How to choose a fireplace stove for heating a country house

Furnace dimensions

You can choose the oven and size. The fact is that units, even with the same power, can have different dimensions. In a large house, you can install a large fireplace-type stove on a powerful base, which will have an impressive look.

Small-sized models are suitable where space is limited. So, for example, in a small country house you can install a small potbelly stove.

Compact ovens are very convenient because they can be disassembled and moved from place to place, they do not "take" the area. In addition, when choosing the size of the furnace, it must be taken into account that the larger the furnace part, the more firewood can be loaded.

Features of wood stoves

Wood-fired space heating stoves reduce the cost of heating a home when it is not possible to connect to a gas pipeline.

However, the construction of such a furnace is accompanied by its own requirements, which you should be aware of.

1. It is necessary to prepare a place where firewood will be laid. Indeed, for the winter season, several cubes of wood may be needed. For storage, you need to choose places closed from precipitation.
2. A stove for heating a house with wood needs constant care - you need to clean the ash pan, keep the chimneys clean, preventing the accumulation of soot.
3. To heat the stove with wood means that from time to time it is necessary to put new portions of fuel into the furnace. In automatic mode, heating will not work.

But with all these features, it must be recognized that it is firewood that is the way out when heating a summer house or a house when there is no gas. By purchasing a country house, you can put a stove there, buy firewood and not worry about the method of heating.

In summer cottages, a gas pipeline is extremely rarely laid. It is not required, since people do not live there permanently. However, it often happens that city dwellers move to country houses for permanent residence, especially when such settlements adjoin the city limits. And then modern stoves for heating a house on wood will be indispensable.

Quite popular stoves from a well-known manufacturer of heating stoves and fireplaces Teplodar. They differ in quality and reliability. A wide range of heating equipment allows you to choose the best option for each individual case.

Advantages of the furnace heating option:

• furnace equipment is one of the cheapest;
• installation of boiler stoves for a wood-fired house is simple, only the construction of a chimney is difficult;
• if the house consists of one room, then you can’t imagine a better heating;
• if you properly position the stove, you can warm up several rooms at once;
• from the wood-burning stove in the room there is a very good microclimate, good for health;
• It is possible to choose a unit for water heating.

Advantages of long-burning fireplace stoves

The main feature of a modern fireplace stove is the regulated process of burning solid fuel, which occurs in the main chamber with a certain lack of oxygen. Firewood in this mode does not flare up with a bright flame, but smolder for a long time. At the same time, a temperature sufficient for pyrolysis is maintained - the decomposition of macromolecular compounds to the simplest gases, including CO. They burn out completely at the exit from the furnace, where additional air enters in the required quantities. As a result, the maximum amount of heat is released and no harmful emissions occur.

Unlike a pyrolysis boiler, a fireplace stove does not need additional energy sources. It does not require forced air supply, which in this case comes from natural draft in two streams:

• primary air is supplied to the lower part of the main combustion chamber;
• secondary air is mixed with flue gases at the outlet of the furnace.

The best fireplace stoves, arranged in this way, demonstrate an efficiency of 75-85%. They require a small laying of firewood and do not need to be added for a long time, providing long-term heating of the room. Their main process of heat transfer occurs due to thermal radiation, but there are also convection fireplaces that supply heated air through pipelines to neighboring rooms. At the same time, all such devices retain the main advantage of an ordinary fireplace - the ability to admire the playing flames.

Distinctive features

The operation of any of the systems based on long-term combustion of fuel occurs by ensuring the combustion of pyrolysis gases. Their release is made when fossil fuel burns slowly.

Air ducts in such structures have their own characteristics, due to which the wood smolders and releases hydrocarbons in the form of gas.

The principle of operation of fireplace stoves is as follows:

1. Pyrolysis gases, which were formed during the slow oxidation of organic fuels, come into contact with air and then enter the combustion chamber. As a result of the process, a significant amount of thermal energy is released.
2. The resulting heat can be used to transfer the temperature to a heat carrier or a boiler with an indirect type of heating.

