Examples of Masonry Heaters built in Canada by Keystone Ceramics
Masonry heaters are more energy efficient than fireplace inserts and burn cleaner. They are a highly efficient and very clean way to burn fuel, using a hot fire and lots of air. Traditional designs come from Russia and northern Europe, in particular from fuel-poor areas, because they can create heat from scrap wood, small kindling and vegetable matter.
Masonry heaters use the thermal mass in their brick, clay, or stone materials to hold heat and slowly radiate it into their surroundings, so it is never uncomfortably hot to sit beside them. They are more than 90% efficient at turning fuel into heat. Because of their efficiency, they only require one or two small fires a day to warm a 2,000 sq ft. house.
Many masonry heater designs include a clay oven, that can be located on the same side as the fireplace, or on the back. The backside clay oven would be ideal in my house, as my kitchen wall is on the back of the fireplace wall. Most masonry heaters also have a bake oven where you will be able to make wood-fired bread, pizzas and and slow cooking of meats.
Masonry heaters use the thermal mass in their brick, clay, or stone materials to hold heat and slowly radiate it into their surroundings, so it is never uncomfortably hot to sit beside them. They are more than 90% efficient at turning fuel into heat. Because of their efficiency, they only require one or two small fires a day to warm a 2,000 sq ft. house.
Many masonry heater designs include a clay oven, that can be located on the same side as the fireplace, or on the back. The backside clay oven would be ideal in my house, as my kitchen wall is on the back of the fireplace wall. Most masonry heaters also have a bake oven where you will be able to make wood-fired bread, pizzas and and slow cooking of meats.