We used to have a wood stove in the basement, but when we finished the basement, the stove pipe area would no longer work. We are currently brainstorming how we could work around it.
Since we have 2 fireplaces for heat, the wood stove is not high on the list, however we are currently looking at fireplace insert for our largest fireplace.
The smaller fireplace is on the kitchen side, and can be used for cooking.
As I understand it, unless you have a fireplace insert or at least a glass front etc, a fireplace will SUCK WARM AIR OUT of your house, more than warm it up—particularly after the fire dies down. You might want to fix the one in the kitchen to prevent that, too.
Aha - fireplaces - reminds me of childhood. All kinds of inserts and devices can be utilized for cooking, I’ve never seen it but read about them. Make sure chimney is tight and cleaned.