We are asked at Kuggar Stoves all the time whether cast iron stoves are better than steel stoves. It is our opinion that they just have different strengths and weaknesses. A cast stove will take longer to heat up but will radiate the heat better and retain the heat longer after the fire is out.
A steel stove however will heat up quicker but will not hold the heat as long after the fire is out. Another property of the steel bodied stove is that due to the nature of the material it is more resistant to rust and will not crack as cast stoves can do if abused. Poor quality cast stoves also can become uncontrollable as the seals between the body panels can wear, this results in the fire drawing too much making the appliance a hazard. Both types of stove have around a 20 year life span in the right conditions.