Closed combustion stoves are sealed steel units. Most of the ones available are designed for wood burning, yet some can handle anthracite. The fire takes place behind a pane of glass with the combustion air being drawn in through vents that the user controls. These fireplaces produce very low emissions.
With slow combustion fireplaces, the amount of available oxygen for combustion is regulated. Through this,the burning duration of wood is extended. In order to maintain the continuous heat 2-6kg of wood needs to be added per hour. As a smaller amount of wood is burned continuously, the immediate heat provision is weaker.
Closed Combustion Fireplaces Advantages
Most slow combustion stoves have a lifespan of 5-25 years.
Most of the heat generated remains in your home as the flow of hot air up the chimney is very low and the need to suck cold air in from outside, to replace the escaped hot air, is negated.
Closed combustion fireplaces use less wood than open fireplaces and can keep burning on 3-4 logs of wood per hour.
Closed Combustion Fireplace Disadvantages
One of the greatest disadvantages of a closed combustion stoves is that it requires frequent cleaning and maintainance.
A closed combustion stove is also a safety hazzard as the fire’s temperature reaches up to 500-600 degrees celcius. The intense heat of this fire heats up the steel unit and can cause great injury when touched.
Convection heat can lead to the drying out of room air. Dust particles will also be present, causing discomfort for allergy sufferers.
