Today, at dachas and in country cottages, a cast-iron stove for the home is increasingly being installed. These devices are preferred because of their low cost and ease of use, as well as their effectiveness. It is especially advisable to choose a cast-iron stove if the heating of the room is unstable. What are the features of these designs and which brand to give preference?
How do stoves work?
To begin with, it is worth noting that cast iron as the main material for the production of furnaces was not chosen by chance. Firstly, it is highly resistant to temperature extremes. Secondly, after heating this metal cools for a long time, so the room warms up evenly and for a long time. Thirdly, cast iron is resistant to corrosion and chemical attack.
Long-life cast - iron stoves-fireplaces are characterized by high efficiency, since during the burning of the device not only wood is burned, but also the pyrolysis gas obtained as a result of this process. It consists of hydrogen, methane and carbon oxides, and to get it, you need a minimum of oxygen in the combustion chamber. As a result, firewood does not burn, but smolders, so the equipment works much more. Pyrolysis gas is burned in a separate furnace, which is located above the combustion chamber. The furnace chamber itself is equipped with a bottom in the form of a grate, and an ash pan is located under it. It is a small box where ash and burning waste accumulate.
Appearance Features
A cast-iron stove for the home can have a different design, while the principles of operation of most models are the same. Some of them may have a transparent fire door made of refractory glass. Thanks to this, the fireplace not only gives heat, but also allows you to enjoy the game of flame in the furnace. Some appliances that use the convection heating method have a flat cooking surface for cooking. And some models completely resemble old potbelly stoves, although they are distinguished by greater productivity.
"Pros and cons"
The wood-burning pig-iron stove has a number of positive properties, which is often noted in customer reviews:
- Low cost: to purchase such a stove costs two, or even three times cheaper than other heaters. In addition, the buyer receives a completely ready-to-use device that does not require complex installation.
- Profitable heating: firewood is the cheapest type of fuel, which is also absolutely safe for health, including during combustion. On the other hand, a cast iron stove can be heated with pellets, coal and woodworking waste.
- Convenience of operation. Due to the absence of an electronic control system, the cast iron stove will not break due to temperature differences or due to the burning of any part.
Selection rules
When choosing a cast-iron stove, fireplace, you need to proceed from several rules, since manufacturers offer a very wide selection of models. Accordingly, before making a choice, you need to decide for yourself:
- Will the stove be the only heating device in the house.
- What period of operation do you expect.
- What will be the ultimate power of the device.
- Features of the design of the device.
In addition, a good stove as a source of heating at home should meet the following requirements:
- work in smoldering mode, which is ensured by the tightness of the furnace door;
- to accumulate heat by means of heat-accumulating stone;
- the design of the furnace can work non-stop during a cold period of time.
Which model to choose?
Modern cast-iron stoves, fireplaces, customer reviews are very flattering due to excellent technical characteristics and quality. The most important plus of any device, according to most users, is the ease of installation, since such models can be installed in any room. There are many different brands of such devices on the market, for example, Russian-made Meta. The cost of products varies from 12,000 to 18,000 rubles. These welded structures have a simple design, all elements are coated with special heat-resistant paint, the doors are sealed and equipped with special heat-resistant glass.
Foreign-made products have earned more positive opinions because they are made of better materials, which, accordingly, are more expensive. It is the high price that sometimes repels buyers from acquiring such a device. But, on the other hand, these products are warranted for 5 years, the furnaces are made of cast iron, and assembly is extremely simple. Many models have the function of afterburning the emitted gases. The cost of foreign cast iron stoves is approaching 60,000 rubles. Consider the most popular cast iron stoves fireplaces, reviews of which are most common.
Guca (Serbia)
This industrial plant has been operating for 55 years and has become popular all over the world thanks to the production of cast iron cast-iron stoves. Over the years, the company has created a huge number of stoves, which deserve a lot of good reviews. Brand products are distinguished by:
- efficiency and safety of space heating, high efficiency of units;
- optimal ratio of affordable price and high quality;
- wide model range for any price range;
- duration of service life;
- stylish and aesthetic appearance;
- economical heating.
The Guca cast-iron stove for the house under the name Arina attracts attention with a simple design, due to which customer reviews about it are only positive. In the “Arina” line, the brand offers to evaluate a wide selection of models with constant furnace sizes and with different heights and decorative elements. For this stove, fuel is needed in the form of firewood. Branded cast iron products of this brand attracts attention with a variety and interesting design. Heating units are able to operate in three combustion modes, while in the minimum mode, combustion is provided for 8 hours. The average cost of models is about 30,000 rubles.
"Edil Kamin" (Italy)
Italian-made cast-iron long-burning fireplaces attract attention with an elegant appearance, which is explained by the love of the inhabitants of this country for a beautiful interior. The company "Edil Kamin" offers high quality products, which are characterized by:
- thoughtful design;
- the presence of a balanced air supply to the furnace,
- secondary afterburning system;
- an improved aerodynamics scheme for the removal of combustion products;
- accuracy and stability of the mechanics.
Buyers say that for the design of country houses such original and luxurious fireplaces will be a great solution. In addition to furnaces for stoves and fireplaces, the brand offers a wide selection of claddings for fireplaces. The model range includes about 200 basic models made in various styles - from minimalism to modern. These models belong to the premium class, and they have a corresponding price - from 150,000 rubles per device.
