Advantages & Disadvantages of Catalytic Combustor Stoves

How They Work

• One way to view a catalytic combustor is as a “smoke cleaner.” A catalytic combustor takes the smoke's after-burn byproducts and recycles the byproducts through the combustor. This reduces the level of hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, combustible gases and other pollutants that would ordinarily exhaust “as is” through stovepipes and chimneys. The catalyst creates a secondary level of smoke and warm air above the burning logs. This secondary layer of smoke is channeled into the combustor for “cleaning” before it is allowed to rise up to the stovepipe and allowed to exit and vent into the atmosphere from the chimney.

Advantages

• New, advanced catalytic combustor stoves are more energy efficient than older stoves, with energy efficiencies than range from 60 to 80 percent by reclaiming the energy content in the smoke. This is quite significant, considering that a traditional wood-burning fireplace is only 10 percent efficient, according to the Natural Resources Canada website. A non-catalytic stove allows anywhere from 5 to 30 percent of the chemical energy content of wood to literally go up in smoke. Plus, when you own a catalytic combustor stove, you know that you are being responsible about using an appliance that reduces the carbon footprint you leave on the environment. Furthermore, many municipalities in the United States are making it mandatory that new wood stoves have catalytic combustors, and no longer allow the installation of non-catalytic indoor wood stoves.

Disadvantages

• Cost and maintenance are the main drawbacks (if you view them as drawbacks) to owning a catalytic combustor stove. Prices for a new wood stove with a catalytic combustor start around $1,200, and well-decorated models, with fancy trimmings such as soapstone facings and bronze handles, can easily run as high as $5,000, as of the date of publication. Replacing or repairing a combustor might run up to $125. Catalytic combustor stoves do require more maintenance, and the unit itself (but not the entire stove) typically has to be replaced about every five years, or approximately after 12,000 hours of use. Some people are less than enthusiastic about the aesthetics of the fire flame, since catalytic combustor stoves do not produce a prominent or “roaring” flame.

Comparison to Non-Catalytic Stoves

• The main tradeoff in selecting a non-catalytic stove instead of one that has a catalytic combuster is that you are opting for a stove that is less environmentally friendly, and instead going with one that is easier to operate and less expensive. Non-catalytic stoves only have one simple air control, and you don’t have to monitor the temperature or manipulate dampers when you add new wood or open the door of the stove, as is the case with catalytic combustor stoves. A “non-cat” also produces a more intense fire flame -- if that is an issue. However, you must check zoning and fire codes in your area to see if non-catalytic stoves are allowed.