[Image above] Example of a ceramic stove in Gombasek, Slovakia. Credit: naszalyg93(opens in new tab) / Shutterstock
It may not seem like winter is just around the corner with such unpredictable weather and unseasonably warm temperatures(opens in new tab), but it always pays to be prepared. Now is a good time for homeowners to have their furnaces serviced and chimneys cleaned before the cold sets in for the long haul.
Although traditional open-hearth fireplaces offer some warmth to the home, most of the fire’s heat is lost immediately to the outdoors because it goes right up the chimney. Instead, European ceramic tiled stoves (kakelugn(opens in new tab) in Swedish or kachelöfen(opens in new tab) in German) offer a more efficient way to make use of the fire’s energy. With energy costs rising(opens in new tab), these stoves are making a comeback in Europe and other countries including the United Kingdom(opens in new tab), the United States(opens in new tab), and Canada(opens in new tab) as well.
The ins and outs of ceramic stoves
In contrast to modern heating appliances, which typically are made of steel and quickly lose heat, ceramic stoves are made of different forms of clay that effectively trap heat.
- Interior: Bricks are used to construct a labyrinth of smoke channels and chambers within the stove. This clay core absorbs and stores the heat from the fire.
- Exterior: Glazed ceramic tiles act as both a decorative skin and additional layer of thermal mass to radiate warmth into the room.
After firing the stove for just a short time (one or two hours), the stove will continue radiating warmth for up to 12 hours on average(opens in new tab). This radiant heat output is equivalent to(opens in new tab) an 80–90% fuel efficiency, in contrast to only 40–50% for metal stoves and a negligible 10–15% for an open-hearth fireplace. In practice, this fuel efficiency means a ceramic stove can heat a room of 60 m2 (646 ft2) using only about 1.65 cords of wood per year, which equals about one tree.
Furthermore, because ceramic stoves warm the space through radiant heat rather than convection (i.e., circulating air), they avoid the dust circulation problems(opens in new tab) experienced by modern convection systems. Additionally, they can burn wood at much higher temperatures(opens in new tab) than metal stoves, which allows , all the combustible gases within the wood to be largely burned away, cutting down on the release of hydrocarbon pollutants. The stove’s surface also stays cooler than that of a metal stove, reducing the likelihood of severe contact burns dramatically.
Ceramic stove development: From the Middle Ages to today
Ceramic stoves (also known as tiled stoves) have been around for almost 1,000 years(opens in new tab) in Europe. However, major technological improvements took place in the 18th century, driven by wood scarcity(opens in new tab) that prompted governments to fund developments in several countries.
Ceramic stoves became popular in Sweden during this time(opens in new tab), becoming the main focal point for the room as well as the primary heating source. With advances in glazing technology, tiles were often decorated to match the home’s interior. A century later, ceramic stoves became popular(opens in new tab) in other European countries.
With the development of new central heating systems fueled by coal and oil, ceramic stoves fell out of favor. Electric furnaces also hastened their demise, with many ceramic stoves being dismantled or destroyed. However, with the rising cost of energy and deployment of stricter environmental regulations in recent years, the technology is experiencing a rebirth.
Although modern ceramic stoves are still primarily fueled by wood, they can be adapted to run on gas or on both fuels. Benches and drying racks can be integrated into the design, as well as hot plates or a cooking oven. The stoves can also be connected to a boiler system for heating water. The warm water is used for showers or baths or can be distributed through the walls or the floor via hoses throughout the house to provide whole-house heating.
Besides the benefits of ceramic stoves, there are some challenges homeowners must consider before pursuing installation. For one, ceramic stoves are very heavy, with even a smaller model weighing at least 800 kilograms(opens in new tab) (1,700 lbs. or nearly one U.S. ton). Larger versions can weigh up to five metric tons (5.5 U.S. tons). Because of their weight, a slate or a stone platform must be installed and the floor must be flat. Ceramic stoves also require a flue if they cannot be connected to an existing chimney.
These considerations can add to the upfront cost of installing a ceramic stove. However, over time, the expense can be offset by the ceramic stove’s energy efficiency. The addition of a ceramic stove can also bring a unique charm to the room. As one interior designer Olivia Outred put it(opens in new tab), a ceramic stove, “…reconnects with our more primordial instincts, inviting a closer connection. You can literally hug them.”
Further information
Ceramic stoves come in all shapes and sizes(opens in new tab); view some antique versions at this link(opens in new tab).
Learn more about how a ceramic stove works in both this article(opens in new tab) and this video(opens in new tab).
Watch this video(opens in new tab) showing the operating principle of a modern Italian ceramic stove.
Learn how one manufacturer builds its ceramic stoves at this link(opens in new tab).
Just in time for Halloween, learn about the tiled stoves in old Salem in this video(opens in new tab).
