[upthesaukee]

If I had the need to heat up a totally cold place, I would not have the soapstone. Cast iron definitely heats up much faster.
Once we start burning wood full time, I normally fire up the stove in the morning, filling the firebox, and getting a good burn going. I then adjust the vent to have the chimney temp "in the white" so as not to build up creosote. I can be gone all day, and still have good embers to start the fire when I get home. Temp in living room may be down near 60, and will take at least an hour to get up to 70. Our ceiling fan does help (set to blow up to ceiling) by circulating the hot air at the ceiling, which is over 8 feet tall. Then it is add wood at bedtime and back to morning again.

I really can't quantify the time difference, but my wife definitely likes the warmth created by the soapstone stove. She keeps a cardigan type sweatshirt at her chair and it will go on and off as necessary. Hope that answers your question, IG.