Any Masonry Stove owners here?

[mesuno]

Hi Folks,

I've been really keen on the idea of a masonry stove for a really long time and finally have the chance to possibly install one in our new home. We will be converting a disused chapel which is essentially a large, stone construction, box. Ideally I'd like to be able to heat the whole space with one central masonry stove - one hot fire each evening and then slow release of warmth from the brickwork for the next 12 hours or so.

I'd love to hear from people who have a setup like this; it is rather unconventional here in the UK so very hard to get first hand feedback on how well they work. Do they deliver the goods?

The images on this site

http://www.mha-net.org/html/gallery.htm

give some idea of what I'm looking for.

Mesuno

 

[Prof]

I wish I could be of more help, but I'm in a similar position--planning on having a masonry heater in the new home we are designing. I've been in contact with Alex on this site: http://www.stovemaster.com/html_en/home.html He was able to answer many of my questions. The heater we are going to build will have an integrated cook top, since I really like cooking on a wood stove. I'll be interested to see if anyone has direct experience here. The science behind the heaters seem sound, as they have evolved over the centuries. I haven't read anything negative about their performance, but cost and building design (e.g., large footprint and need for considerable support) seem to be the major drawbacks.

 

[jeff_t]

Marty s is the only member I know that has one. At least a regular poster. Haven't seen him aroud in quite a while, so maybe a PM. He's probably taken the summer off.