
Their fireboxes are lined with firebrick, refractory concrete, or similar materials that
can handle temperatures of over 2,000°F (1,093°C).
A small hot fire built once or twice a day releases heated gases into the long
masonry heat tunnels. The masonry absorbs the heat and then slowly releases it
into the house over a period of 12–20 hours. Masonry heaters commonly reach a
combustion efficiency of 90%.
Most are intended for burning wood, but they were historically designed to burn
almost any type of solid fuel.
The relatively small, but intense fire also results in very little air pollution and very
little creosote buildup in the chimney.
Because most of the heat from the fuel is transferred to the masonry and slowly
released into the room over the day, this type of heater does not need to be loaded
with fuel as often as other types of wood heating appliances.
In addition, if the masonry heater is built where sunlight can directly shine on it in
the winter, the heater will absorb the sun's heat and release it slowly into the room.
A wide variety of masonry heater designs and styles are available. Larger models
resemble conventional fireplaces and may cover an entire wall.
Smaller models take up about as much space as a wood or pellet stove. They can be
custom-built or purchased as prefabricated units.
Some large designs may cost $5,000 or more. Plans and kits are available, but they
are not easy do-it-yourself projects and require experience working with masonry.
The first firing of the season will probably take 2 or 3 days to bring the heat up to a
comfortable level. Once this level is achieved however, you can depend on non-
drying warmth for the entire heating season with minimal firing.
Masonry stoves, decorated with tile, stone, or adobe, are also very attractive from
an interior design standpoint and often downright beautiful.



Alternative-Heating-Info.com
Masonry Heater - Finnish Fireplace
Masonry heaters are also
known as "Russian,"
"Siberian," and "Finnish"
fireplaces.
They produce more heat and
less pollution than any other
wood or pellet burning
appliance.
Masonry heaters include a
firebox, a large masonry
mass (such as bricks), and
long twisting smoke
channels that run through
the masonry mass.
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