At one time wood burning stoves were the sole provider of cooking and heating needs. However, they still play a major role in households and some are even still the main source of heat, yet naturally, there have been improvements to wood stoves.
For example, at one time they had to be placed a good distance from any wall but some of the newer models can be as close as 8″ to a wall. They are also very clean burning with high ratings for their heat efficiency.
The steel plate wood stoves are usually made from up to ¼” plates, which are stamped and cut into shape. The cast iron ones are made from the cast parts that are bolted together.
These parts normally have very detailed lines and markings with clean surfaces that are free from grain markings. 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.
Keep in mind that if you are purchasing a stove to go in a house, then you will need a chimney. The easiest type of wood stoves to retrofit and install are the prefabricated metal ones and they are relatively inexpensive.
If you plan to use an existing chimney, then be sure the stove that you are contemplating is compatible. Most often existing chimneys will need to have the lining redone with stainless steel in order for them to operate correctly using the newer, high efficiency stoves.
To read more Clean Burning With Wood Stoves
There are different types and styles available for the pellet stove and while there does not appear to be any differences on the outside, the inner workings are different. One pellet stove may be designed to use pellets made from processed sawdust, another style is the corn stove which is designed to operate with a corn pellet product. A pellet stove vent is placed so that a pipe can be used to vent outside allowing you to choose whatever wall you want to use.
A corn stove has glow plugs as optional igniters that will light the fire automatically if necessary. There are also wall thermostats that can be set up to run the stove automatically.
You set the temperature and it will shut itself off during the day as the temperature rises and will restart again later in the evening when the temperature cools off. On average they have an 85 pound hopper and that should allow the heater to run for many days without having to refill it.
The corn pellet stoves are increasing in popularity, as there were about 65,000 of them in the US in 2006 and 350,000 of them in 2007. They do compare favorably over the wood pellet stove as far as efficiency goes, but they do not radiate as much heat as the more conventional wood fire.
The cost of running a corn stove varies considerably depending upon where you live. In some areas such as Massachusetts or Main it can be difficult locating a reliable and economical dealer in that particular area. Often times, there are actually waiting lists for those wishing to purchase a corn pellet stove.
To read more Corn Stove Burning Clean Corn Pellets
