From a vision born in Finland to a revolution in home heating. Discover how we created the world's first silicon carbide masonry heater.
With high efficiency and remarkably low carbon emissions, the Ecco Stove heats a greater area from a single source than any traditional wood-burning stove. It's the ultimate alternative for those who demand more from their heating.
Our masonry heaters generate extremely high combustion temperatures within the burn chamber, resulting in industry-leading clean burning efficiency and minimal emissions. Yet the Ecco Stove maintains a relatively cool, slow heat-releasing outer body temperature – one of its most unique advantages.
The result? Heat that continues for hours after the fire goes out, using a fraction of the fuel of conventional stoves.
Our story began in Finland, where our founders were building Finnish polished soapstone appliances. We loved the slow heat release technology but saw limitations: the appliances were too large, too heavy, and too expensive for most homes. We believed there had to be a better way.
Through our contacts in the ceramics industry, we discovered silicon carbide – a material with extraordinary properties. Used in automotive brakes, bulletproof vests, and semiconductors, it offered the heat retention we needed in a fraction of the mass of soapstone.
In January 2008, we produced the prototype E850. After rigorous in-house testing, it was sent to Gastec in Cheltenham for European certification. We tested to both EN15250 (masonry heaters) and EN13240 (room heaters) – achieving 85.3% efficiency and becoming the only appliance certified to both standards.
We began marketing the Ecco Stove in January 2010. Independent research confirmed what we'd discovered: silicon carbide produces low-frequency heat waves that travel through air rather than losing energy into surfaces – explaining the remarkable heat distribution.
Today, we offer a complete range of models from the compact EC580 to the flagship E850, plus the contemporary EC730. Every stove is handcrafted in the UK, and our patented silicon carbide technology continues to set the standard for efficient, clean-burning home heating worldwide.
Making a masonry heater from silicon carbide is unique to Ecco Stove. This extraordinary material – the second hardest mineral to diamond – transforms how heat is stored, released, and distributed throughout your home.
High heat retention properties with less mass required than conventional masonry heater materials.
Able to withstand temperatures up to 2,200°C – far exceeding conventional stove materials.
Low transfer rate of heat creates a safer, more comfortable exterior even during operation.
The second hardest mineral to diamond, ensuring decades of reliable, maintenance-free performance.
Silicon carbide (SiC) occurs naturally as moissanite, found in meteorites – one of the rarest minerals on Earth. Since 1893, it has been synthesised by combining silica and carbon at extreme temperatures, and today is used in the most demanding applications: car brakes, bulletproof vests, semiconductors, and space technology.
What makes silicon carbide remarkable for heating is its unique thermal properties. With a coefficient of thermal expansion of 4.0 × 10⁻⁶/K and the ability to remain chemically inert up to 2,200°C, it can withstand extreme combustion temperatures while releasing heat slowly and evenly.
Our proprietary blend absorbs heat rapidly during combustion, then releases it slowly over up to 12 hours. Research has confirmed that silicon carbide produces unique low-frequency heat waves that travel through air rather than dissipating into surfaces.
We had created an appliance that would absorb heat readily but, to our amazement, our mineral mix of silicon carbide holds that heat for a remarkably long period – releasing 25% of stored heat 12 hours after the fire has gone out.
When we first demonstrated the Ecco Stove's capabilities to independent researchers, the initial response was memorable:
"That of course is impossible!" – then they witnessed it working first-hand.
Independent research confirmed our findings: silicon carbide produces unique low-frequency heat waves that travel through air rather than losing energy into surfaces – the scientific explanation for the Ecco Stove's remarkable heat distribution capability.
Their testing validated our emissions figures: low particulate emissions, well below the UK limit.
We never stop improving. From our original prototype to today's EC645 achieving 85% efficiency, we constantly push the boundaries of what's possible in home heating technology.
Our stoves produce less CO₂ than a tree decomposing naturally. With carbon-neutral combustion and minimal emissions, we're committed to heating homes without harming the planet.
Every Ecco Stove is handcrafted in the UK, fully produced and manufactured by skilled technicians who take pride in creating heating solutions that will last for generations.
Discover how an Ecco Stove can transform your home heating. Request your free information pack today.