IMPORTANT! An important advantage of the fireplace stove can be considered the minimum level of soot formation during the combustion of pyrolysis compounds. But it is worth considering that when arranging such a device, you need to properly mount the chimney

It will allow you to efficiently remove exhaust gases, ensuring the safety of residents and the efficiency of the furnace.

But it is worth considering that when arranging such a device, you need to properly mount the chimney. It will allow you to efficiently remove exhaust gases, ensuring the safety of residents and the efficiency of the furnace.

The best outdoor fireplace stoves

Maximum performance is given by floor-standing stoves-fireplaces. Unlike traditional Russian stoves, they do not require a foundation. Experts have selected several effective models.

La Nordica Nicoletta

Rating: 4.9

The best Italian traditions are preserved in La Nordica Nicoletta floor-standing stove. It is made of thick-walled cast iron, majolica is chosen as a facing material.The consumer is offered several color options (white, red, blue, beige, cappuccino). Experts appreciated the high efficiency of the furnace (80.9%) and economical fuel consumption (2.3 kg/h). At the same time, the device is able to cope with the heating of a room with a volume of 229 cubic meters. m. The model becomes the winner of our rating.

Users praise the Italian stove for its stylish design, long-term heat retention, ease of maintenance, and long-burning function. It is not necessary to look into the oven daily with a poker, with the help of a “shaker” you can shake off the ash from the grate. The only drawback is the high cost.

• high quality;
• exquisite design;
• practicality;
• durability.

high price.

ABX Turku 5

Rating: 4.8

According to the most modern canons, the Czech stove-fireplace ABX Turku 5 was made. This stylish heater is designed for installation in rooms with a volume of 70 cubic meters. m. But not only in this aspect, the model is inferior to the winner of the rating. The manufacturer did not provide a compartment for storing firewood. Steel is used as the main material for creating the case. Beautiful black color will allow the fireplace to fit into any interior. The furnace efficiency reaches 80%. Experts noted the presence of such options as a self-cleaning glass mode, economical wood consumption, a double afterburning system, and a slow burning function.

Homeowners are satisfied with the quality of the stove, stylish appearance, cost-effectiveness. The disadvantages include low productivity and the lack of a compartment for storing firewood.

• stylish appearance;
• profitability;
• double afterburning system;
• slow burning function.

modest performance.

Guca Lava

Rating: 4.7

Domestic homeowners are showing high interest in the Guca Lava fireplace stove. In just 2 months, more than 3270 people viewed the product card at NM. One of the attractive factors, according to experts, is the reasonable price. At the same time, the heated volume is 240 cubic meters. m. The model is somewhat inferior to the leaders of the rating in terms of efficiency (78.1%). The body of the fireplace is made of cast iron, the Serbian manufacturer has equipped its product with a secondary afterburning system and a self-cleaning glass function. The attractive design is one of the advantages of the device.

In reviews, users most often praise the Guca Lava stove. They are satisfied with the power, the speed of heating the room, and the long-term preservation of heat. The design of the ash pan and handles does not suit the homeowners, there is not enough compartment for firewood.

• high power;
• acceptable price;
• fast heating;
• cute design.

• unsuccessful design of the ash pan and handles;
• no wood storage.

Teplodar Rumba

Rating: 4.6

The lowest price for a floor-type stove-fireplace has a domestic development Teplodar Rumba. The manufacturer saved on material in the manufacture of the case by using steel instead of cast iron. Ceramic cladding adds sophistication to the heater. The design power of the furnace is 10 kW, which is enough to heat a room with a volume of 100 cubic meters. m. Of the additional options, the experts identified the adjustment of the level of the flame and a compartment for storing firewood. The model stopped a step away from the top three of our rating.

According to users, the manufacturer managed to make the fireplace beautiful and comfortable for relaxing near an open fire.But the stove cools down quickly, homeowners faced the problem of purchasing consumable vermiculite boards.

Pros and cons of wood burning fireplaces

Any fireplace, both wood-burning and electric, is an attribute of luxury and wealth. Previously, fireplaces were found in many houses where rich and not very rich people lived. The burning logs gave warmth and created an incredibly cozy and serene atmosphere, allowing you to take a break from everyday life full of problems. It is especially pleasant to sit near the blazing hearth on snowy days when there are bitter frosts on the street.

