Potbelly Stove
There are various types of antique wood stoves available such as the Box, Cylinder, Parlor and the ever popular potbelly. A Potbelly stove is a type of wood burning stove constructed of cast iron. The probable reason for its name of potbelly is that it is a round shaped unit with a slight bulge in the middle. Generally, these stoves were used to heat large spaces. They were often found in use within railroad stations, school houses and general stores. As its reliability and efficiency was established the units began to be popular to heat normal American homes. The wood used as fuelling these stoves were easily available and so they tended to provide a very economical and efficient way of keeping large rooms warm. Potbellies have been a part of American tradition and represent a symbol of Americana culture. It is actually one of the for-runner designs of the wood burning stove. These stoves are virtually always made out of cast iron.
The potbelly generally is constructed with a door on the front which is used fro feeding wood into the unit and also provides a means of cleaning the ash from the bottom of the stove. A potbelly has a mushroom shaped top to it and often has claw feet although some designs have a simple block base. If someone wishes to buy a potbelly there are usually two general categories from which they can choose from. They can either purchase a genuine antique potbelly or buy one of the new potbelly stoves which are actually exact replicas of the original older designs. The original older units are heavier and due to their age of course they are more valuable as an antique piece. Some of the potbellied stoves that are still in existence are over one hundred years old and they are still in proper working condition. If maintained properly and cleaned regularly these old stoves will continue to work for a very long time.
If one chooses to purchase one of the newer potbelly stoves there are a number of factors which need to be addressed such as the size of the area which needs to be heated as well as the size of the wood holding hopper of the stove. Smaller units naturally can heat small areas while the larger units are used to heat larger homes.
Before buying one of these stoves you should make sure that the unit complies with the EPA requirements or they can create a health hazard for you and your family.
These potbellies are ideal for establishing an authentic look in old fashioned or Victorian home, a museum or perhaps in a hotel that features a historical theme. The stoves are elegantly designed and highly ornamented making them an attractive part of your home furnishings. In addition to their artistic value these stoves provide an economical and an eco-friendly choice for heating your home. The old stoves can often be a lot of interest and value to any antique collector.
