Let’s get straight to the point: a real storage stove, usually designed as a tiled stove or a masonry heater, always consists of two parts – a firebox and a storage mass.
The firebox is where the combustion takes place. This is where the user loads the wood and lights the fire. The heat that’s generated doesn’t go straight into the chimney but is first directed into what’s called the storage mass.
This mass works like a small tunnel system that the hot gases have to “travel” through before exiting through the chimney. The difference is that this tunnel system is made of very heavy storage stones, usually fireclay or similar materials.
As the hot gases move through, they transfer heat to the storage mass (for example fireclay) through contact and friction. This mass absorbs the energy and slowly releases it back into the living space as radiant heat. The result is a pleasant, long-lasting warmth that can still be felt hours later – sometimes even the next morning.
The false storage stove
The most commonly sold type of wood-burning stove is the fireplace stove. These are freestanding, factory-made fireplaces, usually available in DIY stores or online. They are made from various materials, most often inexpensive steel or sheet metal. Many of these models also feature additional elements around the metal body, such as soapstone or fireclay. And it’s exactly these that manufacturers often market as “storage stoves.”
But that’s not correct. This small amount of storage material never actually comes into contact with the hot gases created in the combustion chamber. It can only absorb a bit of heat through direct contact with the metal surface of the stove.
So in reality, a false storage stove is nothing more than a fireplace stove with extra weight. It has no true heat storage effect, yet it’s more expensive to buy than a regular stove without “storage mass.” We call that a “heavy stove.”
Storage stoves – gentle on your wallet, the environment and allergy sufferers
A classic storage stove, designed either as a tiled stove or a masonry heater, is a highly efficient and modern heating system.
It makes the most of the energy generated by the wood fire. By the time the hot gases have finished their path through the storage mass, most of their energy has already been transferred. In other words, you get the maximum out of your wood fuel – saving money while protecting the environment.
Radiant heat is also much healthier than conventional heating, because it works in a completely different way. Similar to sunlight (long-wave infrared radiation), it directly warms the physical objects in the room — including people.
Traditional radiators or warm air stoves, which include fireplace stoves, heat the air instead. As the air circulates, it stirs up dust and small particles — bad news for allergy sufferers.
With a real storage stove, you’re doing something good all around — for your wallet, the environment and the health of your whole family.
Where can I buy a real storage stove?
A genuine storage stove with a real storage mass is handcrafted and not available as a prefabricated system. To build one, you should contact a local stove builder. They’ll create a custom plan for your individual heating system, and from there, the process begins.
The special thing about a true storage stove is that it can be completely tailored to your personal preferences in both form and materials. The expertise of a professional ensures the right design and the perfect system for your home.
Conclusion
There’s a difference between a real and a false storage stove. While the false storage stove barely stores any heat despite its added weight, the handcrafted storage stove makes full use of the hot gases within its storage mass. A handcrafted storage stove is also designed individually to suit your home and preferences.
Expert advice
When it comes to storage stoves, one thing is clear – always get advice from a professional. A handcrafted stove is built individually, tailored to your needs and perfectly matched to your home. Even if DIY store offers may look tempting, they can’t compare to a real storage stove. You can find certified stove builders through our craftsman search tool.
