Cast Iron Vs Plate Steel Wood Stove

Which one should you choose.

Cast iron vs plate steel wood stove.

However the positive side of this is that it can actually retain heat for much longer. What s the difference between a cast iron stove and a steel stove. Steel stoves are much easier to manufacturer and material costs are generally less than cast iron. Cast iron takes longer to heat up but can retain the heat for longer.

The mass production of plate steel along with the availability of improved steel cutting and welding machines and techniques have created a boom in the production and sales of steel stoves. In the last few decades steel plate has become an alternative to cast iron. In our experience a steel stove with thick top and body does retain the heat for a long time and still heats up quickly. Since they re made of the same stuff performance is very similar so the main differences are cost and aesthetics.

Things have moved on however and now the durability of quality steel stoves is equal to that of cast iron. Both cast iron and steel stoves are made of the same element. One of the most important factors when it comes to comparing steel and cast iron stoves involves how you will use the stoves. Steel heats up quicker but can lose heat quicker after the fire dies.

The practical difference between the two types are that steel stoves heat up quicker and deliver heat to the room much faster whereas cast iron which is the traditional material for stove building because it is much heavier and provides a greater mass of metal tends to take longer to build up heat and distribute it to the room. The choice between a steel wood stove and a cast iron wood stove is pretty much a matter of personal preference. As cast iron is a thick and dense metal it takes longer to heat up than steel so you won t feel the warmth in your room as quickly. Both types of stoves are clean burning and very efficient.

One point of difference between cast iron stoves and steel stoves is heat retention. Recent developments in the manufacturing process has enabled the steel stove manufacturer to make his stove very decorative. Traditionally cast iron was seen as the superior choice due to its heat retaining properties and durability steel in the early days often had a reputation for warping. Steel stoves tend to heat up rapidly when they are turned on then cool.