There are three main types of wood stoves: steel, cast iron, and soapstone. Steel stoves heat up quickly and offer rapid warmth, while cast iron stoves take longer to absorb heat but they do retain heat for extended periods. Soapstone stoves, crafted from rock quarried in Brazil or Spain, excel at both heat resistance and retention capabilities. That’s why soapstone is an excellent choice when you’re looking for a wood stove. Our Hearthstone soapstone stoves, proudly made in Vermont, showcase craftsmanship and beauty, transforming a functional appliance into a timeless piece of furniture. Understanding the specifications of each stove model, from clearances to combustibles, is crucial. Floor protection, in the form of a hearth pad, is essential unless the stove is placed on a non-combustible surface like concrete. For high-efficiency wood stoves, 30% tax credits are available until 2032.