with a special heat-accumulating material that can release heat for a long time even after the fuel has burned out.

Built-in chimney increases smoke output and minimizes ash emission through the chimney.

The triple combustion system ensures fuel economy and high thermal efficiency of the device, and air supply adjustment is carried out using a single lever and does not cause difficulties.

The fireplace is easy to install and maintain; in addition, the device has a long warranty period of 5 years.

Specifications:

• Material: steel;
• Power: 8 kW;
• Chimney: top connection, 15 cm;
• Type: closed;
• Efficiency: 83%;
• Fuel consumed: firewood.

pros

• modern design;
• ease of maintenance;
• triple air supply system;
• high thermal efficiency.

Minuses

• high price.

ABX Admiral

A steel fireplace with a natural stone lining - Brazilian sandstone, granite or soapstone - takes up little space due to its corner design.

At the same time, it is equipped with a spacious firebox, an ash pan and a compartment for storing firewood.

Due to the strength of the materials, a long period of operation is ensured, and ergonomics facilitates maintenance of the device.

The fireplace has enough power to heat a room with a volume of up to 140 cubic meters.

Despite the steel body, the stove gives off heat for a long time thanks to the lining, which allows you to save fuel at night.

Specifications:

• Material: steel;
• Power: 7 kW;
• Chimney: top connection, 15 cm;
• Type: closed;
• Efficiency: 79%;
• Fuel consumed: firewood.

pros

• design;
• environmentally friendly manufacturing materials;
• strength and reliability;
• ease of operation.

Minuses

• price.

Types of household cast iron stoves

There are several types of wood-burning stoves made from a special grade of cast iron:

• simple heating (potbelly stoves);
• stoves - fireplaces;
• heating and cooking;
• long burning heat sources.

This is what potbelly stoves made of cast iron look like.
A stove - a cast iron stove - is the simplest and cheapest option for a wood-burning country heater. The unit consists of two chambers - ash and fuel, separated by grates. At the back or top of the housing there is a pipe for connecting the chimney, and air is supplied by closing the ash pan door or using an adjustable damper.

Unfortunately, cast iron stoves - potbelly stoves - cannot be classified as effective means of heating a summer house or private home. The efficiency of such units does not exceed 40%. This means that the lion's share of the heat from burning wood simply flies out into the chimney.

In terms of efficiency, cast iron stoves for the home, made in the form of fireplaces, are not far behind potbelly stoves. They perform a decorative function rather than actually heat the rooms. The difference from the first group is the similarity with a real fireplace in the shape of the firebox and the front panel, covered with a wide panoramic glass.

Heater with hob (left) and fireplace stove (right)

The cast iron cooking stove is equipped with a stove with burners where you can place dishes for cooking and heating food. In design, it differs little from a traditional potbelly stove, only in more advanced models the hob is protected from direct exposure to flame by a horizontal partition.

Long-burning cast iron stoves are the most effective for heating a dacha. Their design is modernized in various ways with one goal - to remove the generated heat from the flue gases as much as possible and transfer it to the room. Due to these improvements, which will be described below, the efficiency of the heater increases to 60%.

Cast iron stoves for heating cottages and private houses, offered by different manufacturers, can be equipped with additional elements that expand their functionality:

• a water circuit used to connect 1-2 heating radiators;
• panoramic glass, allowing you to contemplate the burning of firewood and throw a log in time - another;
• convenient damper to regulate air flow;
• oven, additional compartment for firewood.

Often, various useful accessories are supplied with cast iron stoves - potbelly stoves - a poker, a scraper and a metal stand (pallet) for installing the heater on the floors.

Types of stoves-fireplaces for a summer residence

Fireplace stoves can be divided into two large classes depending on the materials used in their manufacture:

• Steel models are lightweight, despite the thickness of the walls. They heat up quickly and easily release heat into space, but they also cool down easily, so they are demanding on fuel and are often “gluttonous”. Ideal for rooms where there is no need for regular heating.
• Cast iron is a more expensive and heavier option, takes longer to heat up, but is also more thermally efficient over time. More fuel efficient, suitable for rooms where it is necessary to maintain heat constantly. For aesthetics and greater thermal efficiency, they are often equipped with cladding made of ceramics, natural stone or brick.

Which company should you choose?

There are many companies producing such heating devices. Experts recommend paying attention to well-known brands that use higher quality and proven materials.

These include:

• Kratki is a Polish brand with an optimal pricing policy and high efficiency. Wood-burning models have high power, sophisticated ergonomics and adjustable door pressure. The appearance of the fireplaces is modest, but the company focuses on functionality.
• Meta is a Russian company that has been on the market for a long time. Produces optimal fireplaces for small spaces. A distinctive feature is that they do not tolerate damp and resinous firewood; it is recommended to burn with dry hardwood fuel.
• Spartherm is a German brand that produces models with and without a water circuit, as well as fireplaces burning coal, gas and peat briquettes. We also manufacture fireplaces upon customer request.

Rating updated September 12, 2021.