Finding the wall space to install a brand new fireplace isn’t always practical or possible. Luckily there is another option for homeowners looking to add charm and heat to their home – a wood stove.
Unlike built in fireplaces, wood stoves are freestanding units often used for heat more than aesthetic. Over the years, however, the design of these stoves has advanced to make them charming, efficient and effective focal pieces that can rival a fireplace.
Wood stoves might not be the first option that comes to mind for many people, but modern stoves provide many of the same benefits of a wood burning fireplace with the added advantage of being easier to fit into just about any space. Newer designs and amazing efficiency make these stoves a great fireplace alternative that shouldn’t be quickly dismissed.
Space & Design
Wood stoves conjure up mental images of big black iron beasts taking up a lot of room. But as with all modern technology, the design of wood burning stoves has advanced. These units are now much smaller, sleeker and stylish.
A mid-sized stove measures around 30 inches tall, 25 inches wide and 15-30 inches deep, but smaller powerful units are available. For instance, the Jotul F 188 is a narrower option for smaller spaces. The unit is 30.5 x 14 x 31.5in (HxWxD). These units can fit neatly in a corner so you don’t lose room functionality or space.
Many stoves are available with either a pedestal base or legs for customization and have top, back and side flue exit options so you can easily hide the chimney if you want a more contained, clean, contemporary look. Arched, decorative and glass doors let you choose the perfect look for your home and turn the stove into a beautiful focal point.
“Award for Design Excellence”
If you want to take it a step further and totally upend tradition, Jotul makes a tall, cylindrical wood stove with glass panes for fire viewing on three sides. The Jotul F 370 takes wood stoves beyond heating elements and starts venturing into the world of art. This totally different model is an impressively shallow 18.6 inches deep.
To finish off your modern customization options, wood stoves are now available in many more colors than traditional cast iron black. The Pacific Energy Vista Classic Wood Stove is available in nine porcelain finishes including white, red, copper and blue.
Efficiency
In addition to now being more aesthetically pleasing, wood stoves produce a great amount of heat and are incredibly efficient.
Smaller and mid-sized unites (including the narrow Jotul F 188) feature heating capacities of around 2,000 square feet. Larger, more industrial looking wood stoves can effectively and efficiently heat more than 3,000 square feet. Many wood stoves carry an efficiency rating of 75%-80% or higher.
Having a wood burning unit in your home allows you to produce heat with a green, renewable energy source. Because of their designs these stoves burn for an incredibly long time, often six to 10 hours. This provides the maximum amount of heat from a minimum amount of wood – a clean, naturally renewable product.
Perfect for Every Home
Wood stoves are an amazing solution for people who want to live life a little more off-the-grid, who are in places where utilities aren’t available and for those who long for a wood burning fireplace but can’t install one.
Now available in a wide variety of styles, sizes and looks, wood stoves are a growing crowd-pleaser and can add a unique flair to any modern home. The Home & Hearth Outfitters showroom is filled with wood stoves to fit any need, so stop by to shop our collection and discuss this great wood burning fireplace alternative.