Classic fireplaces, unlike electric ones, have several important advantages:

• Nothing compares to burning wood - it is simply impossible to recreate the atmosphere they create in other ways;
• A living fire cannot compete with an artificial electric flame that does not give heat;
• Wood burning fireplaces are less expensive to operate than their electric counterparts – electricity costs more than wood;
• Wood-burning fireplaces, unlike electric ones, give a pleasant smell of burning wood;
• Each kindling of a wood-burning fireplace is a sacred act associated with the stacking of firewood and its regular tossing, which many people like. It is enough to simply connect an electrical device to a power outlet - and that's it, no romance.

But they also have disadvantages, and large ones:

Firewood located next to the fireplace will give the whole picture additional comfort and authenticity. You can buy fake logs in any store that sells decorative fireplaces.

• You can’t just take and install a wood-burning fireplace in a house or apartment - for this you need to make room, lay out brickwork, equip a chimney. An electric fireplace wins in this regard;
• For the operation of a wood-burning unit, a chimney is needed - it will not work to install it in an apartment in a multi-storey building;
• The fuss with firewood and coal cleaning can be a little tiring - there is no getting around it;
• Fire hazard - even if all fire prevention measures are taken, there is always a risk that the operation of the fireplace will lead to a fire;
• Labor-intensive to assemble - if you want to assemble the fireplace yourself, you will need experience in bricklaying. The problem is solved by buying a store sample, but you also need to manage to build it beautifully.

It is easier to install a fireplace in a private house, especially when it is planned at the stage of building a home ownership. In a high-rise building with installation, obvious problems will arise.

Fireplaces in high-rise buildings are found only in new residential complexes of business class and elite class. Electric models can be installed anywhere, without any restrictions.

The fuss with cleaning coal and ash is partially solved by gas fireplaces. Here the flame is mostly maintained by burning gas. But in this case, another problem arises - to connect to the gas pipeline, you need to obtain the appropriate permission from the regulatory authorities. If you are too lazy to do this, take a closer look at electrical samples - they are easier to install and operate.

Step 1 - Selecting a specific view

When choosing a fireplace for your home, first of all, you need to decide on your needs and capabilities. There is a wide variety of heating structures that differ in their features and purpose. The following types of products are available to users:

• Classical, which run on solid fuel. The appliance is fired with wood and charcoal.The body of the structure is made of refractory materials - stone, brick, steel or cast iron. Traditional models are available with a closed, semi-open or open firebox. The first type maintains heat well, and the last two are responsible for interior aesthetics.
• Decorative bio-fireplaces are an elegant design with an open type firebox. The devices are characterized by functionality on liquid fuel - bioethanol, which provides a beautiful effect of "live" fire. Therefore, they are used to decorate the space. Heating equipment does not require the construction of a chimney. In the process of work, soot and smoke are not emitted.
• Gas appliances are designed for houses with autonomous heating. Systems are used both for decoration and for heating.
• Electric fireplaces are distinguished by a wide variety of shapes with various decorative designs. You can choose a model that simulates the smoldering of coals, burning and crackling firewood. It does not require the installation of a smoke outlet for operation. The main advantage is the ability to function in three modes: idle, room heating, home heating.
• A fireplace stove is an excellent option for heating and cooking in the country in the winter. It can easily fit into the interior features of the sauna or bath room, and will allow you to enjoy a cozy homely atmosphere. There are two types of functionality - solid fuel and gas. Manufacturers perform it in various forms using heat-resistant glass, ceramic finishes, natural stone, forged elements and other "frills".

Separately, it is necessary to say about two types of heating equipment: an air stove-fireplace and a device with a water circuit.

air oven

The model is in demand due to its low cost, efficient, but at the same time simple design, excellent functionality, savings in operation and the ability to quickly heat large rooms.
The device includes:

• hole for connecting the chimney;
• cooking surface;
• air supply system;
• system of convective pipes;
• an ash pan that regulates combustion;
• a compartment that maintains a given temperature regime.

