Cast-Iron or Sheet-Steel Stove? Cast-Iron Models and Differences

Short answer: a cast-iron stove is heavy, warms up slowly and keeps giving off stored heat after the fire dies down; a sheet-steel stove is light, warms up quickly and cools quickly. Efficiency depends more on combustion design than on the material. The six cast-iron stoves and cookers on our site range from 4–6 kW to 14 kW in manufacturer-stated output and from 87 kg to 155 kg in weight.

Current prices and all models: Cast-iron stove prices →

Which cast-iron stove models are there?

For the Natural models the manufacturer states three ceramic glass panes (front and two sides) and energy class A+ (Eco); dimensions are 45 × 75 × 55 cm on the 20h and 101 × 75 × 55 cm on the 50h and 60h. For Impera V2 the manufacturer lists three-sided ceramic glass rated to 800 °C, a top oven with thermometer, a Ø130 mm top flue outlet and a 2-year warranty on the cast body.

The same models in a table generated from the product records (values and prices always match the product page):

Cast iron or sheet steel?

Cast iron is grey iron poured into a mould; Ignova describes the Impera V2 body as EN-GJL-200 grade cast iron. Sheet-steel stoves are made of cut and welded steel plate. The factual differences:

• Mass: A cast body is clearly heavier than a steel body of the same size. Example: the sheet-steel Natural Atlas pellet cooker weighs 35 kg (manufacturer: 2.5–5 mm plate), the cast-iron Natural 50h of the same 101 cm height weighs 135 kg.
• Heating up and cooling down: A large mass warms slowly and keeps releasing stored heat for a while after the fire dies down. A steel body warms faster and cools faster.
• Durability: Cast iron is brittle; pouring water on a hot body or a hard knock can crack it. Steel is more tolerant of knocks but can deform over time under excessive heat.
• Efficiency: Efficiency depends more on combustion design than on material. EU Ecodesign requires a minimum 65% seasonal efficiency for closed stoves burning wood and coal, regardless of material.
• Handling: For 110–155 kg cast products, plan floor strength, door width and stairs in advance.

What does it depend on?

• Cooking: For an oven choose the 50h, 60h or Impera V2; for heating and flame alone the 20h, 36h or V1. General comparison: range cooker, cast-iron fireplace stove or pellet stove.
• Area: Manufacturers state m² by different methods; calculate your need in kW with the stove sizing calculator and compare it with the stated output.
• Fuel: The Natural models burn wood and coal according to the manufacturer; for coal use the top-down lighting method, for wood see oak, beech or pine.
• Flue and floor: A flue that draws properly, the right pipe and a non-combustible base: stove base and stove pipe guide.

Price note: Figures are the prices shown on our product pages on 20 October 2026 and may change. The current price appears on the product page and in the cards below. Products are supplied by the manufacturer to order; delivery and shipping details are confirmed before ordering.

Fireplace-style cast-iron stoves:

Cast-iron models with oven:

Safety note

No stove is "smokeless"; pellets, wood and coal all produce smoke and carbon monoxide as they burn. A flue of the right diameter that draws properly and leak-tight pipe joints are therefore essential, and annual chimney sweeping must not be skipped. Use a carbon monoxide detector at home; with headache, dizziness or nausea, air the room, get outside and call 112: stove gas symptoms and carbon monoxide detectors.

Frequently asked questions

Why does a cast-iron stove smell on its first firing?

The high-temperature paint on the body cures during the first fires; the smell and light smoke fade with each fire. For gradual break-in see cast-iron stove first firing and care.

Cast-iron or sheet-steel stove?

Cast iron if you want a heavy, long-lived body that keeps giving heat after the fire dies down; sheet steel if you want a light stove that warms quickly and is easy to move. The minimum efficiency rule is the same for both.

How many m² does a cast-iron stove heat?

According to the manufacturers: Natural 20h 40–50 m², 36h 50–60 m², 50h 60–70 m², 60h 70–80 m², Impera V2 70–140 m².

Can you burn coal in a cast-iron stove?

For the Natural 20h, 36h, 50h and 60h the manufacturer lists wood and coal. For Impera V2 the manufacturer shows wood burning.

Can a cast-iron stove crack?

Sudden temperature changes and knocks can crack it: never pour water on a hot body and build the fire up gradually during the first firings.

Sources: manufacturer pages Ignova Impera V2, Ignova Impera V1, Natural 20h, Natural 60h, Natural Atlas; minimum efficiency Ecodesign (EU) 2015/1185, Annex II; wood burning, U.S. EPA Burn Wise, "Best Wood-Burning Practices".