Got the wife on board with one of these for the next home we buy. They are pricey, but you are getting a ton (literally) of soap stone. I don't fully understand these things. It seems you burn one hot fire and are good for 24 hours. I'm not sure, but this seems likes a lot less wood consumption, and since it burns so hot, very little waste in the form of smoke. Anyone have experience with these? I'm thinking you could build these out of bricks or other masonry to cut the cost back. I've seen some really pretty designs on the web. http://www.forgreenheat.org/goals/masonry.html
someone recently posted about a "russian fireplace" that looks familiar design. NM, you already saw it.....
Those are beautiful heaters! I heat with a mass heater, and I'm a fan of the style. Like any heating system, there are a lot of variables to consider when sizing it and how it will be used, but typically if you size it right for the space you would burn that either once a day, or once in the morning and once in the evening. The Tulukivi is a well regarded company and you can't go wrong with one of those. I'd say go for it!
I remember talking to a fellow at the DC stove competition. What he told me sounded really great except for the initial cost. Apparently they are quite popular overseas.
I agree. I watched a video showing an installation done with brick and Alaskan river rock masonry. After seeing all the labor involved, I can see why they cost what they do if you have to hire it out.
I think it was probably about 8-10 (?) years ago, new construction house in Northern Wisconsin had one of these put in. The couple was building a vacation/retirement home; leaving Washington DC behind. I had the opportunity to meet the fellow and he needed, IMO, a personality upgrade. So even though I expressed my interest about the stove, no questions were answered...even when I went back after winter to charge the AC. I do remember that it was installed right in the entrance on the main level (not the basement). As you walked in, this large stove was right there! I'm sure it worked well for impressing others even if they never lit a fire in it!
That tells me he wasn't really that into it then. Anyone who loved such a stove would be more than willing to talk about it.
