Newbie

Hi all, I accidentally happened on the rocket heater concept in a home building group that I'm in. Totally new to me. We will be building a new home next Spring. Is it possible to have a rocket heater that uses the fireplace hearth as the mass bench? Is it possible to have a rocket heater that looks more like a conventional fireplace (see attached pic)? I don't really want a barrel sitting in my living room. Thanks so much, Permies!

Hi Joyce,

You don't have to have any barrel (which I consider ugly). You can build masonry bell (the outside walls of the heater) and its look and finish is limited only by your imagination.
The barrel or any metal enclosure has the advantage of immediate heat transfer.