Wood-Fired Heating and Cooking: 2017

Friday, December 29, 2017

Chimney Safety Warning During Arctic Blast

The Midwest Chimney Safety Council warns homeowners to safely operate wood and gas heating appliances during periods of bitter cold in order to avoid fire or carbon monoxide poisoning.

December 29, 2017
Kansas City, Missouri

The National Fire Protection Association statistics indicate that there are 245,000 house fires annually caused by heating equipment such as wood-burning stoves and fireplaces. The Midwest Chimney Safety Council believes that this number is only a fraction of the actual statistics based on findings by chimney sweeps who service chimneys.

The NFPA states that there are 72,000 deaths caused by Carbon Monoxide exposure annually.

During periods of very cold weather more accidental fires and CO poisoning occur. The Midwest Chimney Safety Council recommends that homeowners take measures to assure the safety of their family by following these recommended guidelines:

C.Scott Dorret - Fotolia.com

Do not use an open fireplace for heating purposes. Fireplaces are decorative appliances to be used for ambience only. Over use of an open fireplace can cause hidden combustibles in the walls or framing around the fireplace to ignite and cause a house fire. This applies to manufactured fireplaces and masonry fireplaces.

Do not leave a wood-burning stove or fireplace unattended.
Do not burn hedge, dry pine, or a Christmas tree in a fireplace or stove. These woods burn very hot and fast, and can cause a chimney fire.
Do not burn treated wood or colored paper in a fireplace or stove. These items create toxic fumes which can cause illness or death.
Don’t burn anything other than dry cordwood or pallet wood in a fireplace or stove.
Have a fireplace inspected and swept annually by a professional CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep. Sweeping removes flammable creosote from the smoke chamber and flue liner. Have a wood-burning stove or insert swept twice per year.
Keep the accumulation of flammable creosote down by using a product like Anti-Creosote Spray each time a fire is burned.
Place ashes in an ash bucket and take outside to cool off with the lid on the bucket on a non-combustible surface before disposing of them or putting them in the garden. Ashes and embers can smolder for up to two weeks.
Have furnace, boiler, or water heater flues inspected annually by a professional chimney sweep to assure that the flue is not clogged by nests or debris, is sized correctly, and does not have cracks or voids which can cause Carbon Monoxide backup into the home. Even low levels of CO not detectable by a CO detector can cause illness and permanent brain damage.
Do not ignore a CO detector alarm- CO is colorless, odorless, and tasteless so there is no way a human can detect CO.
Be sure to install new batteries and assure proper operation of smoke detectors. Install at least one smoke detector on each level of the house, including in the attic near the chimney.
In case of a chimney fire or CO alarm, get out of the house and call the fire department immediately.

The Midwest Chimney Safety Council is a 13-state regional association which provides educational classes and workshops to chimney and hearth industry professionals and the public.

Contact Marge Padgitt at mcsc@mcsc-net.org or 816-461-3665 or contact one of our members listed on the website for more information.

Wednesday, November 22, 2017

The Best Wood-Fired Restaurants in the U.S. and Canadafotol

Photo: fotolia.com

Our team has been out and about checking out wood-fired restaurants in the U.S. and Canada in order to share the best of the best with our readers. Many restaurants cook more than pizza - some offer entire menus with food cooked in a wood-fired oven. But true pizza connoisseurs will only eat pizza cooked the traditional way in a wood-fired brick oven because the taste can't be beat!

When you're in the neighborhood, be sure to taste test and let us know what you think!

The Old Garage Wood Fired Pizza520 Durham St E
Walkerton, ON N0G 2V0 Canada
519-881-0111
www.theoldgarage.ca
Handcrafted gourmet wood fired pizza an salad.

Royce Wood Fired Steakhouse at the Langham1401 South Oak Knoll Ave
Pasadena, CA 91106
www.roycela.com
Variety of steaks, oysters, yellowfin tuna tartare, marinated Hamachi seasonal land and see dishes.

The Rock Wood Fired Kitchen2420 Columbia House Blvd
Vancouver, WA 98661
360-695-7625
www.therockwfk.com
Pizzas, Burgers, Sandwiches, Ribs, Pasta, Tacos, soups and salads

Wood Fired Pizza Terrace134 Madrona Dr.
British Columbia, V0N 1PO CA
877-530-3939
www.galianoinn.com
Oceanfront inn & spa, wood fired pizza, with or without gluten free crust, salad, wild coho salmon, prawns and roasted chicken breast.

Wood Fired Eats AKA Girasole Restaurant & Bar8438 N Lombard
Portland, OR 97203
503-954-1671
Pizza, pulled pork Sammy, wood fired cinnamon rolls and craft cocktails.

Wood Fired Oven
75 Augusta Ave
Grottoes, VA 24441
540-249-8333
Pizza, Chicken Francesco, pasta, sandwiches burgers and draft beer

Franny’s 348 Flatbush Ave
Brooklyn, NY. 11238
718-230-0221
www.Frannysbrooklyn.com
Pizza, wood roasted potatoes, sweet potatoes with hot peppers, crostini with roasted pancetta and leek butter an herbed olives.

iTrulli122 E 27th St
New York, NY 10016
212-481-7372
www.itrulli.com

Tagliere, Sapori Pugliesi, Antipasti, Primi Piatti, Contorni

Red Door Woodfired Grill6324 Brookside Plaza
Kansas City, MO 64113
816-621-3424
Reddoorgrill.com
Burgers, Chicken, Prime Rib all cooked with the “smoky trinity”, Pecan, Oak and Hickory wood.

