30 Examples of cast iron fireplaces in the interior, which prove that the “potbelly stove” is back in fashion

by Alexey | Decor Workshop Interior | Thursday, December 19, 2019

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Any owner of a private home dreams of a fireplace, where you can relax on a winter evening with a hot cup of tea or your favorite book. But not everyone can afford to install a massive brick fireplace, because this is a serious load on the foundation and considerable costs, and in the best case it should be included in the project before building the house.

A la russe

The “a la russe” style involves the use of traditional authentic elements of Russian life. Once upon a time, classics were written about stoves with such decor. Shelves were placed near the whitewashed hearth.

Wood is an absolute favorite. The main decorative elements are samovars, brooms and spinning wheels, animal skins (not exotic) and towels with embroidered ornaments. It is not at all necessary to decorate the stove with drawings. A perfect white background is enough.

Other directions

Traditional Russian stoves with couches in modern apartments are often decorated in ethnic styles, very far from Slavic symbols. The most fashionable formats are oriental and Mexican.

The Russian stove in the interior of houses is a wonderful element that decorates the location and gives the room a unique atmosphere of comfort and homely warmth. With the help of the right design and well-chosen decor, you can turn your home into a real work of art.

Additional options

— Extra bells and whistles or useful features

Many manufacturers equip fireplace stoves with a number of additional options. features to satisfy the needs of even the most demanding customers. These “chips” include:

presence of a hob;
presence of an oven;
heat exchanger or water circuit.

Regarding the first two points, we think that everything is clear: if you need a fireplace stove instead of a stove or oven, then your desire will be fulfilled. But with the heat exchanger it’s a little more complicated.

Fig 5. Vesuvius PK-03 (224) fireplace stove with hob

The heat exchanger or water circuit option in fireplace stoves has two purposes:

heating the water tank (to obtain hot water);
for connecting radiators (batteries) to heat the entire dacha or entire country house as if from a boiler.

On the one hand, it is not difficult to determine whether you need this element, but on the other hand, manufacturers, as a rule, do not indicate the purpose of the heat exchanger in a specific model!

If the model you choose does not contain this information, then call our specialist and he will advise you free of charge. Therefore, just in case, save this article to your Favorites and this phone number to your notebook.

Russian hut and tower

The stylistic concept of “Russian hut” involves the use of wood. It can only be an imitation, but it must be skillful and thoughtful. In some ways, this direction is reminiscent of a loft, but it is much more dynamic and elegant than the “concrete jungle” style. The main difference from the previous style is that each decorative element has its own functional purpose.

A house in the “Russian tower” style is radically different from other styles. Planning plays an important role here. In villages, many people still decorate their yard in this style. Key features: the presence of garden decor, bright colors, ornate carvings, an abundance of tiles, colorful patterns, bright decor.

Chimney outlet orientation

— Top or back?

When installing a fireplace stove in your dacha, you will definitely be faced with the issue of the location of the chimney. To solve this problem, pay attention to the pipe.

The pipe is a stove element, approximately 5 cm high, on which the chimney is installed.

If the pipe is located on top of the fireplace stove, then the chimney will need to be directed upward. Or first up (at least 0.5 m), and then into the wall with a 90-degree bend.

If the pipe is located at the back, then the chimney goes directly into the wall and, accordingly, it will not be visible in the room.

It's simple!

Fig 4. Stove-fireplace Meta Angara 12 with a top chimney exit and Vesuvius PK-01 (205) with a rear chimney exit

Homemade option

Doubts overcome any novice master, and they are motivated and justified by the fact that at any time the stove maker was considered the most skillful mason. And in order to build a stove, it is not enough just to master brick or stone laying. Does this apply to the fireplace?

The question is ambiguous. This is not to say that you can make a mini fireplace for a country house with your own hands in no time, but you shouldn’t be scared, even if you don’t have any experience behind you.

The concept of a fireplace is simple: ash pan, firebox, chimney. All that remains is to implement them in such a way that they have maximum efficiency, heat transfer, and functionality.

Due to the fact that garden fireplaces are usually small in size, its cost will be so low that you can afford to make a mistake and do all the work again. We don’t leave you free to float and suggest that you familiarize yourself with the step-by-step instructions for laying out a brick fireplace.

Original fireplace construction

In order to get a working and beautiful-looking fireplace, you can use refractory brick, which is also a facing brick. Laying should be done on a mixture of clay and sand. They must first be cleared of large elements by sifting. Remember, too massive layers of mortar between bricks reduce the overall heat transfer rate. Professionals apply the solution by hand. But if you have no experience, you can use a trowel.

