STEEL VS. CAST IRON Wood Burning Stove

Until the last few years, cast iron has been the only option for wood-burning stoves. But today, homeowners have more stove options than ever before. From appearance to heating capacity, longevity and price, cast iron and steel stoves each have their pros and cons.

small wood burning stove indoor

Which is the best material to use for a wood-burning stove? Steel or cast iron stoves?
Seams in cast iron stoves are sealed with caulk and bolts, and reinforcing cement and washers are added to strengthen the design. Steel stoves have seams that are sealed with welds. Seams need to be sealed to prevent air from seeping into the stove. This means that cast iron stoves may require maintenance over the years when the seams begin to wear out, while steel fireplaces do not. Another thing to keep in mind is that steel fireplaces are usually constructed with double walls. This allows the stove to be closer to the wall. Cast iron fireplaces, on the other hand, usually need to be a little further away from the wall. As a result, steel fireplaces are usually suitable for people who need a built-in stove, while cast iron fireplaces are a good choice for freestanding fireplaces.

wood burning stove insert