Steel or cast iron your questions answered?

Wood burning stoves bring the rich scent of burning wood and the cosy crackle of a warm fire to indoor living spaces.

When shopping for a wood burning stove, you can choose from just a few common materials, including traditional cast iron and more modern steel units.

Consider factors such as maintenance, appearance, construction, and operation when comparing these materials to narrow your selection and find the right model for your home.

It is highly recommended to speak to a qualified fitter who can explain all the pros and cons of each metal.

Cast Iron

To make a cast iron stove, manufacturers pour molten iron into moulds and allow them to cool and harden. They assemble various pieces of the stove together using cement and gaskets to fill the seams.

Steel

Steel stoves on the other hand, are made by bending and welding sheets of steel to form the desired shape. The difference in how these stoves are made causes steel stoves to have a tighter overall construction than cast iron ones. This means that cast iron stoves may require more maintenance than steel ones over time.

Siting your new stove is very important!

The type of wood burning stove you choose can impact where you can safely place the stove in your home. Steel stoves often feature double-wall construction, which means they can be placed closer to a wall than other types of stoves. The double-wall construction helps to prevent heat from spreading, which protects surrounding surfaces from damage or fire.

Cast iron stoves, on the other hand, require more clearance space for safety, and should not be placed near a wall or other furnishings.

As you can see there are plenty of important decisions to make when selecting your new stove.

If you would like assistance please do contact us and one of our advisers will be happy to help. We are HETAS registered.