KACHELOFEN

A Wood-burning Alternative for Room-

Heating

Emil Rechsteiner, March 12, 2008

 OUTLINE

• a) Kachelofen, Explain what it is

• b) Explain why we chose such a heat source
• c) Tell our personal journey toward getting our
Kachelofen
• d) Talk about economics in terms of dollars,
effort, and time
 Kachelofen

• A German word comprised of:

• Kachel(n) = Earthenware Bowl(s)
• Ofen = Oven

Early Kachelofen were generally of rectangular or

square shape built of firebrick, 5 to 12 feet high, covered
with “Kacheln” or glazed tiles.

Today, stucco-type surfaces are also used.

Kachelofen Inside Schematic
Fuel is burned in fire
box. Combustion
Gases take circuitous
route to chimney, all
the while transferring
heat to structure from
where it is radiated to
room.
 Kachelofen (Billensteiner)

Fairly typical rustic style.

Classically Styled Kachelofen

An oven that is fully

clad in fired ceramic
kacheln.
 Kachelofen

Outside combines
Stucco with individual
unglazed Kacheln
 KACHELOFEN with Stovetop

Room heating is
combined with
cooking capability
 Kachelofen by Chiemton

This stucco-clad oven

is characteristic of
Chiemton’s modern,
elegant, styling.
Kachelofen with Cooking Surface

This is as much a
piece of furniture as a
heating and cooking
device.

Product of Chiemton,
Bavaria, Germany.
 Kachelofen from Chiemton

Modern design relying

on a stucco exterior.
 The Rechsteiners’ Kachelofen

Built 1985 by
Chiemton

(Sideview)
 The Rechsteiners’ Kachelofen

Built 1985 by
Chiemton

(Frontview)
 Fuel Consumption
Four to six cords of hardwood, split
approx. 3” x 4”, 2 feet long, and seasoned
for two summers

Electric Baseboard as back-up.

On Ground floor have electric heater under
slate floor. Used rarely; slow to heat up.
Generally do not heat upstairs; heat from
Kachelofen rises.
 MAINTENANCE
• Empty ash pan up to twice per week.
• Sweep chimney and oven interior at
least every other year. For this purpose
3 or 4 ports need to be chiseled out
and then cemented in again.