The warmth and romance simply cannot be matched. However, just as with buying a vehicle, you face a bewildering array of choices. Today's cars burn gasoline or diesel. Today's fire can burn wood, gas, coal, wood pellets, or processed logs. You need a unit powerful enough to supply the heat you want but not run you out of the house.
Stoves come in steel, cast iron, and soapstone.
There are painted, enamel and tile models. There are dozens of different products that seem identical. Many, many excellent companies manufacture top quality products in all areas of the diverse hearth products family. Stoves come in steel, cast iron, and soapstone. A matching tile hearth, gleaming brass tool set, etched glass or a remote control.