Why Choose Masonry Heaters and Kachelofens?

Masonry heaters operate at high efficiency and burn extremely clean.  They produce little ash and leave chimneys clean.  They can operate without electricity and produce little sound, as well.

High Efficiency

Unlike conventional wood burning structures, masonry heaters and kachelofens can tolerate temperatures over 2,000°F (1,093°C).  According to the Environmental Protection Agency’s March 2012 Report to Congress on Black Carbon: “to achieve the cleanest and 
most efficient combustion, a heating appliance needs to reach and
 maintain a sufficiently high 
temperature for all the necessary reactions to occur... In general, greater combustion efficiency leads to reductions in the mass of direct particulate matter emissions, including black carbon, as well as reductions in emissions of the gas-phase pollutants such as carbon monoxide, methane, and the volatile polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.”

Low Particulate Output and Low Biomass Input

A high efficiency combustion produces very low volumes of gas and particulate matter, such as ash. These structures, which may reach 90% combustion efficiency, require one load or at most two of 8 to 19 kg (17 to 44 lbs) of wood per day. Wood, a renewable fuel source, may be purchased locally.

Electrical Independence

Masonry heaters and kachelofens are electricity independent structures. Not only do these heating structures decrease electrical demand, they also continue to heat homes in the event of electrical “black-outs” during inclement weather.

Cleanliness and Reduction in Interior Air and Noise Pollution

Properly designed and constructed masonry heaters and kachelofens do not contribute to air and noise pollution inside the home. Particulate matter requires removal after every burn cycle, but the amount produced is low.  The interior structure ought to be swept and vacuumed periodically as well.