Potbelly stove

Potbelly stove at the Museum of Appalachia

A potbelly stove is a cast-iron wood-burning stove, round with a bulge in the middle. The name is derived from the resemblance of the stove to that of a fat man's pot belly. They were designed to heat large spaces and were often found in railroad stations or one-room schoolhouses. The flat top of the fireplace allowed for cooking of food, or the heating of water.

See also

• Delamere Francis McCloskey, Los Angeles City Council member, 1941–43, rescued potbelly stoves for use in air-raid defense posts
• Franklin stove
• List of stoves
• Red Cross stove