Types of Cast Iron Wood Stove Shapes

Square Style

• The classic square cast iron stove is a staple reminiscent of the American frontier. These small stoves can produce a lot of radiant heat, and have an authentic look that fits well in rustic design schemes.

Barrel Style

• The top-load barrel style stoves were designed primarily for garages and workshops. The top of the stove has a heavy plate that you have to use a fireplace poker or a heat resistant glove to open for fueling the fire. Some models, called potbelly stoves, where slimmer on the end than in the middle and the fueling door was in the front like a standard wood stove.

Rectangular Style

• This style was found predominantly in old-fashioned kitchens. The wood was loaded into a compartment underneath the stove for baking and into another compartment for heating the cast iron stove top, used for boiling water and heating the teapot. These are antique items, but still used by some people even today.