Cast iron fireplaces have a special place in American history. These types of fireplaces come in both indoor and outdoor varieties. Most common for the indoors are the wood or pellet burning cast iron fireplaces. There are also the pot bellied stoves that are made of cast iron and the more common steel versions as well. For outdoors there are cast iron fire pits that have become very popular over the last 10 years or so. These usually have a cover of some type to stop the embers from the fire from blowing away.
Since I have purchased many of these types of fireplaces before I thought it would make sense to walk the reader through the various types, brands, sizes, and styles of these units. You are able to purchase your fireplace from a variety of sources. There are online retailers that carry a nice selection and also have very good prices on their products. Also, you can likely find an internet retailer who will ship your fireplace to you for free or for a very reduced rate. Given that these things usually weigh a few hundred pounds that can be both a cost saver and a convenience for the buyer. When the product is shipped you don’t have to carry it in your vehicle or lug it out of the store and into your house. Just a small thing to consider when purchasing your fireplace made out of cast iron.
As far as types of fireplaces there are three we will discuss here. The chiminea, the pot bellied stove, and the outdoor cast iron fireplace.
The chiminea is actually my favorite type of heating tool. These would originally conceived in Mexico and the Southwestern United States and are shaped like a bulb. These fine stoves add ambience to any outdoor area and of course they add heat too! They usually include a spark arrestor around the middle of the unit where the fire is visible. This is necessary to stop any floating embers from escaping. Most also include a rain cap which prevents water from entering and snuffing your burning fire. Some units even include a swing out cooking grill so that you can grill food. I have never utilized this feature and prefer to use the chiminea for simple heating of an outdoor area.
The cast iron pot bellied stove has actually been an American tradition for a few hundred years. These are very durable units and can heat a home quite quickly. The cast iron spreads and disburses heat quite well so any burning wood is used to the fullest. The downside of buying one of these units is that they are quite heavy and difficult to transport. One other consideration is that they can build up quite a bit of soot after heavy use and tend to get quite dirty.
Finally, the outdoor cast iron fireplace is a favorite in California. These units are used in backyards and allow the user to burn a small contained fire. All of the enjoyment of a pit fire but with the flames above ground for all to enjoy. Regardless of which of these cast iron fireplaces you choose they can surely add not only heat but also character to your home.