What is
a masonry
heater?
What is a masonry heater?
Essentially an accumulator...
A masonry heater is a wood-burning appliance which has the particularity of being a very efficient heat accumulator.
It operates on the simple principle of clean and rapid combustion, where hot gases pass through a series of chambers and flues which heat up the hearth mass. The heat then radiates for 12 to 24 hours.
What are the benefits of a masonry heater?
Users will tell you, it acts like a real magnet on the occupants of a house. It releases a deep and gentle warmth that makes you want to cuddle it, and it is always possible to do so, since its surface never exceeds 85 degrees Celsius (185 degrees Fahrenheit).
Moreover, unlike other wood-burning appliances, with which we are constantly subjected to significant variations, the masonry heater offers stable heat production, therefore greater comfort.
Last but not least, because it burns cleanly and quickly, wood-burning enthusiasts can limit the emission of fine particles into the air around them.
Where should it be located in the house?
A masonry heater produces radiant heat. It heats what it sees, much like the sun. It should ideally be in the busiest room in the house, positioned as centrally as possible. Typically, it would be located between the dining room and the living room in an open concept living space.
The best layout is one that exposes as much of the masonry heater as possible. It is therefore best to avoid a layout along a wall.
A masonry heater enclosed in an alcove, as it was common to see with traditional fireplaces, would also be much less efficient, since it would lose three quarters of its radiation.
Choosing the right product for your needs
In general, a masonry heater works well when used on a daily basis. A large masonry heater will take several hours to warm up. Once warm, it will offer a remarkably stable heat output as a primary heating mode.
On the other hand, it would not be suitable for occasional use. In the case of a second home, a smaller model, or even a Tulikivi, will be more responsive and give better performance.
