Covers site selection, floor load requirements (the mass is heavy), and navigating local building codes and insurance.
by Erica and Ernie Wisner is a technical manual for constructing ultra-efficient earthen masonry heating systems. These systems can heat a home using 70–90% less wood than a traditional woodstove by capturing exhaust heat in a thermal mass, such as a cob bench, which radiates warmth for 12–24 hours after the fire is out. Core Principles & Design The Rocket Mass Heater Builder’s Guide: Complet...
The guide emphasizes the heater as an integrated system rather than just a stove. Its performance relies on a "rocket" combustion core that achieves complete, smoke-free burning through: Covers site selection, floor load requirements (the mass
Includes firing practices to establish a draft and maintenance schedules for ash removal and inspection. Practical Benefits Core Principles & Design The guide emphasizes the
Guidance on using earthen materials like cob or masonry to create functional seating that acts as the primary heat sink.
Forces extremely hot, clean combustion by keeping temperatures high enough to burn off soot and creosote.
Hot exhaust gases are routed through long horizontal channels (often inside a bench) that absorb and store heat instead of letting it escape up the chimney.