Stove construction is often associated with village houses, bathhouses and boiler rooms. At the same time, there are different 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 technological and compact heaters, the situation has changed, and such designs are more often given space in summer cottages, using them exclusively for utilitarian needs.
Appointment of bourgeois women
The secret of the popularity of these ovens is for the most part their versatility. On the one hand, this is the provision of a direct heating task, and on the other hand, the possibility of quick cooking. Practice shows that a medium-sized potbelly stove can heat a room up to 60 m2 2. As a device for cooking, such models are used less frequently, but if necessary, this function can also be performed. For those who choose a design for just such a purpose for giving, a cast-iron potbelly stove with a burner anda small area for products. Moreover, there can be several burners - depending on the overall dimensions of a particular model. Some modifications provide for the possibility of optional equipment with additional burners. As a result, the combination of the two functions of the 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 stove has at least two doors. Firewood is laid through one, and the lower door serves to collect ash. The upper part of the structure is provided with a branch pipe that mates with the chimney system. To prevent the cast-iron potbelly stove from spreading 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 ensured for a measured and efficient removal of combustion products. A characteristic feature of the design of the potbelly stoves is the lower part with high legs. This is one of the most noticeable differences between a potbelly stove and traditional stoves and fireplaces. The design with legs does not require a special foundation, and that's not to mention the preservation of the possibility of mobile movement.
Varieties
Different models of bourgeoisie on structuralfeatures, functionality and form. Actually, there are three main types of such units. These are home models for living quarters, army and camping modifications. The first option is characterized by large sizes, a variety of shapes, as well as the presence of several burners and original stylistic performance.
In turn, the cast-iron army potbelly 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 rapid heating of small rooms. As for camping potbelly stoves, they most often have the most modest dimensions, but they can also suggest the possibility of cooking. This variety is characterized by a small mass and, in some cases, a folding design of the legs.
Decorative qualities
Military and marching models rarely indulge 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 the same summer cottages still differ in the presence of decorative elements on the surfaces. Typically, such models are made to order, which allows the future owner to indicate in advance the direction of stylistic design. Moreover, a cast-iron potbelly stove can even perform a single decorative function and not be used for heating. This practice of application is common among connoisseurs of retro style in the interior.
Positive feedback about potbelly stoves
Practicality, reliability and lack of special requirements in terms of maintenance are the main advantages for which their owners value potbelly stoves. 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 the models of this type. At the same time, users also note ergonomics. Even a massive cast-iron potbelly stove with burners retains the ability to move without the need to intrude into the floor covering. Another thing is that along with the displacement of the unit, a revision of the position of the chimney will also be required. The stylistic advantages mentioned above are also emphasized by the users of the bourgeoisie, but in this regard, the most important feature is the ability to demonstrate a live flame, provided in some versions.
Negative reviews
Most of the claims against potbelly stoves affect the quite obvious inability of the metal to accumulate heat. This means that the stove will be able to provide efficient and fast heating of a room, even a large area, but after the completion of the furnace session, 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 that characterizes cast-iron potbelly stoves.
Reviews recommend a very responsible approach to fire safety issues, since surfacesThese ovens get very hot during operation. Therefore, it is important to ensure the protection of animals and children in the room and, if possible, remove flammable objects and things from the area where the unit is located. Although manufacturers of modern models claim special protective metal coatings, over time they lose their function.
How much does a cast-iron potbelly stove cost?
The simplest designs are distinguished by 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-scale units are more expensive - about 15-20 thousand. In this case, we can talk about the quality of the design and versatility of the models. A productive massive cast-iron potbelly stove with author's decoration can cost 40-50 thousand. These are already modern models, which provide for the latest technologies, which allow, among other things, to implement the principle of long-term burning in the combustion chamber.
Conclusion
In matters of choosing bourgeois for summer cottages, it is worth relying on the nature of the planned operation. If the model must 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 potbelly stoves for summer cottages are also designed for use in field conditions. In such models, the properties of mobility andlightness.
Of course, an essential characteristic from the point of view of the operation of the stove unit in the country is the possibility of cooking. This function is provided by burners. In addition, when buying a potbelly stove, it will not be superfluous to provide for the presence in the kit of a wide range of accessories for servicing the same firebox and ash pan.
