Which stoves are the best for heating which rooms?

Which stoves are the best for heating which rooms?

Stoves and heaters provide warmth and look better than standard white radiators. The type of stove you choose depends upon your room and the desired heat output. Three models each have their own charm:

1. The ceramic stove

The ceramic stove is a tried and proven heat source which was even used in medieval times. It reaches a temperature of around 570 degrees Fahrenheit.

  • Operation: The ceramic stove comprises bricks built around an inner basic stove which has a combustion chamber (mostly made from cast iron). In most cases firebricks are used in its construction; these store heat better. A chimney stack with heating flues ensures optimum air circulation. The ceramic stove can also be built as a hot air heater, or a combi-heater. Cold air is drawn from the base and heat is then radiated into the room. The combi-ceramic stove provides increased heat emission for higher room temperatures. The ceramic stove is generally fueled using wood logs. Depending on the construction, coal, briquettes or pellets are used as fuel.
  • Suitable rooms: the lounge in a half-timbered house, the kitchen in a timbered house, the dining room in a stone house. Rooms of between 200 and 500 square feet can be heated with a ceramic stove. High ceilings are not a problem.

2. The open fire

The open fire is visually appealing but not does provide great heat output. Often it is only warm right at the fire, while the rest of the room remains cool (particularly in large rooms). The fire is always made from stone and is tightly set into the wall. It is especially important that fire-resistant materials are used around the open fire, to protect the floor from any sparks which may jump out for instance.

  • Operation: The open combustion chamber is made from fire-proof material. A smokestack channels the waste air out of the room. Unfortunately, the majority of the heat is lost via the smokestack. Wood is usually burnt as fuel.
  • Suitable rooms: Living room, library, bedroom. Very suitable for apartments in old buildings and in houses which are not hermetically sealed.

3. The decorative stove or heater

Anyone who does not want to see the infinite loop of the flames from their open fire on their television screen can resort to a decorative heater

  • Operation: These models come without a smokestack and burn ethanol or bioethanol. The electric stove is purely decorative too. In this case a fire is simulated, with heat provided via a power outlet.
  • Suitable rooms: Living rooms, bedrooms, bathroom, wellness room, sauna area.

Ceramic stoves and open fires ensure rooms are warm on cold days. Ceramic stoves can heat rooms up to 500 square feet in size, whereas open fires are more suited to smaller rooms. Those who are only interested in the flickering of the flames and the crackling sounds might prefer a decorative fire – this also does not need to be swept by a chimney sweep.

Fireplaces heat a room and provide a cozy atmosphere.

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