Soapstone vs. Cast Iron Stoves
Wood-burning stoves, popular heat sources during the oil embargoes in the 1970s, are again gaining in popularity in the United States both as a primary heat source and as supplemental heat. The wood stoves of the 21st century are re-engineered to meet EPA guidelines. Soapstone and cast iron stoves are much more efficient than their counterparts from earlier periods. Wood stoves have become beautiful and functional decorative accents for the home. Does this Spark an idea?
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History
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Both cast iron and soapstone stoves have been sources of heat for more than 200 years. Most soapstone stoves use cast iron framing to hold the stone panels in place and to provide some decorative accents.
Soapstone is a metamorphic rock, which means that it was formed under heat and pressure. It is very stable, and unlike other rock, it can withstand direct fire indefinitely as well as dramatic changes in temperature.
Cast iron is formed by pouring molten iron into a mold. Ben Franklin invented a cast iron stove in 1742, which he called a "Pennsylvania Fireplace." Cast iron is artistic, skilled work, and later stoves are beautiful as well as functional.
Function
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Several types of wood-fueled heating systems are on the market. Besides heating your home, wood stoves add ambiance to the room. Soapstone and cast iron stoves are made to be placed directly in living areas such as the living room or family room. A stove with a cooking surface makes an excellent addition to the kitchen.
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Features: Cast Iron
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Cast iron stoves heat up quickly. The entire stove becomes hot, and it is important to have adequate shielding around it to prevent accidental burns. This fast heat quality can raise the room temperature to a comfortable level in the same time that a slower soapstone stove is just warming up. However the cast iron also loses heat fairly quickly as the fire inside dies down.
Cast iron stoves have many recent improvements that increase their efficiency. Baffles inside the stoves circulate the hot air in the stove, causing a more complete fuel burn. Catalytic converters aid with this. A more complete fuel burn means less creosote in the chimney and more heat in your house.
Cast iron stoves often burn out overnight and must be restarted in the morning. This can be affected by the type of wood you are burning, and whether your stove model has a thermostat or regulating device. Room temperatures may fluctuate by many degrees with a cast iron stove. Some models are equipped with optional fans to distribute heat more evenly over a larger area.
If you want to cook on your wood stove, a cast iron stove gives better heat for regular cooking. You'll need a flat-top stove to set cookware on.
Depending on the brand and model, and any options you may select, a cast iron stove may cost less than soapstone. The casting process allows a great deal of artistry in creating iron stoves, and the degree of decoration can influence the cost as much as the size and heat output.
Features: Soapstone
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Soapstone stoves provide what is referred to as "soft heat." This is a long-lasting heat that radiates from the stone even after the fire has died down. Soapstone absorbs heat and retains it longer than iron, releasing it more evenly to warm the room. The fire burns more slowly in soapstone stoves. Usually plenty of coals remain overnight to rekindle a fire the following morning, and the stone will still be radiating warmth. Soapstone stoves in continuous use will not have large fluctuations in room temperature.
A hot soapstone stove usually does not burn you immediately if you accidentally touch or bump against it. For this reason, soapstone is considered by some to be a safer alternative for households with small children and curious pets.
A soapstone stove does not offer a high degree of heat needed for many cooking tasks. However a flat top soapstone stove can be used to slow-cook foods.
Many people prefer the appearance of soapstone. It is available in colors, and sometimes resembles granite or marble. The stone itself is in flat panels, and decorative accents are in the cast iron frame assembly.
Warnings
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Installing any wood heat device requires knowledgeable skill in chimney inspection and upgrades, stovepipe installation, and floor and wall protection to meet professional installation and safety standards.
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