What is a Potbelly Stove?
A potbelly stove is a type of wood-burning stove made of cast iron. This type of stove was freestanding and usually vented out a wall or ceiling. The term “potbelly stove” is probably derived from their design as they were usually shaped like a barrel and bulged in the middle. The potbelly stove is now an antiquated icon that symbolizes Americana and country store design. Used primarily to heat large, public spaces such as stores, railroads, and schoolhouses, the potbelly stove was a well-constructed heating device. People could gather around the warmth of a wood fire while they waited for the train, shopped for goods, or gathered for church or school. As the American frontier was developed, the potbelly stove made its way into some homes because it provided greater warmth than a standard fireplace. The potbelly stove differs from other types of cast iron stoves, such as box stoves, cylinder stoves, and parlor stoves, primarily in its shape. Various designs and styles reflect different
