The furnace construction is often associated with village houses, bath houses and boiler houses. Moreover, there are various designs of heating units of this type, some of which are quite organically included in the equipment of modern residential buildings. In the early years of its popularity, a cast-iron stove was considered a natural attribute of city apartments. She did not distort the interior at all, and even profitably gave it a special stylistic shade. But in our days of technologically advanced and compact heaters, the situation has changed, and such structures are often allotted a place in the cottages, using exclusively for utilitarian needs.
Appointment of bourgeois
The secret to the popularity of such furnaces is for the most part their versatility. On the one hand, this provides a direct heating task, and on the other, the possibility of quick cooking. Practice shows that it is quite possible for a medium-sized potbelly stove to heat a room with an area of up to 60 m 2 . Such models are used less often as a device for cooking food, but if necessary, this function can also be performed. For those who choose a design specifically for this purpose for giving, a cast iron stove with a burner and a small platform for food are suitable. Moreover, there may be several burners - depending on the overall dimensions of a particular model. Some modifications provide the possibility of optional equipment with additional burners. As a result, combining the two functions of a potbelly stove determines its practicality and ease of use.
The device and the principle of operation of the unit
The classic design assumes the presence of a cylindrical body base, in which the basic working components are concentrated. Usually they are represented by a combustion chamber and an ash pan - respectively, the furnace has at least two doors. Through one, firewood is laid, and the lower door serves to collect ash. The upper part of the structure is provided with a pipe that interfits with the chimney system. So that the cast iron stove does not spread smoke throughout the room, the partition separating the firewood combustion chamber from the chimney channel has a specially perforated surface. Due to this solution, sufficient air circulation is provided for a measured and efficient removal of combustion products. A characteristic feature of the design of the bourgeois is the lower part with high legs. This is one of the most noticeable differences between stoves and traditional stoves and fireplaces. The design with legs does not require a special foundation, and this is not to mention the preservation of the possibility of mobile movement.
Varieties
Models of bourgeoisie differ in design features, functional abilities and shape. Actually, three main types of such units can be distinguished. These are home models for residential premises, army and hiking modifications. The first option is characterized by large sizes, a variety of shapes, as well as the presence of several burners and an original stylistic design.
In turn, the army iron cast-iron stove is similar to the previous version in terms of functionality, but has small dimensions. This option is focused on ease of use and the ability to provide quick heating of small areas. As for camping bourgeois, they most often have the most modest dimensions, but also may suggest the possibility of cooking. This variety is notable for its low weight and, in some cases, the folding design of its legs.
Decorative qualities
Army and marching models rarely spoil users with special decoration. For them, the main thing is practicality, mobility and unpretentiousness in maintenance. However, units that are designed for use in residential premises or in the same dachas, still differ in the presence of decorative elements on the surfaces. Typically, such models are made to order, which allows the future owner to pre-indicate the direction of the stylistic design. Moreover, a cast-iron potbelly stove can even perform a single decorative function and not be used for heating. This practice is common among connoisseurs of retro-style in the interior.
Positive feedback on potbelly stoves
Practicality, reliability and the absence of special requirements in terms of maintenance are the main advantages for which the stoves are appreciated by their owners. Cast iron itself determines the durability of structures, so if you need a furnace for a long operating period, then you can safely choose one of this type of model. At the same time, users note ergonomics. Even a massive cast iron stove with burners retains the ability to move without the need to invade the floor covering. Another thing is that along with the displacement of the unit, a review of the position of the chimney is required. The users of bourgeoisie emphasize the stylistic advantages mentioned above, but in this regard, the most important feature is the ability to demonstrate a live flame, which is provided in some versions.
Negative reviews
Most claims against potbelly stoves affect the very obvious inability of the metal to accumulate heat. This means that the stove will be able to provide efficient and quick heating of the room, even of a large area, but after the furnace session is over it will cool down within half an hour. And this applies not only to cast-iron structures - users of stainless steel models point to the same drawback. Here it is worth noting another unpleasant nuance, which is characterized by cast-iron stoves.
The reviews recommend a very responsible approach to fire safety issues, since the surfaces of such furnaces become very hot during operation. Therefore, it is important to protect animals and children in the room and, if possible, to remove flammable objects and things from the area where the unit is located. Although manufacturers of modern models claim special protective coatings for the metal, over time they lose their function.
How much is a cast iron stove?
The simplest designs differ in a very affordable price, which can be in the range of 5-10 thousand rubles. This segment, in particular, is represented by the same army and marching models. Full-size units are more expensive - about 15-20 thousand. In this case, we can talk about the quality of the design and multifunctionality of the models. A massive cast iron potbelly stove with author's decoration can cost 40-50 thousand. These are already modern models, which provide the latest technologies that allow, among other things, to realize the principle of long burning in a combustion chamber.
Conclusion
In matters of choosing bourgeois for giving, it is worth relying on the nature of the planned operation. If the model should cope mainly with the task of heating, then attention is paid to the dimensions of the structure and the presence of special pipes to increase heat transfer. Modern cast iron stoves for summer cottages are also designed for use in camping conditions. In such models, the properties of mobility and lightness come to the fore.
Of course, the possibility of cooking food is also an essential characteristic from the point of view of operating the stove unit in the country. This function is provided by burners. In addition, when buying a potbelly stove, it will not be superfluous to foresee the presence in the kit of a wide range of auxiliary devices for servicing the same furnace and ash pan.