Jim,

I have been interested in Rumford fireplaces for some time now. A little over a year ago I experimented by setting tipi fires in my ugly inefficient zero clearance fire place. I noticed a significant increase in the amount of heat radiated into the room with the tipi! The fireplace output (into the room!) increased from "almost not worth the effort" to "drive you out of the room"! I introduced the tipi to several friends, and if they want to heat the room rather than just create a mood, they always lay a tipi.

I am a bit concerned with the possible additional heat against the back of the metal fire box, but I figure if it burns through, I'll be able to install a proper fireplace!

Has anyone quantified the efficiency gains contributed by the basic design vs. the tipi fire method?

Regards,

Gary Prideaux.

PS I still want to install a Rumford in place of my existing boxes!