Pot Belly Stoves: A Classic Look

If there is one type of heating stove that is the epitome of the vintage look it must be the pot belly stove. But it isn't just the antique looks that make the pot belly stove such a popular choice. With the wide range of sizes that the stoves are available in, the ability to regulate heat output easily, and the ease of cleaning of many of the models, these stoves have become firm favorites in many homes. This article will look at the various aspects of choosing a pot bellied stove and some of the considerations needed to be made when buying one.

The classic looks of an antique pot belly stove are something which attracts a lot of people to this design. A pot belly stove looks great in a traditional kitchen, for instance, or anywhere that has a vintage-style decoration. But even in modern surroundings the pot belly stove still looks good by adding a vintage design touch to an otherwise modern room.

Pot Belly Draft Controls

The stoves are available in various sizes and can be used to heat anything from the smallest room to a decent-sized hall. If you have a small room that lacks any other form of heating then a pot belly stove could be a great choice to keep the room at a decent temperature. When choosing a stove, ensure that it has adequate draft controls, in order that the heat may be regulated properly. By increasing the draft, the stove can turn out more heat, which is essential when the outside temperature falls and you want to keep the indoor temperature stable.

The stove will have an ash pan at the bottom, which collects the ash from whatever fuel has been used. The pan should be easily removable so that the stove can be easily cleaned. Pot belly stoves traditionally burned either wood or coal, and many people still use these materials today, especially if they have bought a true vintage pot belly. However, almost all the old models of stove can be converted to gas or electricity, so that you get the benefits of the vintage look and the heat production, but without having to go to the trouble of starting a fire on those cold mornings. Many companies which restore old pot belly stoves will convert the stove to gas or electricity for a fee.

Pot Belly Cooklid

And remember, the pot belly is not only for heat to warm the room. Many of the old vintage stoves have what is known a cooklid, which enables you to use the heat of the stove to warm coffee or even cook a meal. That really is using a vintage stove in the real way.

As you can see, there are a few things to think about before buying a pot belly stove. You need to choose the right size in order that the heat output is enough to warm the room, and you have to make sure there is a proper draft control to regulate the heat. You may also want to consider having the stove converted to gas or electricity if you don't want to be bothered with coal or wood burning. But by keeping these few points in mind you should be able to find a pot belly stove which gives you great looks and a good source of heat.