Pot Belly Stoves: Blazing Hot Or Just Warm?

Potbelly stoves, also known as Round Oak stoves, are compact cast-iron stoves that burn wood to give off a significant amount of radiant heat. They were first developed in the mid-19th century and became an icon of Americana, but fell out of fashion with the advent of furnaces and central heating in the mid-20th century. Today, they are still used to heat homes and cook meals.

The temperature of a potbelly stove depends on several factors, including the specific stove, the type of wood being burned, the moisture content of the wood, and the type of heat being measured. A standard wood stove typically burns at temperatures between 500 and 800°F, while a small wood stove will reach slightly lower temperatures.

Potbelly stoves come in various sizes, from small stoves that can comfortably heat an office space to large stoves that can warm a big meeting hall overnight. They are known for their unique barrel shape, with a pronounced bulge in the centre that differs from the square models that were popular at the time of their invention.

A potbelly stove can heat a small office or a large meeting hall

A potbelly stove is a cast-iron, coal- or wood-burning stove with a distinctive barrel or cylindrical shape and a bulging middle. Invented in the 19th century, they were once a common sight in train stations and one-room schoolhouses, where they were used to heat large rooms.

Today, a small potbelly stove can comfortably heat an office space, while a large one can warm a big meeting hall. They are also popular in cabins, homes, restaurants, and hotels, where their quaint appearance adds character and a cosy warmth.

When buying a potbelly stove, it is important to examine its features and condition. Check for cracks, warping, or gaps, particularly in the firebox, grate, and stovepipe, and ensure that all parts are present. Cast-iron wood-burning stoves are generally solid pieces of equipment, but they are susceptible to severe rusting, so keep them away from water if possible.

When installing a potbelly stove, consult local fire safety codes and ensure the stove is at least 36 inches from walls. You will also need an outlet for the smoke, usually a chimney or insulated pipe. Ceiling fans can help disperse the heat.

Potbelly stoves are a popular choice for those seeking a heating option that does not require electricity. They are also useful in emergencies, as they can be vented out of a window and offer a cooktop for preparing food without power.

They can burn wood or coal

Potbelly stoves, also known as "Round Oak", are one of the many types of wood- or coal-burning stoves that were made of cast iron in the late 1800s and early 1900s. They are characterised by their unique barrel-like shape, with a bulging middle that differs from the more square models of the time. These stoves were built throughout the 1900s and could burn either wood or coal, or a combination of both.

The heavy cast iron material of potbelly stoves allows them to hold and radiate heat efficiently, making them a popular choice for heating homes, schools, and public meeting halls in the past. Their compact size also makes them versatile, as a small stove can comfortably heat an office space, while a large one can warm a big meeting hall overnight. The cooktop on the flat top of the stove provides an added benefit of an easy way to prepare food, making it a useful feature in schools for teachers to cook lunch for students.

When burning wood or coal in a potbelly stove, it is important to note that coal burns at a higher temperature. To get the coal fired up, you need to start with a wood fire first. Add wadded-up newspaper, small sticks, and then small dry logs to the main chamber, lighting the newspaper first to spread the fire gradually. Once the main log starts to burn, you can add coal if desired.

While potbelly stoves are no longer commonly found in stores or homes, they remain sought-after antique items that evoke nostalgia and a sense of classic Americana. Their decline in popularity can be attributed to stricter EPA regulations, changing building codes, insurance restrictions, and evolving tastes in style.

They can be converted to gas

The potbelly stove, also known as a Round Oak, is a type of wood- or coal-burning stove that was popular in the late 1800s and early 1900s. These stoves are made of cast iron and are known for their unique barrel shape with a bulge in the centre. While they were once a common source of heat and cooking, many have been replaced by modern furnaces and central heating systems. However, some people still enjoy the cosy warmth and ambiance of a potbelly stove.

One of the downsides of a potbelly stove is the need to chop wood or coal to fuel it. However, this can be avoided by converting the stove to gas. This involves replacing the logs with ceramic or lava-stone bricks that help radiate the heat. This option is ideal for those who want the charm of an antique stove without the hassle of burning wood or coal.

Converting a potbelly stove to gas offers several benefits. It provides the convenience and comfort of modern cooking and heating while preserving the antique appearance of the stove. The conversion process can be customised to include features such as a stainless steel oven interior, a thermostat for temperature regulation, and gas logs that resemble a real fire. The controls are subtly placed, and the conversion complies with all local heating codes, ensuring a safe and secure source of heat.

It's important to note that converting an antique stove to gas requires professional expertise. Companies like Good Time Stove offer custom conversion services that preserve the antiquity of the stove while enhancing it with modern functionality. They can convert any antique stove to gas, propane, or electric, providing customers with the best of both worlds.

They can be used for cooking

Potbelly stoves, also known as Round Oak stoves, are characterised by their cylindrical shape with a bulge in the middle. They are made of cast iron and burn wood or coal to produce a significant amount of radiant heat. The stoves are available in small, medium, and large sizes, with the largest ones being able to warm a big meeting hall all night.

The flat top of a potbelly stove provides a cooking area, making it a good choice for schools where teachers would cook lunch for students. The top of the stove can get as hot as 900 degrees, and the stovepipe can reach temperatures of 500 degrees or more. This makes potbelly stoves a viable option for cooking and heating water, even in emergency situations where there is no electricity.

When building a fire in a potbelly stove, it is important to start with a wood fire, even if you plan to burn coal. This is because coal burns at a higher temperature, and you need to create a hot enough fire to get the coal fired up. Add wadded-up newspaper, followed by small sticks and then small logs on top. Light the newspaper first, which will burn quickly and spread the fire to the kindling. Close the door and adjust the air vents to feed the fire plenty of oxygen. You can add coal once the main log starts to burn.

Potbelly stoves are a popular option for heating homes and cooking meals, offering both efficiency and a cosy warmth. They are relatively easy to use and maintain, making them a great choice for those seeking an alternative to traditional heating and cooking methods.

They can be used in a variety of settings

The potbelly stove is an American classic, used to heat railroad depots, cabooses, and train stations. They were also used in public buildings and gathering places, such as schools, churches, town halls, meeting houses, and general stores. They were the centrepiece of social activity in these places.

Potbelly stoves have also been used domestically, with some people using them as their sole source of heat. They can be used to cook on, and their compact size means they can heat small spaces like an office, or larger spaces like a big meeting hall.

They are also used decoratively, adding character and warmth to a space. They are popular in restaurants and hotels, as well as in homes and cabins.

Some people use potbelly stoves for camping, fishing, and hiking trips, as they are relatively mobile.

Frequently asked questions