Superefficient Topolino Wood Stove
by TreeHugger on 02.19.05
If you marveled at the Raiswittus stoves we showcased earlier in the year, then we've got something else to tempt your chilly toes. The Topolino stove is another great modern heating machine with an efficiency of up to 80% (5-10% more than the Rais ones, and 70% more than a conventional fireplace). And of course, it's clean modern look would be welcome in any stylish home.
Like the Rais models, it uses a system of internal baffles to make the hot exhaust gases from the fire wander around its ceramic body until all their heat has been absorbed. Once the heat is stored in the stove's thermal mass, it will keep warming the room for hours after the fire has died, so there's no need to go through gobs and gobs of wood. Not only does the high efficiency help keep your fuel use, and CO2 emissions low, but you get nearly complete combustion, which means no smoke, no problems with chimney fires, and almost no ashes to clean up. We're almost sad that winter's coming to an end... almost.
:: Topolino Woodburning Stove [by DM]
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I'm not big on woodfires, but I have to admit that such a high efficiency makes the activity look more tempting.
There is also the Vermont Castings Defiant. Easier to get in the US and is stated by the company to be 82% efficient and the cleanest burning stove evaluated by the EPA.
http://www.vermontcastings.com/about/products/productdetails.php?id=42
how much?
I am in the process of relocating from London to Slovenia to develop a small family hotel complex. We would really like the refurbishment to be as environmentally friendly as possible and I am very intersted in wood burning heating systems. Are they suitable for commercial applications?
Any idea of costs and possible contacts.
Thanks.
Ian - www.sloveniaforfamilies.com (under construction)
Jan 2004 topolino stove quoted at 6970 Swiss Francs without VAT. Try www.twlag.ch for more stoves and information.