Radiant heat vs. convection heat
Obsolete heating systems produce convection heat
Convection heaters increase air circulation, meaning more dust and bacteria swirl around in
the air we breathe. This type of heating system can heat considerable volumes in a short time,
but at the same time dries out the air. It is not suitable for those suffering from allergies.The radiant heat of a tiled stove penetrates the air irrespective of its temperature and causes no air movement. It acts directly on the skin and produces a pleasant feeling of warmth in the body.
Construction biologists and doctors have long recommended the radiant heat produced by tiled stoves: new scientific studies now confirm the importance of a high proportion of radiant heat for personal health, well-being and comfort.
Ceramics vs. plasterwork
Plasterwork stoves as an alibi for debris
Many people ask the question: ceramics or plasterwork? What should my stove look like?
And, above all, which is better?There is in fact no definitive answer. Much depends on taste and the environment in which the stove is to be installed. Plasterwork is however often used to cover up poor or inappropriate materials used for rendering. Historically, ceramics were very frequently used to the extent of being almost the basic principle of the storage heating stove.
Ceramics have a higher density and therefore retain
heat longer, releasing it evenly into the room. The radiant heat of a ceramic stove is much
more effective: there are no drawbacks involved. The investment might at first sight appear
slightly higher, but the maintenance and operating costs should not be ignored, as ceramic
stoves are both significantly cheaper to maintain and longer-lasting in use.
Cast-iron doors vs. glass doors
In other words, diesel locomotive vs. hybrid system...
Today’s air-tight construction of apartments and houses means that it is essential for any
fireplace, whether stove, wood-burner or oven, to be connected to an external duct,
independent of the room air, in order to ensure closed combustion. As the classic cast-iron
door used the principle of being not quite closed during combustion and thus drew air out of
the living area, with no provision for an external air duct, it is clear that such stove doors no
longer meet current requirements. Glass doors are however made with a built-in, external
airflow precisely for this purpose. The idea of fitting glass in the door was originally
intended
to permit visual inspection of the fire without opening the door. Furthermore, the aesthetic
effect of an “open” fire has increasingly taken prominence. Another advantage of glass doors
is that they immediately produce high heat radiation in the room following pre-heating and its
reaction time allows the stove to heat up living quarters very quickly. Compensation for
initially higher investment costs comes in the form of cosy winter evenings spent by a warm,
crackling wood fire.
Glazed tiles vs. soapstone
Supermodel vs. sumo wrestler
There are practically no limits to the design versatility of ceramics. Nothing is impossible:
organic surfaces or radial moulds in every conceivable variation. Ceramic colour schemes too
show the widest variations. Numerous different manufacturers offer all kinds of colours and even surface textures. Ceramists (or potters) have been at work for over 700 years and know
exactly what they are doing. The only drawback is that, since ceramics are 90% produced to
customer order, the delivery time of 3 to 6 weeks is naturally somewhat longer than for other,
more readily available materials.
Soapstone is a wonderful natural material, distinguished above all by its ability to store heat.
With a bulk density of approximately 2.9 kg / dm³ it is in the heavyweight class of natural
stones. This is not always beneficial, as the use of such materials in fireplaces means very
low combustion values. The aesthetics of soapstone differs slightly depending on its origin,
but by and large it is grey.
Craft & history
The future too has a past
Stove-fitting and pottery are among mankind’s oldest crafts. It all started with pots designed
for a variety of purposes and led to the first tiled stoves, built around 500 years ago. We have
learned from South Tyrol’s oldest and most respected stove-builders and absorbed the
experience handed down from generation to generation. The application and refinement of
this knowledge has resulted in a steady improvement in the construction of stoves and in
heating technology. Numerous satisfied customers attest to the success of our company,
which is also characterised by its co-operation with the best ceramists and fireclay makers.
This long tradition and fund of experience can be seen today in our tiled stoves and
fireplaces. Yet this on its own is not enough: only by combining innovation and the latest
technology with the skills and knowledge of experienced craftsman can we make stoves that
will meet your and our high standards: unique items that unite the future and the past in one.
Radiant heat
The best and healthiest way of heating
The comfort of ceramic radiant heat.Medical practitioners and construction biologists have long agreed that stoves positively influence room climate, comfort and well-being. Of all the various forms of heating thus far developed, none resembles the sun so closely as the radiant heat of a tiled stove. Tiles can store heat then release it slowly and evenly throughout a space in the form of infrared radiation. Unlike conventional heaters, they will not reduce air humidity through an intense heating process followed by rapid cooling. There is no air movement and the mucous membranes and respiratory system are thus not affected by swirling dust. Just as the sun is the source and engine of our well-being, so a stove brings comfort into our homes. The gentle radiant heat of the tiles is perceived by the human organism in the same beneficial way as the natural heat of the sun’s rays. A tiled stove provides us with the energy and sense of security that, in this hectic world, we now need more than ever – not just on cold winter days.