Historical information

The cast iron combustion stove is significant as part of the evolution of domestic cooking. Previously, cooking was mostly carried out in the outdoors on open fires, and later in fireplaces indoors. The cast iron combustion stove is significant as part of the evolution of domestic cooking. Cast iron stoves burn solid fuel such as wood or coal, and are used for cooking and warmth. The stoves have a firebox with a grate where the fuel is burned. The hot air flows through flues and baffles that heat the stove top and the oven. By the 1920s gas cookers were being introduced for domestic use, and by the 1930s electric home cookers were being offered to householders.

Physical description

A vintage cast iron kitchen stove set in the back wall of the Mont De Lancey Slab Kitchen. It has two steel decorative hinged doors with a handle to open and close. There is one pull out metal shelf in each compartment. Between the two doors is a round door which opens to reveal the wood box with a slatted base. This allows the ash and small coals from the fire to fall though to a pull-out tray below to be emptied outside when cooled. There is another lift-out kid to clean the ash and coals underneath.

Inscriptions & markings

On the chimney plate 'Andrews, Patent Non Pariel' On the front of the stove below the round wood box 'C Andrews Geelong'