pot-bellied stove

A potbellied stove is a type of stove characterized by its rounded or bulging body. The term "potbelly" itself can refer to a protruding abdomen or, as a secondary definition, a potbellied stove.12

Historically, stoves have evolved significantly. Early stoves, like the one built in 1490 in Alsace, were made of brick and tile. Later designs, such as the Scandinavian and Russian stoves, focused on maximizing heat extraction through intricate flue systems. In America, Benjamin Franklin invented the "Pennsylvania fireplace" around 1740, which influenced the design of the potbellied stove that became common in homes into the 20th century. The first cast-iron stoves were produced in the mid-17th century, and by 1800, round cast-iron stoves for cooking were being manufactured.3