Harvia (Finland)
Finnish-made cast-iron heating stoves have received many good reviews, since the brand is considered a recognized leader in the production of heating equipment. Furnaces became popular due to the fact that the manufacturer adheres to traditions and creates models taking into account the trends of his time. The Harvia line offers a wide selection of models that attract attention with a stylish design and innovative technologies in the field of space heating. This manufacturer offers several models at once:
- Harvia 20 SL. This heater is ideal as a cast-iron stove in a bathhouse. The model has adjustable legs, so it can even be put on an inclined floor. The kit includes a glass door that can open in different directions.
- "Harvia 20 Boiler" is a device that allows you to quickly and permanently heat the room, ensuring its uniform heating. This model can be connected to the chimney, making the installation process much easier.
- Harvia 20 SL Boiler is also a wood-fired construction. Its main difference is the presence of a volumetric boiler that heats the water. The kit includes a chimney made of steel, pipes and a fire protection system.
- Harvia 20 DUO is a combined model that can be used both as a cast-iron stove-fireplace for a summer residence and as a heating element in a bath or sauna. This approach allows you to create dry air in the room, the stay in which will be comfortable.
- Harvia 20 PRO is an oven that is ideal for installation in a high temperature bath. The model is characterized by high performance and heating rate. If necessary, it can be supplemented with a tank for heating water.
Harvia electric stoves cost over 100,000 rubles, but their wood counterparts, depending on the model, can be purchased for 35,000 rubles (Harvia 20 SL Boiler) and 19,000 rubles (HARVIA M3 wood stove).
Meta (Russia)
Russian-made fireplaces attract attention at an affordable price, as well as production based on German technology. Moreover, each furnace - cast iron for the home or steel for the bath - is made in accordance with the requirements of Russian climatic conditions. For example, the Meta Metafire model, made on the basis of sheet steel and fireclay, is ideally suited for a summer residence. Thanks to the first material, a rigid frame is created, and chamotte contributes to the accumulation of heat. Each furnace is additionally equipped with glass of a high degree of heat resistance, made in Japan. The very design of this fireplace stove is distinguished by the complexity and thoughtfulness of each part, with its help you can make the heating process efficient and economical. Models cost from 30,000 rubles.
Hephaestus (Russia)
The Hephaestus cast-iron stoves are high-quality models that will appeal to both amateurs and professionals who are well versed in the features of the Russian bathhouse in general and the steam room in particular. Models are created in the Moscow region on the basis of heat-resistant cast iron. Russian-made products are always popular with buyers, in addition, it is characterized by affordable cost, which is noted in numerous reviews. The distinctive features of the products of this Russian brand include:
- Large wall thickness - up to 60 mm, which are additionally equipped with vertical stiffeners. Due to this thickness, the device accumulates heat better, allowing it to save fuel, while the steam room warms up faster and more efficiently.
- Cast iron is resistant to corrosion, does not form scale even with prolonged exposure to fire.
- The individual elements of the cast iron stove are assembled quickly according to the principle of "groove in groove".
- Cast iron is characterized by environmental safety, therefore no harmful substances will accumulate in the bath.
The Hephaestus cast-iron sauna stove attracts attention with its design features: trapezoidal shape, afterburning function, special convection channels located outside the firebox and contributing to the rapid transfer of heat to the steam room. In the kit, this furnace is equipped with a starting element of a chimney made of cast iron, so a reliable and durable protection will be created in the area where the maximum heat load will fall.
Features of Hephaestus Products
A Russian-made cast-iron bath stove will last long and reliably, showing high efficiency. The unique Hephaestus heater is protected by a patent of the Russian Federation and has no analogues in the world in terms of design features that can increase the useful heating area. The presence of a flame arrester promotes the movement of flue gases along the walls of the heater, while they will be heated, so the stove will retain heat for a long time. The unique design of the stove also contributes to the rapid heating of the steam room, in which heat will be retained for a very long time.
As for the cladding, the Hephaestus wood stoves can be finished with natural stone, for example, a serpentine or talcochlorite. Such a lining serves as protection against infrared radiation that comes from a hot furnace, while it conducts heat and creates an excellent atmosphere in the bathhouse. Such decoration allows not only to transform the interior of the bathhouse or sauna, but also to bring healing properties to it. Thermal radiation from talchochlorite is mild, therefore, human immunity becomes higher, pressure stabilizes, and well-being improves. Depending on the size of the model and their technical features, the cost of units varies from 25,000 to 210,000 rubles.
Bavaria stoves (Russia)
These fireplace stoves are manufactured on modern equipment and have received many good reviews due to the optimal ratio of price and quality. Due to the large area of glazing, you can observe the combustion process, which is beautiful. Glass is made of soot-resistant material. The firebox is faced with chamotte plates, so burning is impossible, and the fireplace stove can be used for quite some time. These furnaces are capable of operating in two modes - open burning and in economical mode. A wide range of products is the guarantee that every consumer will find a device that suits him in terms of price and quality. The cheapest model of the Bavaria stove costs from 19,000 rubles.
conclusions
When buying a long-burning furnace for a summer residence, a country house or a bath, take into account the load that will fall on the device, as well as its technical characteristics. Due to the fact that modern manufacturers offer these products of good quality in different price segments, everyone will be able to choose a model in accordance with taste, needs and financial capabilities.