Air configuration options are used for heating rooms of a simple structure, without partitions.

Fireplace with water circuit

The heating installation is designed for heating rooms of various sizes and layouts. To provide isolated rooms with heat, a radiator is built into the overall system. The efficiency of water models reaches 80%, which makes it ideal for creating autonomous heating for a country house.

electrical device

The design not only creates the effect of a real, solid fireplace. The unit operates in 3 modes. During idle operation, the aesthetic effect of comfort is maintained, heating at minimum power will maintain a comfortable temperature regime, and the heating option is responsible for uniform heating of the rooms. Electric fireplaces have many advantages:

• installed in a small private house or large country cottage;
• it is not required to apply to specialized authorities to take permission for redevelopment;
• works from the network, therefore it does not emit carbon monoxide, cleaning, arranging chimney channels;
• equipped with a thermostat that maintains the temperature throughout the day.

Electric models are able to qualitatively heat a room of 20 square meters.

How did humanity get to this point?

Ancient times

Since the concept fireplaces had not yet reached the cavemen, they dug fire pits in the middle of their dwellings. The smoke escaped through gaps in thatched roofs (no fire hazard there!) or through a hole in the roof. Can you imagine how people inhale smoke every day? Even with hoods placed over the fires, smoke still seeps into the houses. Unfortunately, it took thousands of years for people to get started.

1100 - 1500

It was not until the two-story buildings were completed that the fire pits were replaced with fireplaces and moved to the outside wall, allowing a fireplace to be placed on each level. At first they extended horizontally outside the house, but the smoke naturally rose, so it continued to splash out into the rooms. It didn't take long before the infamous chimney was invented, creating draft to force the smoke vertically.

1600-1700

Around 1678, the Prince of the Rhine, nephew of Charles I, invented the grate for the fireplace. This allowed air to reach the tree from below, greatly increasing airflow for better fires. He also created a baffle to control air and reduce smoke.

In Philadelphia in the 1700s, Benjamin Franklin made great efforts to improve fireplace design (along with his side project, the invention of electricity). He invented the Franklin stove, which brought the fireplace back to the center of the room. Made of cast iron, it provided better ventilation and radiated warmth even after the fire had gone out. Its design was further improved by fellow Philadelphian David Ritterhouse, who added an L-shaped chimney to vent air into the chimney.Other developments occurred later in the same century when Count Rumfoord made a fireplace with a tall and shallow (less deep) firebox, directing more heat into the room and also creating a large path for the smoke to escape.

1800s

The early fireplaces had many shortcomings, but the Industrial Revolution brought about massive housing developments and the standardization of fireplaces. Most fireplaces now consist of two parts - a surround (fireplace and side supports) and an insert, which is usually made of cast iron. The Adam brothers were notable fireplace designers of the time and they created a fireplace that took up less space and used better quality materials. During these years, people began to appreciate not only the functionality of fireplaces, but also the atmosphere they created.

1900s

With the introduction of central heating, fireplaces began to rely less on heat. During the 1900s they became more widely recognized as an architectural element and design focal point. The idea of ​​enjoying the atmosphere of a fireplace was even more popular with President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who had weekly radio messages called Fireside Chats. They made them like to relax by the fireside with their loved ones, and not with the opinion of the ages. Fireplaces served only a functional purpose.

In the mid-1900s, Heatilator introduced the first factory-made fireplace system that eliminated the need for on-site masonry construction. Within a few years, factory fireplaces became all the rage, mostly because they were cheaper and easier to install.Then in the 1980s, Heat & Glo invented direct vent gas technology and revolutionized the industry by allowing the safe installation of a fireplace almost anywhere in the home.

Today

Obviously, our lives rarely require us to rub wood like Tom Hanks did, but fire continues to play an important role in our lives. We are drawn to the comforting effects of fire. It warms our bodies like nothing else, while the smoothly moving fire naturally relaxes and calms us.

There has never been a greater opportunity to enjoy fire in the comfort of our homes than there is today. Fireplaces remain the best choice for many homeowners. And they are available in a wide range of fuels, designs and materials that will enhance any architectural style.

