Choosing the ideal wood burning stoves can feel like winning the lottery, but you want more heat and less luck. There are so many shapes, sizes, and technologies to choose from that it’s easy to get lost in a forest of choices. You’re halfway to enjoying a hot cup of cocoa next to your new stove if you start by asking the appropriate questions, such “How big is my space?” and “How cold do my winters get?”
Let’s talk about size directly. If your stove is too small, it won’t be able to keep you warm on cold evenings, and your teeth will chatter. If it’s too big, you’ll be sweltering in your pajamas even with the windows open. Take measurements of your room. Think about the height of the ceiling, the insulation, and even which way the windows face. Most manufacturers give guidelines for heating capacity, but don’t take them as gospel. Things like drafty walls and open-plan layouts may really mess things up.
The materials are also important. Cast iron and steel are the most common choices, but they each have their own problems. Steel stoves get hot quite quickly, but they cool down almost as quickly after the fire is out. People who like to stay warm after the coals have burned down will love how long cast iron keeps the heat. Some stoves include ceramic cladding, which adds style and helps keep the heat in.
You will have to choose between a traditional and a modern look. Some people like the nostalgic look of a black, boxy stove in the corner, while others want something that looks like it came out of a Scandinavian design magazine. Don’t give up function for style; be sure your dream stove fits the chimney or flue you already have. If you’re not sure, get a local installer to come and look at it. It’s better for them to tell you about problems now than to curse later when your room fills with smoke.
You can’t neglect efficiency. Newer versions burn wood with a lot less waste, getting greater heat from fewer logs. Check for certificates and high-efficiency ratings. Clean glass windows are a plus since they enable you see the flames dance without having to get up close and personal with soot every weekend.
Don’t forget about the rules and clearances in your area. In certain places, the restrictions about emissions are stricter than a jar with a rusty lid. You might need a stove that is safe to burn wood on, or even one with better filters or catalytic converters. It’s usually better to verify first than to incur fines or, even worse, deal with angry neighbors.
With air flow controls, you may turn up the heat or let it cool down. Stoves with secondary burn features are great for getting every last degree out of your logs and making beautiful flame patterns. It’s also fun to see.
Last but not least, don’t cut corners on installation. Your neighbor says he put his own in in an afternoon, but making mistakes here may be very expensive or even deadly. Get a pro to do it. Every winter, your future self will thank you for keeping warm and secure.