MASONRY HEATERS: A THOUSAND-YEAR-OLD TECHNOLOGY COMES TO THE U.S.
How can I get more heat to last longer from my fire with less effort?
That was the problem masonry heaters solved for Europeans over a thousand years ago. These heaters have their historical roots in countries where frigid temperatures and limited resources necessitated developing a highly efficient way of radiating heat with just a small amount of fuel. At its core, a masonry heater consists of a firebox and a flu-like outburn channel made of stone such as ceramic or brick.
The material absorbs the heat, then radiates it for hours, thus warming the home. “Most fireplaces and wood stoves are nothing more than a combustion box,” explains Jonathan Steele, owner of Empire Masonry Heaters. “A fireplace claiming to burn at 98 percent efficiency is only referring to the wood consumed, not radiated heat. In a masonry heater, the fire approaches 1,800-2,000 degrees, consuming nearly 100 percent of the wood and nearly all of its residual by-products. Heat flows through the channeling, is absorbed into the masonry mass, then radiates a warm, comfortable temperature for hours. They outperform the best EPA wood stoves on the market.”
Putzfen, kachelofen, contraflow – across the world the names and materials associated with these heaters reflect their cultural origins. For years the best heaters came from Sweden. Eventually, Germany and Austria analyzed the designs and created a
mathematical algorithm that resulted in a superb appliance.
For years consumers only had access to specialized, limited designs. To address this drawback, Empire Masonry Heaters figured out how to supply a prefabricated firebox and channels, resulting in limitless possibilities for configurations. Their technology and expert support give homeowners and masons the ability to build it themselves. Imagine this: a firebox under a stairwell with the heat guided into channels embedded in the stairwell wall. Or this: a combustion box in the basement with heat flowing through channels in a ceramic couch on the second floor and a love seat on the third lined with cushions.
Whether you want to retrofit a current fireplace, build something traditional, or fulfill an extraordinary vision, Empire Masonry Heaters’ innovative approach can make it happen. You can also choose from an array of stone veneers including soapstone, brick, tile, ceramic, or clay. The result is blending true heating efficiency into artwork. Steele exudes enthusiasm, “Masonry heaters finally provide a unique and personal integration of beauty, efficiency, and value.”