Construction rules

In order for the heating device to work efficiently, it is important to study the drawings of brick ovens. After determining the installation site, the calculation of materials is carried out, step-by-step instructions for construction work are agreed. If it’s not possible to make a stove on your own, ready-made projects of brick ovens, design and the work itself are ordered from the master

If you can’t make a stove on your own, ready-made projects of brick ovens, design and the work itself are ordered from the master.

Foundation

In order for the service life of the home furnace to be long, it is recommended to take responsibility for the formation of the base. For square devices, the foundation is made 50 mm wider on all sides. The bottom of the base is covered with a sand cushion, on which a waterproofing agent is placed on top. After that, roofing iron and felt soaked in masonry mortar are laid.When everything dries well, proceed to the main masonry.

Step-by-step formation of masonry

The home oven is formed in orders. Most often, a square corner brick oven is built of 3 by 4 brick blocks. To form the firebox part, ordinary red bricks are used, which are linked together with cement mortar, and the firebox itself and parts of the convector are laid out from stove and fireclay material using sand-clay mortar. The scheme of laying the ordering of brick ovens is presented in the table:

chimney

For formation of smoke channels simple refractory bricks or heat-insulated pipes are used. The best design, thanks to which the walls in the room will be warm, is a brick chimney with a pipe placed inside. The space between the elements is recommended to be sealed with a sand-cement mixture.

Operating tips

Home ovens will serve reliably if you monitor their condition and follow the operating rules.

It is important to choose only dry firewood for the firebox, because raw ones emit moisture, which forms condensate, and destroys the walls of the device. For ignition, it is recommended to use plain paper or a torch. To quickly ignite firewood, electric blowing is used in the form of a special fan.

After kindling, the view overlaps. So, warm air will not exit through the chimney

To quickly ignite firewood, electric blowing is used in the form of a special fan. After kindling, the view overlaps. So, warm air will not exit through the chimney.

Several popular oven models

Among the most popular models of stoves for heating houses and cottages are the following:

Furnace for home TOP-model 200 with a cast-iron door from a domestic manufacturer Teplodar. Provides high-speed convection heating of rooms and maintains heat in the long burning mode up to 8 hours. Suitable for heating houses up to 200 cubic meters. The stove is made in a laconic style and therefore will perfectly fit into any interior.

Termofor Fire-battery 7 - wall-mounted unit with a capacity of 10 kW, can heat a room with a volume of 15 cubic meters. meters. The appearance is similar to a swollen cast-iron heater with powerful fins. The transparent fuel door is a viewing window through which you can observe the flame of fire. The design includes a hob.

Breneran AOT-06/00 is a floor model for home or summer cottages. For heating efficiency, the structure is reinforced with hollow pipes. With only 6 kW of power, the stove will make a warm room up to 100 square meters. meters. The volume of the combustion chamber is 40 liters

Her design is unusual, will attract the attention of exotic lovers.

META Angara Aqua is a fireplace type stove equipped with a large transparent firebox door reinforced with three glasses. Firewood shelves included

A 13 kW unit will easily heat up to 230 cubic meters. meters. Can be installed in large households, as it is possible to connect a water circuit.

There are hundreds of thousands of models of heating stoves on the market. These samples are considered the best stoves for a wood-fired home, they are most often chosen by consumers.Each of the models fits certain requirements and has its own price category.

Summarizing

When choosing a fireplace stove, follow the formula - 1 kW of power per 10 m² of heated area with an average ceiling height of 2.6 m. Power must be given great importance. Too much or not enough is bad. If insufficient, the stove must be turned on to the maximum, which is fraught with overheating and failure.

Decide on the material: cast iron or steel. Cast iron takes longer to heat up, but retains heat better. To warm up one room faster, opt for sheet steel models - it heats up quickly, but it also cools down quickly, these indicators must be taken into account. This option is suitable for a guest house with one living room.

If the area allows, you can install a stone or brick fireplace. In country houses it is convenient to use stoves with a hob, this is a functional device that will effectively heat the home and “cook food”, and also consider the type of fuel and design.