Scientific Evaluation | Heat Distribution Research
Featured in scientific literature, University of Birmingham
We asked Dr Raya Al-Dadah and Dr Saad Mahmoud at the University of Birmingham to measure the performance of our E678 stove against a metal wood burning stove. The study was measured over a prolonged period with several different tests conducted by highly accurate thermographic equipment to compare the heat build-up, heat release and heat distribution of both stoves under the same conditions.
The Ecco Stove is a hybrid masonry heater – made from layers of silicon carbide that slowly absorb energy from the fire and release it slowly over a long time period. Our thermal mass technology was put to the test in a rigorous scientific environment to validate the claims we make about superior heat distribution and retention.
The results were significant. The Ecco Stove maintained a balanced heat of between 22 and 27 degrees Celsius across the room, compared to a significant variation of between 13 and 22 degrees Celsius for the metal stove.
Temperature variation over distance showed even more dramatic differences. At 7 metres from the heat source, the Ecco Stove showed only 0.5°C temperature difference, while the metal stove showed a 3°C drop – six times the variation.
| Metric | Ecco Stove E678 | Metal Stove |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature Range | 22-27°C (balanced) | 13-22°C (variable) |
| Temperature Difference Over 7m | Only 0.5°C | 3°C (6x more variation) |
| Average Room Temperature | 24°C | 15°C |
| Refuelling Frequency | 3 times per day | Every 2 hours |
Additionally, when a joss stick is lit in front of the Ecco Stove, the smoke spreads around the room almost immediately because of the natural convection currents set up by the stove's radiant heat. In front of the metal stove, the smoke rises straight up as there is minimal air circulation – demonstrating the superior heat distribution mechanism of the Ecco Stove's thermal mass technology.
This simple visual test demonstrates what the thermographic measurements confirmed: the Ecco Stove creates a fundamentally different heating environment, with gentle convection currents that distribute warmth evenly throughout the space rather than creating hot spots near the stove with cold spots at distance.
Beyond temperature performance, the study highlighted significant differences in practical operation. The average temperature achieved throughout the day with the metal stove was 15°C with re-fuelling every two hours. The Ecco Stove maintained an average temperature of 24°C with re-fuelling just 3 times a day.
This represents not only superior heating performance – achieving temperatures 9°C higher on average – but also dramatically reduced maintenance demands. Users can enjoy consistent warmth throughout the day without the constant attention required by traditional metal stoves.
The silicon carbide body of the Ecco Stove demonstrated remarkable heat retention and distribution properties, maintaining consistent room temperatures with significantly less variation across distance compared to traditional metal stove designs.
University of Birmingham
The University of Birmingham study provides independent scientific validation of what Ecco Stove customers experience daily: more even heat distribution, better maintained temperatures, and dramatically reduced refuelling requirements compared to traditional metal stoves.
The thermal mass technology at the heart of every Ecco Stove isn't just a marketing claim – it's proven science that delivers real-world benefits in comfort, convenience, and efficiency.
Download Full Study PDFThe model tested in this independent scientific evaluation.
Experience the scientifically-proven performance of Ecco Stove technology in your own home.
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