For rural living (and those who like to think rurally) a sturdy woodstove is like a reliable friend. And the good news is that, over the past 15 years, wood stoves have become extremely efficient. Many people shopping for wood stoves for the first time in many years are surprised by how small the firebox appears. This is because modern engineering makes it possible for a smaller stove to put out much more heat. You must resist the temptation to get a stove based on size lest you risk getting heated right out of your home. Our favorite wood stove is made by Country Stoves of Audurn Washington. These stoves are non-catalitic, high-efficiency, heaters with a warranty that makes it pretty likely that it will be the last stove you'll ever need to buy . . . unless you move.