Russian Fireplaces(Masonry Heaters)

[magicheater]

A metal fire box would not work.
The whole concept of a Masonry Heater is that you build a HOT fast fire and store the energy in the masonry mass. The hot fire burns off almost all the gasses, producing almost no smoke/cresote.
The temp needed to atain this type of burn would melt a metal stove.

Slack

I have built hybrid masonry stoves on top of woodstoves for years and have yet to have one melt. Best of both worlds, quick heat off the stove and long term heat off the brick.

 

[FallbrookFarmer]

That's what I was originally thinking, build a fire in a wood stove that would give you quick heat, and then have the baffles/chimney store some of the usually wasted heat.
Dave 1949, thanks for great pics of your TuliKivi, what a beautiful addition, but 18K!
I have seen masonry heaters in many parts of eastern Europe
and was thinking there must be a more inexpensive alternative.
Magiccheater: You wouldn't have any pics/more info would you?
Thanks to all

 

[Redneck in training]

It used to be a common type of heating in old farmhouses in central Europe. Some stoves had a bread oven built in and all had large platform on the top where people slept when it was cold. Kids used to be threatened: "If don't behave yourself you will not be allowed to sleep on the stove tonight."
You can build it as simple (just from clay bricks) or as fancy as you desire.
I don't have any pics right now but can ask my brother to email me some.

Here is an example of some fancy one for sale in Czech Republic
http://www.keramika-letovice.cz/realizace.html