Good to know: Which gas fireplace to choose for an apartment, studying the principle of operation of the gas system

Fireplace kit

It is believed that a vertical firebox, as in the Rais Pilar model, provides the most efficient combustion. Photo: Vladimir Grigoriev/Burda Media

For a spacious living room, it is worth purchasing a so-called fireplace set, that is, a metal firebox with a cladding made of artificial or natural stone selected by the seller. The market offers budget fireboxes, Ferguss, Kratki, Nordflam, Invicta, etc., cladding Bella Italia, Meta, etc. Compact fireplaces (the width of the finished structure is no more than 1 m, the depth is up to 70 cm) cost 27–35 thousand rubles .

When installing a fireplace set, it is necessary to provide convection openings: inlets - in the lower part of the cladding, outlets - in the chimney casing.

The cheapest firebox for a wall-mounted fireplace with one glass. Photo: Ferlux

The factory firebox is equipped with a door with glass and air dampers (a damper is usually an additional option). Without exception, all steel models are lined with fireclay or vermiculite blocks; most have the function of afterburning flue gases. The cleanliness of the door glass is ensured by its blowing through special gaps. Pyrolytic glass cleaning, a lifting door or a convection fan increase the price of the firebox by at least one and a half times.

Most of the facings are made in the classical style: a base with an arched firewood, wall-columns decorated with capitals, a frieze lintel and a shelf. Photo: “Fireplaces of the XXI century”

Corner models are equipped with additional heat-resistant glass in the side wall, and therefore their price is 20–30% higher. Photo: Invicta

From a design point of view, a factory fireplace set is in no way inferior to its masonry counterpart, and in some ways even surpasses it. Modules of budget frames are made from lightweight concrete painted in a noble gray or yellowish color, as well as from natural sandstone and shell rock - environmentally friendly and visually attractive materials. True, they are difficult to maintain (it is problematic to wash away contaminants from the porous surface) and almost do not accumulate heat - in one and a half to two hours the fireplace will completely cool down.

Photo: NII KM

Even more expensive is a firebox with a convection casing and pipes for connecting air heating hoses. Photo: Invicta

The weight of the cladding is 80–150 kg, and the entire fireplace set (excluding the chimney, the load from which can be transferred to the wall) weighs about 200–250 kg. In a house with modern slab floors, it can be installed without a foundation, but if the floors are wooden beams, they will need to be locally reinforced with support pillars.

The structure can be assembled in one day: the cladding consists of only a few modules held together with silicate glue. It is somewhat more difficult to build a decorative casing for a metal chimney pipe: its frame is assembled from galvanized metal profiles, and the cladding is made of sheet materials on a gypsum or cement base (for example, gypsum fiber board 12.5 mm thick).

The best wood burning stoves

Guca Lava

A closed-type floor-standing fireplace stove allows you to heat residential private and country houses . Heat begins to flow into the rooms after 15-20 minutes, and the long-burning system maintains it for 8 hours from one load of firewood.

Equipped with a cast iron hob of an unusual shape, with the ability to place 2 containers on it.

The model has gained popularity thanks to its cast iron body, which perfectly accumulates heat and distributes it evenly throughout the room.

Characteristics:

heating volume - 240 m3;
power - 12 kW;
there is a chimney with a diameter of 12 cm, top connection;
Efficiency - 78.1%
fuel type - firewood;
there is a box for ash;
material of the body, firebox and top panel - cast iron, doors - glass;
dimensions - 54x94.6x49.3 cm;
the weight of the fireplace stove is 155 kg.

Advantages:

large sizes of facade glass;
“clean glass” system;
“long burning” system;
system of “secondary combustion of carbon monoxide” to increase efficiency;
economical consumption of firewood;
attractive appearance;
suitable for installation anywhere in the room;
strong and durable housing.

Flaws:

unfinished ash pit design;
uncomfortable handles.

Kratki Koza K9

This is a closed floor cast iron fireplace stove for a summer house and country house . The wall thickness is 8 mm, cast from gray cast iron. They allow you to evenly distribute heat throughout the entire area of the room.

Adjusting the combustion air supply reduces the burning time of wood.

Not only firewood, but also coal briquettes are used as fuel.

It has a unique appearance - each structural element is cast from cast iron and has a complex “carved” shape.

The stove will fit perfectly into any interior of the room, and the panoramic door will open up a wonderful view of the play of fire.

Characteristics:

heating volume - 250 m3;
power - 13 kW;
there is a chimney with a diameter of 15 cm, rear and top connections;
Efficiency - 78%;
fuel type - firewood (min. length - 35 cm), coal briquettes;
there is a box for ash;
body material - cast iron, doors - glass;
dimensions - 76.6x66x54.6 cm;
the weight of the fireplace stove is 160 kg.

Advantages:

fast heating of the area;
not demanding on the type and quality of firewood;
spacious firebox;
the door consists of triple glass;
“clean glass” system;
efficient removal of combustion products;
environmental friendliness, safety of use.

