Jøtul has produced fireplaces from cast iron since 1853. This is an extremely suitable material that endures high temperatures and rapid changes in temperature. That's why Jøtul chooses cast iron for their fireplaces, just like car manufacturers use cast iron for their engines.
Jøtul's cast iron is recycled scrap iron from local scrap dealers. This is melted down and waste products removed at the same time as carbon and other alloying elements are added. When the melted iron has reached the right temperature, it is analysed in the lab at the Kråkerøy facility and if necessary, extra alloying elements are added to ensure that the cast iron lives up to the famous Jøtul quality. The liquid iron is then poured into moulds of sand to cool down before the cast parts are turned into modern Jøtul wood stoves.
A cast iron wood stove consists of parts that are all cast in the shape that they have. This makes cast iron an extremely form stable material that does not twist or strain itself when it gets hot. An everyday example of this is the difference you get if you pour cold water on a hot frying pan or on a hot cooking tray.
Despite both being made from almost the same material, they react completely different on temperature changes. Where the cooking tray will change its shape, the cast iron will retain its original shape.
Cast iron can be produced in 3D moulds. In this way, it is possible to create a more detailed design, including angles, corners and different patterns. Such details contribute to increase the level of quality for the products – both visually and functionally. Products come across as unified and robust, leaving out seam welds that are exposed to fatigue damage over time.
For the same reason that car manufacturers choose to produce their engine blocks from cast iron, Jøtul chooses to produce their wood stoves and fireplaces from cast iron. When you deliver a product that should last for a generation or more, you can't make compromises regarding material quality. Operating a foundry is expensive and requires big investments. In addition, development of each single wood stove requires substantially bigger investments in the form of moulds. But the result is a product that you can enjoy for many years.
A wood stove or insert made from cast iron consists of several smaller parts that are bolted together. A heat resistant joint-filler is applied between each part to ensure that the fireplace is completely sealed. Being able to replace each part of the product combined with Jøtul's market-leading warranty about available spare parts, is every Jøtul owner's insurance that they will be enjoying their fireplace for many years to come.
Jøtul's production facility is situated at the plant previously known as Kråkerøy Verk in Fredrikstad, Norway. We receive deliveries of scrap iron from local scrap dealers every day. This is melted down and turned into new, modern fireplaces. Since production takes place in the middle of a residential area, the requirements for environmental solutions and minimal emissions are extremely strict. If you combine this with the fact that burning wood is a renewable and CO2 neutral source of heating, you can safely conclude that choosing a Jøtul product is a choice for a better environment and climate.
