Potbelly stoves are made of cast iron. They are free standing and have a large-diameter pipe that vents through the ceiling or through a wall. The name refers to the barrel shape of these stoves. It is considered an emblem of 19th and early 20th century Americana.
Potbelly stoves were mostly used to heat large spaces such as schoolhouses, rail stations, and stores. As Americans moved west, many of them installed potbelly stoves in their houses because they did a better job of heating than a regular fireplace. With its iconic claw feet, the front part of potbelly stove has a little door that opens for feeding in wood or cleaning out ashes.
Today, most potbelly stoves are replicas, though a few genuine antiques exist. Some people install them for a particular decor, and others use them for heating. New ones cost around $2,000. A well-made, properly located stove can easily heat a house of 2,000 square feet. There are several steps to installing a potbelly stove in a home.
Modern potbelly stoves can burn one or more fuel sources, such as coal, wood, or corn pellets. The first step after choosing an actual stove is to make a series of measurements in the room where the potbelly stove is to go. It has to have certain clearances from combustible materials: 36 inches from unprotected woodwork or other combustible objects, and 18 inches from non-combustible objects. Sometimes there are local building codes that need to be addressed during installation, so it is a good idea for the homeowner to check this out up front.
Heat protection is important with potbelly stoves. A heat shield is metal or other non-combustible material, and it considerably cuts the fire hazard from this type of stove. The addition of a heat shield not only increases safety, but also decreases the required clearances from walls and other surroundings. Whether a heat shield is used or not, the potbelly stove msut have a brick, metal, or tile surface underneath it. It should never be placed on anything that could catch fire if ashes or coal were to fall on it, such as vinyl flooring or carpeting.
Venting is extremely important. Potbelly stoves require a Class A double walled chimney to meet building codes. The best bet is to hire a professional chimney contractor to complete this part of the stove installation. An improperly installed chimney can be dangerous or even deadly if carbon monoxide doesn't vent properly to the outside of the house.
Tags: antique potbelly stoves, potbelly stoves, potbelly stoves uk