Living with a Rocket Mass Heater

I thought folks here would be interested in my latest video where I go over some of the more common questions regarding living with a rocket mass heater. Cleaning, lighting, processing fuel, construction, etc. Hope some of you find this helpful!

Well, I've been getting lots of requests for an update on my home heater, and finally got around to making an update video. I sincerely hope this helps some of you, either answering questions you may have or just giving you a little more confidence and inspiration with regards to this technology. I'm also seeking some feedback. I'm wondering, would folks like to see me run this one for as long as possible and document it over time to see how it holds up, or would you rather see a batch rocket core in place of the J tube here so we could compare? I think it would be interesting since it would be in the same space, using the same mass layout, so it would be a neat comparison. That said, I am completely satisfied with this cast insulated core J tube and probably wouldn't change it without a little push. However, I really would be happy to change and see how they stack up. I guess I'm on the fence! Thoughts?

Here's the update:

Hi Matt,

I'd suspect it's tricky to compare those two combustion chambers side by side, coupled to the same heat exchanging set up. Mainly the batch rocket does need a wider channelled system because of its dependance on higher gas velocity. Every time a batch box comes by which doesn't work satisfactory there's something wrong in the department of cramped stream openings, too tight corners or the like. In order to keep the air speed high every bend seems to be 1.5 times as wide as system size. In at least two instances that solved sluggish behaviour.

No hard evidence, just a hunch that this firebox is better suited to a spaciously bell system in order to keep things going. Ultimately, the burn rate of a batch box is about twice as high as a comparable J-tube so those sytems aren't completely alike.

Looking forward to meet you at the innovators gathering. There's one new idea for both the Evans rocket and the batch box rocket on the back burner (pun intended) I'd love to try those out in Missoula.

Peter, thanks so much for the feedback and input. I agree, and am really wondering if it would drive this system. My system draws very, very well, and I suspect it would work, but there's really only one way to find out for sure!

I'm very much looking forward to finally meeting you, and the rest of the crew, in person at the gathering as well . I can't wait to see what you are working on, this opportunity to brainstorm and build with you and the others is incredibly exciting for me. I'll bring my 330!

Matt, a daft question, what is the size of your window oppening in the front?

If big enough, you could try a batch temporary retrofit! I mean, make a batch box, with a barrel. Or even one of your walkerstoves, plug the feed, and connect to that front window. You never know, it might work, or not!

Matt, thanks for the update. I thought the pictures into the horizontal ducting were great. Many people wonder what they look like after some use.

Thanks for the input guys. Max, I could easily stand a Walker Stove next to the bench and plug into a clean out. Interesting idea, thank you!

Hey Permie friends! I'm finally getting through some of these videos I've had in my head, which is good 'cause I'm onto a bunch of new projects I want to share in the coming months.

Anyway, I made a new update video on my main heater, with a few extras. You can catch up on how I feel about the Batch Box Rocket Mass Heater in my home after living with it as my main heat source for 4 winters now. That's Part 4, filmed yesterday, March 13, 2016. I'll link to Part 3 here as well just to keep them all in one place. Enjoy!

Yes... I have seen many people that get into Rocket stoves go bigger instead of smaller. Always better to go big and deep.