Well, let me tell you, this Gibraltar coal stove—oh, it’s quite the handy thing for keeping a house warm! Folks been using these kinds of stoves for ages, you know, especially back in the day when central heating was just a dream. Now, you’re probably wondering what’s so special about a Gibraltar stove. Lemme fill you in, plain and simple.
First off, the Gibraltar coal stove ain’t just for coal. Nope, these things burn wood too, so you got some choices. If you got wood scraps, logs, or maybe some nice coal, this stove’ll handle it all. Now, coal burns a bit hotter than wood, so it’s real nice if you need that extra warmth. Coal burns hotter by about a hundred degrees more than wood, and that makes a big difference on them chilly nights.

Why Folks Love Gibraltar Coal Stoves
- First thing, these stoves are tough! Real sturdy, made of heavy iron and all that. They don’t break down easy, so once you get one, it’ll be with ya for years.
- They put out a lotta heat—up to about 70,000 BTU per hour if you fire it up right. That’s enough to warm up a big space, maybe up to 17,000 cubic feet. A whole lot better than them little space heaters folks use now.
- It’s pretty efficient too. Coal’s cheaper in the long run if you’re lookin’ to save on fuel, and wood, well, it’s cheaper if you can chop it up yourself or get it locally.
Now, Gibraltar made a bunch of different models, like the SCR or MCC. Each model’s a bit different, but they all got one thing in common—they’re made to last. Some folks even say their Gibraltar stove’s still got the original parts, which is sayin’ something. Those stoves are hefty, too. They ain’t gonna move on you unless you got some strong helpin’ hands.
How to Set Up and Use a Gibraltar Stove
Setting up one of these stoves takes a bit of know-how, but once you get the hang of it, it’s not too tricky. First, make sure you got a solid spot to set it up. These stoves are real heavy, so ya don’t wanna just put it on some rickety floor. Solid ground is best, and you need some clearance around it so nothing flammable gets too close.
Most folks use them with a proper chimney setup. Gotta let that smoke go somewhere, after all! And don’t worry too much if you’re new to this; you can find old manuals that show you how to install the whole thing safe and sound. Just make sure to get all the right pipes and parts to connect to the chimney snug and proper. Once it’s in, you’ll be good to go.
Burning Coal or Wood in Your Gibraltar Stove

Like I said before, these stoves work with coal or wood. Now, you might ask, why not just stick with one? Well, coal’s got its advantages—it burns longer and hotter, so you won’t be feeding the fire as much. But wood, that’s a good option too if ya got a pile of logs around. Plus, wood crackles nicely; coal just kinda sits there and glows hot.
Thing is, though, these stoves were made mainly for coal. Coal burns cleaner, and you don’t gotta tend to it so much once it’s hot. You get a nice steady heat for hours. And since Gibraltar stoves are made airtight, they’re real good at keepin’ that heat in.
Finding Parts and Maintenance
If you got an old Gibraltar stove and need parts, well, don’t fret too much. You can still find replacement parts for most models, though you might have to look around a bit. The good part is that once it’s set up and running, there’s not too much that’ll go wrong with it if you keep it clean. Maybe clear out the ashes now and then, make sure your pipes ain’t blocked, and you’re good to go.
But if somethin’ does go wrong, there’s guides and manuals around to help. Some folks share tips online or know where to find old diagrams and images of the parts, which sure comes in handy.
Why Choose a Gibraltar Coal Stove Over Modern Heating?

Now, you might be thinkin’, “Why get a coal stove at all when there’s modern heating?” I get it; modern stuff is easier. But there’s a certain charm to these stoves, ya know? Plus, you got control over your heat. No need to rely on electricity or gas. You burn your own fuel, tend your own fire, and there’s somethin’ real satisfying about that.
So if you ever come across a Gibraltar stove, especially an old model like the SCR, grab it! These stoves bring good old-fashioned heat and coziness to a home. Perfect for those cold winter nights or even just a chilly evening in the fall. Just make sure to give it a good setup, keep it clean, and it’ll keep ya warm year after year.
That’s the story of the Gibraltar coal stove, simple as that. Strong, reliable, and full of warmth—just the way it should be.
Tags:[Gibraltar Coal Stove, Coal Stove, Wood Burning Stove, Home Heating, Vintage Stove, Wood and Coal Stove]