Hampton is a brand owned by FPI Fireplace Products, and is associated with, mostly, cast iron fireplaces. Hampton wood stoves are popular and have a distinct look to them that many people describe as cozy or as a bit of old world charm. Most of the Hampton stoves come in a variety of color options, so if you are not impressed with the charcoal color of cast iron, rest assured that you can get pretty much any finish you want. Cherry red, for instance. You will also be able to choose between the line of Hampton gas stoves or a Hampton corn fireplace, or, should you like, even one of the Hampton wood stoves. Pricing varies on these models, and the cost of fuel differs as well, so it is a good idea to calculate how much each one will cost to use. There are several heating cost calculators available on the internet.

If you choose to go with a Hampton wood stove, there are some things to keep in mind. Hampton stoves do not come equipped with a catalytic converter, but with a secondary combustion system. You may have heard a lot about catalytic converters and what they do for your fireplace—that is, they make it burn much cleaner and increase efficiency. However, they need to be replaced often and can be quite expensive. Hampton's system, secondary combustion, takes the gases given off by the fire and then reignites them. This achieves nearly the same clean burn as the catalytic converter, and it does not need a replacement. It will last as long as you have the fireplace. You might also consider getting a blower for your Hampton, since it will circulate the air far better than burning alone and makes heating a home far easier.

If you are going to get a Hampton gas stove, there are several other concerns to keep in mind. If you are changing over from a wood burning fireplace, the most cost efficient way to do so is with an insert, not with a completely new fireplace. A gas fireplace gives you the option of controlling the temperature with a thermostat or a remote control. These can greatly ease the fluctuation of temperature of having a roaring fire and then being overheated until it dies down. You might also consider a direct vent model, which can increase the efficiency of the stove or fireplace by drawing air from outside the home.