There appears to be a huge amount of traffic and discussion through different internet forums about rocket mass heaters and reports from the authors on sales of the book on the subject confirm this incredible surge in interest. I am quite certain that this excitement stems from the tangible possibility that the rocket mass heater concept offers to individuals and families to build their own affordable efficient wood-fired heating system. I thought it would be interesting and useful to offer the following synthesis of recent research I have been directly involved in and links to information . . .

about 300 pounds of masonry makes a small space comfortable for 10-24 hours on very little fuel. It's also easy to burn clean — you never damp it down, so it burns hot and fast, , and minutes after ignition, there's no visible smoke from the stack. Increasing wood-stove efficiency can be as simple as adding just a layer of bricks on top of the stove: more mass stores more heat — as will a low brick wall next to the stove (it can be 1, 2, or 3-sided). However, you can also effectively upgrade your old (or new!) woodstove by re-directing the hot gases from your stove fire thru masonry . . .

Heat your masonry oven with a clean, top-down fire The top-down fire works well for masonry ovens, stoves, and fireplaces, as well as outdoor fires. It's simple: dry fuel, small sticks (plenty of surface area), plenty of volume where fuel and oxygen can mix -- and kindling on top, so the fire burns down, clean and hot. Think of a candle: the flame on top pre-heats the fuel (wax) below, as well as the incoming combustion air. The wick burns hot, bright, and clean, so all you get is light and heat -- a perfect fire! If you use it in your oven, your neighbors won't have to breathe your smoke . . .