Question on EPA Cookstove Compliance

[Tech Guru]

Just curious, as there have been some differing views on this topic. I've had Manufacturers state pretty clearly (in conversations and on rating plates) that wood fired cook stoves (Elmira, Heartland, JA Roby, etc) are considered EPA exempt as they are deemed cooking appliances. Yet some technicians and inspectors are saying that EPA clean burning certification (NSPS now, I guess) must apply to them as well. Do we have anyone on here that could provide the actual correct answer on this?

Thanks in Advance

 

[begreen]

Cook stoves are exempt from the emission limits set by the NSPS for wood heaters.

The EPA definition of a cook stove from the New Source Performance Standard (NSPS):

“Cook stove means a wood-fired appliance that is designed, marketed and warranted primarily for cooking food and that has the following characteristics:
(1) An oven, with volume of 0.028 cubic meters (1 cubic foot) or greater, and an
oven rack;
(2) A device for measuring oven temperatures;
(3) A flame path that is routed around the oven;
(4) An ash pan;
(5) An ash clean-out door below the oven;
(6) The absence of a fan or heat channels to dissipate heat from the appliance;
(7) A cooking surface with an area measured in square inches or square feet that is at least 1.5 times greater than the volume of firebox measured in cubic inches or cubic
feet. Example: A cook stove with a firebox of 2 cubic feet must have a cooking surface of at least 3 square feet;
(8) A portion of at least four sides of the oven (which may include the bottom
and/or top) is exposed to the flame path during the heating cycle of the oven. A flue gas bypass may exist for temperature control.”

Note that state laws may be tougher, so check local and state regs too.

 

[Tech Guru]

Thanks BG!