The indoor fireplace has one main objective and that is to keep your home warm and comfortable during the cold months of the year. When heated the cast iron material that these fireplaces are made up really radiate the heat around your home. If possible, you want to put the fireplace in the center of your home as the radiating heat will warm your whole home. This can lead not only to a warm house, but also possible savings on your energy bill. By burning wood, coal, or burn pellets you can warm your home and save money – not a bad combination at all. Particularly in these tough economic times saving money is always a good thing.

The outdoor cast iron fireplace serves multiple purposes. First, just like the indoor version, it creates warmth when the fire is burning. However, most people don’t buy the outdoor version for this purpose. Sure, when you have a group of people outside during the winter you will want to keep them warm. But perhaps more than that, you want your outdoor space to look good. You want it to be inviting not only in temperature but in atmosphere. When your guests go outside you want them to be immersed in the cozy atmosphere that you have created for them. Entertaining is one of the main reasons why people choose the outdoor version of the cast iron fireplace. They not only put off heat but also look really good. When you choose a rust or any other earth colored version they make nice pieces of art in your home.

In the end whether you choose an indoor or an outdoor cast iron fireplace you can rest assured that they are both good choices. Both will keep you and your guests warm. The utility that they offer can not be beat. Particularly when you can warm an area so inexpensively. Beyond that the good looks, decorative art possibilities, and different shapes, ensure that you can choose a model that is different than all others. You can personalize your fireplace choice so that you can create your own cozy outdoor or indoor paradise. A cast iron fireplace will go a long way in creating this environment for your friends, family, and guests.

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.