Flaws:

rapid blackening of glass;
smoke transmission is observed;
The chimney gets clogged quickly.

La Nordica Nicoletta

This is a reliable and convenient heating device . The uniqueness lies in the exquisite Italian design - the stove body can be burgundy, beige or cream.

The complex air flow system is designed for use of the fireplace in smoldering mode, long burning.

The floor structure acts as an independent heating equipment and works perfectly in tandem with central heating.

The wide chimney is easy to clean and quickly removes combustion products from the room.

Characteristics:

heating volume - 229 m3;
power - 8 kW;
there is a chimney with a diameter of 13 cm, top connection;
Efficiency - 80.9%;
fuel type - firewood;
body material - cast iron, doors - glass;
dimensions - 58.7x98x57.2 cm;
the weight of the fireplace stove is 168 kg.

Advantages:

quick heating of rooms;
long-term heat retention;
there is a compartment for storing firewood;
stylish design;
safety of use;
high quality of the device and practicality;
the glass remains clean after several ignitions;
Ceramic lining prevents injuries to adults and children.

Flaws:

La Nordica Ghisa Isotta Con Cerchi

Floor-standing model for heating residential premises . Can operate with central heating. Double cast iron walls protect the body from burning through, which affects the durability of the stove.

The peculiarity is the presence of a full-fledged hob, complemented by a protective cover.

Uniqueness - the presence of a side door for loading firewood, an easy ignition function, summer operation (plays the role of a cooking stove).

Characteristics:

heating volume - 338 m3;
power - 11.9 kW;
there is a chimney with a diameter of 15 cm, rear connection;
Efficiency - 82%;
fuel type: wood with a maximum length of 30 cm;
firebox volume - 62.3 l;
functions - flame adjustment, clean glass, long burning, secondary combustion;
complete with ash drawer and hob;
body and firebox material - cast iron, doors - glass;
dimensions - 79x83x66 cm;
the weight of the fireplace stove is 216 kg.

Advantages:

highest quality cast iron;
large door with panoramic view;
handle for contactless cleaning of the grate;
convenient fuel loading;
sealed firebox;
functionality;
environmental friendliness;
economical consumption of firewood.

Flaws:

instant glass contamination during slow burning;
cools down quickly after the wood burns out.

Brandenburg Brandenburg with cast iron stove

This is a floor-standing stove made of cast iron, steel and ceramics . The combination of materials made it possible to obtain a high-performance model that releases heat 15 minutes after laying firewood.

The door is manufactured using direct glazing technology, which is used only in Germany and Japan.

The oven is ideal for cooking, since the cast iron hob heats up to +200 degrees.

Characteristics:

heating volume - 120 m3;
power - 9 kW;
there is a chimney with a diameter of 11.5 cm, rear connection;
fuel type - firewood;
functions - secondary afterburning, clean glass, long burning;
body material - steel, doors - glass, cladding - ceramics;
dimensions - 56x84x46 cm;
the weight of the fireplace stove is 118 kg.

Advantages:

plays the role of a full-fledged tile;
the cladding is covered with fireclay;
environmental friendliness;
safe operation;
has a fuel storage compartment;
resistance to high temperatures.

Flaws:

small firebox volume;
cools down quickly;
unfinished long-burning system.

Invicta Chamane

A French model with a youthful, sophisticated design . It is made of cast iron, so it instantly heats a large area and maintains heat for 10 hours.

Acts as an independent heat source or can function in conjunction with central heating.

The locking handle in the form of a large comma hermetically locks the firebox, does not allow the fire to escape beyond the chamber, and perfectly complements the designer’s idea.

Characteristics:

heating volume - 190 m3;
power - 14 kW;
there is a chimney with a diameter of 18 cm, top connection;
fuel type - firewood with a maximum length of 33 cm;
Efficiency - 78.8%;
functions - secondary afterburning, long burning - 10 hours, clean glass;
complete with ash box;
body material - cast iron, doors - glass;
dimensions - 57.8x120x56 cm;
the weight of the fireplace stove is 160 kg.

Advantages:

large panoramic glass;
efficient and fast heating;
uniform heat distribution;
magnificent author's design;
easy chimney installation;
high-quality removal of combustion products;
environmental friendliness and safety of use.

Flaws:

cools down quickly;
Ashes fly away.

EcoFireplace Bavaria

This product was developed according to high European quality technologies, but by a domestic manufacturer . The stove is easy to install and has great power capabilities.

After installation, the owner receives comfortable warmth and a wonderful panorama of live fire.

The fireplace operates in continuous burning mode for up to 5 hours, acting as the main source of heat.

Equipped with a hob for preparing various dishes and heating the kettle.

