estufas

Estufas are devices that apply heat to cook food, heat spaces, or, in horticultural contexts, to grow plants. In many Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking regions the term can refer to a kitchen stove or to a greenhouse. The intended meaning is usually clear from context.

Cooking estufas vary by energy source and design. Gas stoves burn natural gas or propane, offering adjustable flames; electric stoves use coils or smooth-top surfaces with radiant or induction heating. Wood-burning estufas rely on solid fuel for cooking and sometimes for space heating, and are common in rural areas or traditional cuisines. Modern units are built-in or freestanding and may include ovens, ventilation, and safety features such as flame failure devices.

Estufas as greenhouses are climate-controlled structures with transparent walls and roofs used to cultivate plants. They range from small hobby greenhouses to large commercial facilities, and may use passive solar design or active heating, cooling, irrigation, and humidity control. Materials include glass or polycarbonate panels, with frames of wood, aluminum, or steel.

Historically, cooking stoves progressed from hearths and clay ovens to coal- and wood-fired stoves, then gas and electric models in the 19th and 20th centuries, with induction becoming common in latter decades. Greenhouses expanded with advances in glazing and plastics. Safety considerations for estufas include proper ventilation for fuel-burning units, regular maintenance, and adherence to manufacturer instructions.