Wood Stoves in Cast Iron

Wood Stoves

Imagine your favorite patio or back yard spot under the stars and add the warming flames rising and bouncing from a fire. A wood stove only adds to the appeal of outdoor living, especially as the seasons begin to change.

You don't have to wait for cooler weather to enjoy our selection. Use them all year long for cooking or simply to create a special atmosphere after sunset. You'll find friends and family are drawn to the outdoors with thoughts of gathering around a fire. No party is complete without the unique ambience provided by burning logs.

Wood stoves, by definition, are simply enclosed units that are safer to operate than open firepits. Chimeneas are the classic wood stove with all the best qualities built right in.

As you browse, you'll find many can burn real wood, gel inserts or artificial logs. Use real wood, if possible, for the aroma. In fact, if you plan to cook with the included custom grates, you should never use artificial logs. Seasoned oak is an excellent choice, as is hickory, and you can find "flavored" woods, such as applewood and mesquite in some regions. In Mexico, the aroma comes from "pinion" wood. It's a fast burner that produces higher heat. If you're preparing foods, you can also use charcoal briquettes.

Cast iron is one of the most structurally sound materials you can choose for outdoor use. It is much more crack resistant than clay models. It's a weighty material and, with some protection from the elements, will remain generally rust-free, too. Over time, you can give it a touchup with paints approved for fireplaces or similar products.

When it comes to style, the chimenea concept is a brilliant one. This Spanish term, sometimes spelled "chiminea," means chimney. It's a masterful design with a typical bulb-shaped, or "belly" base and a smokestack. Some styles sit directly on the ground, while others have legs and are available in numerous shapes. In the earliest days, these clay ovens were used for baking bread.

The taller smokestack and belly are designed for perfect airflow. Intake at the base draws the smoke up, out and away. When you're seated, you won't have to deal with burning and congestion. We offer wood stoves with single door openings as well as 360-degree screened bases. The former will contain the fire to a greater degree while the latter provides full-scaled viewing and greater attention to stoking the logs. Pagoda styles are more compact and lower to the ground. They're ideal, too, for smaller areas and don't have the height requirements. Crafting in cast iron makes them a sculptural attraction even when not in use.

Keep a few safety precautions in mind with any outdoor fire, even those that are confined. They should never be placed on a wood platform. Situate them away from buildings and objects as errant sparks may fly. Remove overhanging branches, too. This is one reason they're so beautiful and enjoyable in open spaces, of course. Remember that the outer shell will retain heat long after the fire is out. Don't allow the surface to become wet until it has cooled.

If you have taken old-fashioned heating to heart, you may also have a vented indoor unit. These are specially designed with pipes connecting to the outdoors. You can accessorize those plain connections with shams. They're so easy to attach and make such a difference.

At the Wood Stove Station, you'll find many designs to suit any lifestyle. Whether your outdoor space is large or small, you'll certainly enjoy the enticement of a crackling fire and glowing embers!