Characteristics:

power - 9 kW;
there is a chimney with a diameter of 15 cm, top connection;
fuel type - firewood;
complete with ash drawer and fuel storage tank;
construction material - cast iron, doors - glass;
dimensions - 59x86x47.5 cm;
the weight of the fireplace stove is 126 kg.

Advantages:

fast and uniform heating of the room;
the quality and type of firewood does not matter;
interesting design;
large panoramic glass;
sealed housing;
safe operation and environmental friendliness.

Flaws:

glass gets dirty quickly;
The door is not fully finished.

Guca Mercury

Cast iron model with fireproof glass door . The stove is equipped with primary and secondary air regulators that regulate the amount of supplied air for high-quality combustion.

In this case, the primary must be open for the ignition time - 15-20 minutes.

When a stable combustion mode is achieved, it closes. This allows you to achieve fuel savings and high-quality room heating.

A secondary regulator is necessary to keep the glass clean and improve the subsequent combustion process.

Characteristics:

heating volume - 250 m3;
power - 13 kW;
Efficiency - 82%;
there is a chimney with a diameter of 12 cm, top and rear connections;
functions - clean glass;
complete with hob;
dimensions - 57.8x53.5x39 cm;
the weight of the fireplace stove is 110 kg.

Advantages:

ability to set long burning mode;
The hob does an excellent job of cooking;
uniform heating of rooms;
large glass;
beautiful appearance;
not being picky about the type and quality of firewood;
environmental friendliness, safe operation.

Flaws:

the door does not lock;
no ash drawer.

Teplodar Vertical ceramics

Heating and cooking device for heating living areas . With its compact size, it efficiently heats rooms and operates in a long-burning system.

Maintains heat on one stack of firewood for up to 8 hours.

Equipped with special heat sinks to which ventilation corrugated hoses are connected . They are suitable for warming adjacent rooms.

Decorative convector made of ceramic tiles.

The material can be easily changed for a better combination with the overall interior.

Characteristics:

heating volume - 120 m3;
there is a chimney with a diameter of 11.5 cm, rear and top connections;
functions - long burning system, 8 hours;
complete with ash pan;
body material - steel, fireboxes - cast iron, doors - glass;
dimensions - 37.5x88x42.5 cm;
the weight of the fireplace stove is 44 kg.

Advantages:

full cast iron stove;
efficient double-turn stainless steel chamber;
compact size and light weight;
there are heat sinks on the rear side of the case;
ceramic convector;
fuel economy;
environmental friendliness, safety.

Flaws:

heat is observed only when wood is burning;
The stated burning time is not true.

THORMA Milano II

An attractive stove with high heating performance in residential areas . It has gained popularity for its versatility and excellent design.

Available in a wide color palette - black, beige, white, burgundy.

Each buyer can choose an excellent solution for themselves, according to the overall interior of the room.

Fireproof triple glass prevents smoke from entering the room and opens a panoramic view of the play of fire.

Characteristics:

heating volume - 124 m3;
power - 5 kW;
Efficiency - 72%;
there is a chimney with a diameter of 12 cm, rear connection;
functions - secondary combustion, flame adjustment, clean glass, long burning;
complete with ash pan and hob;
case material - steel;
dimensions - 38x89x36 cm;
the weight of the fireplace stove is 72 kg.

Advantages:

afterburning of flue gases;
You can use firewood up to 40 cm long;
spacious ash pan;
there is a mechanism for dumping ash;
two convection chambers;
the cooking surface is complemented by a cast iron lid;
keeping the room clean.

Flaws:

“Clean glass” system

— Should we ignore its presence?

In any case, the combustion process is accompanied by the formation of soot, which, while doing its “dirty” job, stains the glass door of the oven. Let's return to our rhetorical question that was asked at the very beginning of the article: who would want to look at a fireplace stove with permanently black glass? The answer is obvious - no one! This means that the “clean glass” system for fireplace stoves is vital, since without it the main purpose of such stoves—to admire a live fire—loses its meaning. Therefore, make sure that the “clean glass” system is present in your oven.

Another thing is how well this system is implemented by a particular manufacturer. You can consult our specialists on this issue by calling: 8 (812) 605-85-05.

Example of fireplace masonry

Before deciding how to build a fireplace, you need to choose a method of arrangement (see Corner fireplace - arrangement). There are two variations of the order: with and without a spark arrester. The fireplace draft is adjusted using a valve. Efficiency equals 10–15%.

The first three rows or just the outline of the rows can be laid out according to the scheme, and the inner part can be filled with sand and crushed stone backfill. The fourth row is laid out with refractory bricks. Here, to secure the fireplace grate, embedded L-shaped pins are installed.

Simple fireplace

Ordering a regular fireplace

Laying a simple fireplace with a spark arrester

Materials for building a fireplace