Estufa

Estufa is a term used in Spanish and Portuguese to refer to devices or structures used for heating or cooking. In everyday usage, estufa most commonly denotes a stove or space heater. In agricultural contexts, estufa can also refer to a greenhouse or heated enclosure for cultivating plants.

Cooking stoves come in several forms: gas stoves with burners, electric coil or radiant stoves, and induction stoves. Built-in ranges combine a cooktop with an oven. Heating stoves include wood-burning, pellet, and gas-fired models, often designed to heat living spaces and, in some cases, to provide domestic hot water. Portable stoves are available for camping or emergency use.

In horticulture, a greenhouse estufa provides a controlled environment for plants. These structures have a transparent cover, a frame, and systems for heating, cooling, lighting, and irrigation. They range from small home greenhouses to large commercial facilities, employing passive solar design, supplemental heating, and automated climate control to extend growing seasons.

Safety and installation considerations include proper venting, fire protection, and prevention of carbon monoxide buildup. Regular maintenance, such as chimney cleaning for solid-fuel stoves and filter checks for electric appliances, and the use of detectors, are recommended.

Historically, stoves developed from simple hearths to purpose-built cooking and heating appliances, with regional differences in fuels and construction. Modern estufas emphasize efficiency, emissions control, and integrated home heating or cooking solutions.