Massive fireplaces grace many massive custom homes, especially in trendy western ski towns.
Now Tulikivi, the iconic Finnish manufacturer of soapstone fireplaces, is offering a series of smaller fireplaces for those who don't live or vacation in lodge-sized homes.
The Hetta, shown here, is one of the models in a line of “lightweight” fireplaces. At close to a ton, it's hard to think of this fireplace as lightweight until you consider that Tulikivi's larger models weigh close to five tons and require extra structural support.
As with all of Tulikivi's fireplaces, the soapstone exterior is more than cosmetic. The heat from an initial hot fire in the super-efficient, inner steel firebox is absorbed by the stones and then radiated into the room. Soapstone does that job better than most other solid masses, including brick.
With larger Tulikivi fireplaces, that radiant heat can last a day or more and be used for cooking as well as warmth. A fireplace with a smaller mass, like the Hetta, will heat and cool more quickly.
The Hetta is designed for the ambiance of a cozy evening fire, or as supplemental heat. Flames can be viewed through the large, stylishly curved viewing window.
The stove is shipped unassembled and must be installed by a Tulikivi dealer, adding another $1,000 to $3,000 to the price tag. Tulikivi fireplaces start at about $4,000.
Product Reviews 
