Catalytic vs Non Catalytic Wood Burning Stoves - A Comparison

When it comes to heating your home in the cold winter season, there are plenty of options to choose from. One popular choice among homeowners is a wood burning stove. Not only do wood stoves provide an efficient and cost-effective way to heat your living space, but they also add a touch of charm and style to any room.

However, when it comes to selecting the right wood burning stove for your home, there are two different types to consider: catalytic and non-catalytic wood burning stoves. In this article, we will compare these two types and explore their benefits and drawbacks, helping you make an informed decision when it comes to choosing the right type of wood burning stove for your home.

So, if you're considering investing in a wood burning stove, read on to discover the differences between catalytic and non-catalytic models.

In Image: Osburn 1700 wood stove

Which is Better: Catalytic or Non-Catalytic Wood Burning Stoves?

So, which is better? The answer depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize efficiency, lower emissions, and are willing to invest in regular maintenance, a catalytic wood burning stove may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if ease of use and low maintenance are more important, a non-catalytic stove might be a better fit.

Both options have their advantages and disadvantages, and it is important to weigh the factors discussed in this article carefully before making a decision. Let’s delve deeper into each type of wood burning stove to help you find the best fit for your needs!

In Image: Buck Stove Model 21 Wood Stove

What are Catalytic Wood Burning Stoves?

Catalytic wood burning stoves are known for their high efficiency and ability to reduce emissions. They provide longer, steadier heat output compared to non-catalytic stoves, making them a popular choice for those seeking both performance and environmental benefits.

How Does a Catalytic Wood Stove Work

Catalytic wood stoves work by incorporating a catalytic combustor, which is a honeycomb-shaped device coated with a catalyst such as platinum or palladium.

As the wood burns and produces smoke, the smoke passes through the catalytic combustor. The catalyst lowers the ignition temperature of the wood, smoke and gases, causing them to ignite and burn at a lower temperature then they would in a non-catalytic wood burning stove.This secondary combustion process burns off gasses and particulates that would otherwise escape up the chimney, converting them into additional heat.

Pros and Cons of Catalytic Wood Stove

Pros

Cons

• Regular Maintenance: The catalytic combustor requires regular maintenance and periodic replacement to ensure optimal performance.
• Higher Initial Cost: Catalytic wood stoves tend to be more expensive to purchase compared to non-catalytic models.
• Complex Operation: These stoves can be more complex to operate, requiring you to monitor and adjust the air supply in order to maintain efficient combustion.
• Decreased Performance Over Time: The catalytic combustor can degrade over time, thus reducing your wood stove’s efficiency and requiring you to replace the catalyst.

Best Catalytic Wood Burning Stove

 1. Buck Stove Model 91

The Buck Stove Model 91 Wood Stove is a highly popular and efficient wood burning stove. Made in America and built to last, it stands out as one of the most efficient wood stoves on the market in 2024, helping you save tons of money on your heating bills.

What we love:

• Heats spaces up from 1,800 - 3,200 square feet, and provides 10,400 - 62,745 BTU's per hour.
• The Buck Stove Model 91 is eligible for the 26% Tax Credit program.
• 4.4 cubic feet firebox that accommodates logs up to 22" wide.
• Comes included with a 185 CFM Blower and an Ash Pan.

2. MF Fire Nova 2

Contemporary design meets classic reliability with the MF Fire Nova 2 Freestanding Wood Burning Stove. This EPA-certified catalytic wood stove stove combines a sleek, modern appearance with outstanding efficiency, making it a perfect fit for today's homes.

What we love:

• The MF Fire Nova 2 wood stove is eligible for the 26% Tax Credit.
• Heats spaces up to 2,500 square feet, and provides 9,000 – 75,000 BTU's per hour.
• It has a 81% LHV efficiency (lower heating value) and a 75.2% HHV efficiency (higher heating value)
• Massive 245 sq. inch. glass viewing area.

Click Here to Shop the MF Fire Nova 2 Wood Burning Stove

What are Non-Catalytic Wood Stoves?

Non-catalytic wood burning stoves are a type of stove that provides efficient heating without the use of a catalytic combustor. These wood stoves are designed to achieve cleaner burns and are known for their simplicity and ease of maintenance Overall, non-catalytic wood burning stoves offer a reliable and effective heating solution for homeowners seeking to balance performance with straightforward operation.

How do Non-Catalytic Wood Stoves Work

Non-catalytic wood burning stoves work by using a combination of advanced firebox design and secondary air tubes to enhance the combustion process. The firebox is engineered to create a high-temperature environment which allows the wood to burn more completely. The secondary air tubes are strategically placed to introduce preheated air into the firebox, thus promoting the combustion of gases and particulates that are released as the wood burns.

The advanced firebox design and secondary air tubes of non-catalytic wood stoves result in a cleaner, and more efficient burn without the need for a catalytic combustor. The design ensures that more heat is extracted from the wood, reducing emissions and increasing overall efficiency.

