Wood Stove Catalytic Combustor

Our ceramic catalytic combustors are critical for the efficiency of your wood stove. Not only do these replacement parts improve the overall performance of your wood heating application, but they also help reduce creosote production and air pollution! 

Creosote production is reduced 20 to 90%

Air pollution decreases by up to 75%

The overall efficiency of your heat source is increased by 10%

The honeycomb design of our high quality round and rectangular combustors essentially traps combustion gases, while the metal coating (if applicable) acts as a catalyst that causes the gases to burn at lower temperatures. The entire process of re-purposing fire smoke and gases instead of allowing them to escape through the stovepipe or flue is what causes your wood stove to give off more heat and save energy!

Catalytic combustors should only be used with natural wood burning applications. They need to be replaced every 10,000-12,000 hours, or when they become contaminated with foreign materials from the burn process. Please check the owner's manual that came with your wood burning fireplace, insert, or stove to verify if your application uses a catalytic combustor.

Common Questions About Combustors

What is the difference between canned and uncanned catalytic combustors?

A canned ceramic combustor is wrapped with a welded stainless steel strip. This metal accelerates the catalytic reaction of converting smoke to burn as fuel. You will notice an interam gasket tucked in between the metal strip and the combustor itself. 

An uncanned catalytic combustor is simply not wrapped with the metal strip.

Some manufacturers use canned combustors, while others choose uncanned. There is no real reason why - it is a preference. However, it is important that you replace your combustor with the appropriate product. Never install an uncanned combustor on a heat source that originally housed a canned combustor.

What type of heating application uses a catalytic combustor?

Only wood burning applications require a catalytic combustor. We highly recommend checking the owner's manual that came with your fireplace, insert, or stove to verify that your heat source does in fact utilize a combustor. If your application does in fact use one of these devices, remember to never burn coal, lighter fluid, treated or painted wood, paper logs, or trash within the firebox!

How often should I replace my honeycomb combustor?

Catalytic combustors operate for approximately 10,000 to 12,000 hours. However, it is a good idea to check the integrity of your combustor periodically, especially if the performance of your stove changes. Once combustors become heavily contaminated with smoke, gases, or foreign materials from the burn process, you may start to notice signs of cracking or deterioration. When you see this, the combustor should be replaced as soon as possible.

Will I need a gasket for my combustor?

Canned combustors come with a stainless steel band around the outside. Between the combustor and the metal strip is an interam gasket wrap. When you replace your canned combustor, the gasket is included.

Uncanned combustors have no stainless steel banding and must always be installed with a new expanding gasket. We offer a soft, lightweight and flexible protective gasket for this situation. The 1/16 inch thick gaskets come in 2 or 3 inch widths and can be ordered by the foot. When exposed to high temperatures, water particles that have been chemically bound to the material is released. This process cools the outer surface of the combustor and reduces extreme heat transfer, thus protecting your wood burning application from overheating. CLICK HERE to get an interam gasket for your uncanned combustor!

As always, Fast Replacement Glass is happy to answer any questions you may have. Call 1-888-986-1535 to speak to one of our customer service professionals!