A wood stove is a heating appliance designed to burn wood fuel and generate heat. It is commonly used for heating homes, cabins, and sometimes even for cooking. Wood stoves are typically made of steel or cast iron and have a firebox where wood logs or pellets are burned. They often have a chimney or flue to exhaust smoke and gases outside.

Key features of wood stoves include:

1. Firebox: This is where the wood fuel is loaded and burned.
2. Door: Provides access to the firebox for loading wood and cleaning ash.
3. Air controls: Regulate the airflow for combustion efficiency.
4. Heat exchange: Some models have heat exchange surfaces to transfer heat to the room.
5. Chimney: Exhausts smoke and gases produced during combustion.

Wood stoves can vary in size, heating capacity, and design. They are valued for their efficiency in converting wood into heat and for providing a reliable source of warmth, especially in areas where electricity or gas heating may not be available or reliable. Proper installation, maintenance, and safe operation are essential for using a wood stove effectively and safely.