Corner tiled stove with red tiles
Realisation: Johann Hafner

The tiled stove – a stove that keeps you warm for a long time

That’s true – but why is that? After just one to two hours of burning, the fire in a tiled stove slowly dies down, and by that time the outer shell is only lukewarm. It’s quite surprising that such a stove can continue to radiate warmth for up to 12 hours after such a short burning time. So, where is all that heat stored until it’s released? The answer lies inside the tiled stove, where we can take a closer look at how the system actually works.

The inner qualities of the tiled stove

In detail, the system of a tiled stove works like this: it all begins with the fire inside the combustion chamber. Once the fire is lit, the “energy release engine” of wood starts working. During combustion, hot gases are produced in the chamber. These gases contain a lot of heat energy and rise upward because of their low density. It would be a waste to let these gases escape straight through the chimney.

To make efficient use of this energy – achieving an efficiency rate of over 80% – the hot gases are directed from the combustion chamber through a series of winding channels surrounded by heat storage material before reaching the chimney.

The heat storage material (such as chamotte) works much like a sponge: as the hot gases pass through the winding channels, they transfer their energy to the storage mass. The material soaks up this heat like a sponge until the fire in the combustion chamber has gone out and the storage mass can no longer absorb any more energy. Once the air supply to the combustion chamber is closed, the inside of the stove remains warm and does not cool down.

This process of gas redirection and complete charging of the storage mass takes some time. That’s why it takes a while before the stove begins to release its warmth evenly into the room.

Diagram showing the function of a tiled stove

The tiled stove as a slow but efficient system

This slowness is actually what makes this type of stove so special. During combustion, the storage mass absorbs the energy, but it releases it much more slowly. This means you can enjoy its warmth for a long time: steady, comfortable radiant heat is emitted for up to 12 hours, providing deep and pleasant warmth.

When there’s a constant need for heat, this long-lasting output also means you don’t have to rush to reload the stove. If you want the tiled stove to also supply hot water, this can be achieved with a water-bearing system. Combined with a heat pump, it represents the most modern technical heating solution with a wood fire – advanced heating technology paired with the comfort and reliability of a real flame.

Flacher Kachelofen mit Sitzbank
BRUNNER tiled stove flat HKD 13

Conclusion

A tiled stove takes a little longer to heat up, but it releases warmth over many hours. With a water-bearing system, the heat can even be used to produce hot water.

Expert advice

The classic tiled stove definitely has its advantages. To find the right heating insert for your needs, it’s best to consult a professional stove builder. A stove builder can help you determine which heating insert is perfect for you. You can find qualified stove builders in our craftsman search.

Portrait of Klaus, Head of Customer Service
Klaus Leihkamm, Head of Craftsman Support & Customer Service

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