Pros and Cons of Non-Catalytic Wood Stoves

Pros

• Lower Initial Cost: Non-Catalytic wood stoves are generally less expensive to purchase compared to catalytic stoves.
• Simplicity: They have a very straightforward design that has fewer moving parts, thus making them easier to operate.
• Less Maintenance: With fewer components and no catalytic combustor, non-catalytic stoves are easier to maintain and require less frequent upkeep. You also don't need to worry about replacing your catalyst, leading to lower maintenance costs.
• Durability: Without a catalytic combustor that wears out over time, there are fewer parts that can wear out or require replacement which will lead to longer lasting performance.

Cons

• Lower Efficiency: They generally achieve lower efficiency rates compared to catalytic stoves. They burn wood less completely, resulting in higher wood consumption to produce the same amount of heat. 
• Higher Emissions: Without a catalytic combustor to help burn off gases and particulates, non-catalytic stoves can emit more smoke and pollutants into the air.
• Increased Creosote Build-Up: More smoke and incomplete combustion can lead to increased creosote build-up in the chimney, requiring more frequent cleaning of your chimney.
• Less Control: They offer less precise control over the burn rate and temperature.

Best Non-Catalytic Wood Burning Stoves

1. Osburn 1700 Wood Stove OB01700

The Osburn 1700 Wood Stove is an upscale wood-burning stove, ideal for compact spaces. It boasts high-density bricks, a cast iron door, and a built-in ash pan, making it a robust appliance designed to endure frequent use over many years.

What we love:

• With a heat output up to 65,000 BTU's, it can effectively heat an area ranging from 500 to 1,800 square feet.
• The Osburn 1700 wood stove is eligible for the 26% Tax Credit program
• 1.9 cubic feet firebox that accommodates logs up to 18" wide.
• It boast a 78% optimum overall efficiency.
• Also available as a wood burning insert. Click here to shop the insert.

Click Here to Shop the Osburn 1700 Wood Stove

2. Buck Stove Model 74

When you choose the Buck Stove Model 74 Non-Catalytic Wood Stove, you're investing in quality and craftsmanship. This beautiful, modern stove is built to last, ensuring it will be a part of your home for many years. Plus, every Buck Stove product is proudly made in the USA.

What we love:

• Heats spaces up to 2,600 square feet, and provides up to 52,400 BTU's with dry cordwood.
• 2.6 cubic feet firebox that accommodates logs up to 22" wide.
• Comes included with a factory installed blower.
• It boasts a 73% HHV efficiency (higher heating value)

 3. True North TN20 Wood Stove

The True North TN20 Wood Burning Stove offers an exceptional cost to performance ratio. Featuring entry-level tubes as part of the combustion system, the TN20 is the cost effective solution for the price-minded wood burner. The wood stove is constructed with quality 10-guage steel, a gasketed cast iron door, clean glass airwash system, and engineered for high efficiency.

What we love: 

• 2.0 cubic feet firebox that accommodates logs up to 18" wide.
• It boasts a 72.7% HHV efficiency (higher heating value).
• Built-in air wash system made to keep the front glass super clean.
• It is capable of heating spaces up to 1,800 sq. ft., and provides up to 60,000 BTU's of heat output when using dry cordwood.

Efficiency Comparison: Catalytic vs Non-Catalytic Wood Burning Stoves

Catalytic Wood Burning Stoves

Catalytic wood burning stoves are known for their high efficiency. These stoves use a catalytic combustor to burn the smoke and gasses produced during combustion. The combustor helps to achieve a more complete burn, resulting in higher heat output and less emissions. Catalytic stoves are capable of reaching efficiency levels of up to 80%, making them an excellent choice for those looking to maximize heat output while minimizing wood consumption.

Non-Catalytic Wood Burning Stoves

On the other hand, non-catalytic wood burning stoves rely on secondary combustion to achieve efficiency. These stoves feature a carefully designed firebox that allows for the introduction of preheated air, which helps to burn off the smoke and gasses. While non-catalytic stoves may not reach the same level of efficiency as their catalytic counterparts, they are still capable of achieving efficiency levels of around 70%. They are also generally easier to operate and maintain, as they do not require regular replacement of the catalyst.

In conclusion, both catalytic and non-catalytic wood burning stoves offer their own benefits in terms of efficiency. Catalytic stoves are known for their high efficiency and reduced emissions, making them a great choice for those looking to maximize heat output while minimizing wood consumption. On the other hand, non-catalytic stoves are easier to operate and maintain, and still offer respectable levels of efficiency.

In Image: Osburn Inspire 2000 Wood Burning Stove

Conclusion - Choosing the Right Wood Burning Stove for your Home

As we are concluding, it is clear that there is two excellent types of wood burning stoves, the modern and efficient catalytic wood stove and the more traditional non-catalytic wood stove.

Consider the catalytic wood burning stove as the more advanced option, it is engineered for optimal efficiency and reduced environmental impact. On the other hand, the non-catalytic wood stove offers a more traditional wood burning experience, that combines aesthetic appearance with a solid heat output performance.

Which one is right for you? It ultimately depends on your personal preferences. Whether you're drawn to the high-tech features of the catalytic combustor or the classic charm of a traditional wood-burning stove, both are excellent choices. The key is to choose the option that best fits your needs, ensuring many warm and cozy moments ahead.