There are many different types of solid fuel burning appliances available. For example, there are circulating and radiant; woodburning furnaces, pellet burning stoves; and fireplace inserts or hearth stoves. Safety requirements will vary by the type of unit you choose.
Generally, factory-built woodburners that are tested by a nationally recognized testing laboratory, are superior to homemade units because of better construction, design, materials, and testing. For example, woodburners that are homemade have unknown clearance requirements and may use a material that is too thin or deteriorates easily. In addition, be aware that barrels, drums or other containers that stored chemicals or flammable materials may pose a health hazard and should not be used to construct a stove.