Great Wood Fired Pizza54 Rue Couillard
Quebec City, Quebec G1R 3T3 Canada
418-692-8888
www.portofino.triple-y.ca
Arancini with mushrooms, snails au gratin, veal calf, beef carpaccio, prosciutto and melon, smoked salmon, salads, soups, pizza, pasta and rice.

Rossopomador118 Greenwich Ave
New York, NY 10011
212-242-2310
Broccoletta pizza with brussel sprouts, guanciale an crème fraiche, verdure al forns (roasted veggies)

La Strada Wood Fired Brick Oven Restaurant2100 Merrick Ave
Merrick, NY 11566
516-867-5488
Pasta, Eggplant, chicken, veal, beef, fish, pizza, baked clams, shrimp, and raw clams.

Olio Wood Fired Pizzeria317 S Broadway
Los Angeles, CA 90013
323-680-0010
www.oliowfp.com
Pizza, shishitopeppers, veggie caponata, focaccia with herbs and sea salt

Grotto Wood Fired Grill & Wine Cave10 Center St

Eureka Springs, AR 72632479-363-6431
www.grottoeureka.com
Tapas, Pizza

Sam’s Cellar Bar & Oven101 N Wood St
Neosho, MO. 64850
417-451-3330
www.samscellar.com
Pizza, wood fired ravioli, wings, wood fired pretzels, signature seafood dip, salads, wraps and subs.
Note: We’ve eaten here and they’re great!

Sebella’s Fire Wood-Fired Pizza1196 NE Douglas Street
Lee’s Summit, Missouri
816-525-2935
DeWayne@sebellasfire.com
www.sebellasfire.com
Anitpasta, pizza, paninis and desserts Note: We’ve been here, too, and the food is wonderful!

Providence Pizza
12925 US 71 Hwy
Grandview, Missouri
816-965-0743
www.providencepizza.com
New York style pizza, Sicilian style pizza, Neapolitan style pizza, calzones, sandwiches, salads, tiramisu, cannoli, cheesecake, and gelato desserts, beer. Note: HearthMasters, Inc. installed the chimney here and we’ve tested their food—we rate it A+.

Bustan
487 Amsterdan Ave
New York, NY
212-595-5050
bistannye.com
Lamb, terracotta, sausage, flat bread, Morrocan spiced halibut, steaks

Rock & Run Brewery and Pub
114 E Kansas Street
Liberty, Missouri
816-415-2337
rockandrunbrewery.com
Soups, salads, pizza, pasta, entrees, desserts, daily themed lunch specials, large selection of craft beer.
Note: HearthMasters, Inc. installed the oven at this location and we test their food at least twice a month to be sure it is up to standards- and it always is! We rate this restaurant A+!

Carmine’s Wood Fired Pizza
524 S Joplin Ave
Joplin, MO. 64801
417-691-8524carmineswoodfiredpizza.com
Pizza, meatball an sausage sandwiches, desserts, espresso,
beer and wine.

___________________________________
Marge Padgitt is the CEO of HearthMasters, Inc. in Kansas City, Missouri. Marge is a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep and NFI Woodburning Specialist. HearthMasters builds wood-fired ovens for restaurants and homeowners. Website: www.chimkc.com

Wednesday, November 1, 2017

Stress-Relieving Benefits of a Fireplace

What is it about a fire in the fireplace that immediately elicits feelings of comfort and ease? Is it the warmth, the sound of gentle crackle and pop, the rhythmic pattern of undulating flames…?

Perhaps all three; along with the added benefit that a fire invites us to slow down, sit down, and enjoy it.

Our modern lifestyle can keep us in a constant state of high alert status, or the “fight, freeze or flight response.” (FFF) This is a normal, healthy response to stimulus or threat that has kept us humans on the planet for millennia. A tiny, 2-part gland called the Amygdala that rests in the center of our brains is programed to keep us safe by remembering a threat and triggering a response to it. IE: Stimulus = Saber-toothed Tiger, Response = Fight, Freeze or Flight.

However, that ancient protective response can be triggered by not-so-life-threatening stimulus in our world today. In its effort to make sense of the stimuli that it is constantly bombarded with, the Amydala can generalize and lump vaguely similar threats together. Think about your most recent trip on a highway. Did someone cut you off?, not let you in traffic?, run a stop sign? (and you had your kids in the car- whew!) Your Amygdala reads those stimuli in exactly the same way it has been programmed to read “Saber-toothed tiger” – Yikes! In addition, the sub-conscious does not know the difference between “real” and “virtual,” so even violent or disconcerting images on TV and through other media can prompt the FFF response.

Fire in fireplace Photo: HearthMasters, Inc.

That protective response floods the body with adrenaline, increases heart rate, slows digestion, tenses muscles and pumps blood to the extremities for fight or flight, leaving the brain sorely lacking in the nourishment it needs for optimal function and us feeling like we just ran a marathon. No wonder we are tired after a long day!

A surprisingly simple, comforting and elegant way to de-stress and soothe the FFF response is to enjoy the benefits a fire in the hearth.

Raising body temperature just a few degrees allows more efficient circulation; relaxing the muscles and bringing essential nutrients and oxygen to all parts of the body; creating a feeling of safety, security and ease.

The sound of the gentle sizzle and crackle of the burning wood serve as pleasant “white noise” which gives the brain just enough to occupy it, allowing other over-stimulated parts (ie: the Amygdula) to relax and rejuvenate

The almost hypnotic visual pattern created by dancing flames also serves as a pleasant pre-occupation for an over-stimulated brain and may even induce an Alpha brainwave response similar to that experienced in meditation or hypnosis.

Maybe our ancestors were on to something. After a hard day in Saber-tooth-ville- Fire Good Medicine.

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Alice Brink is a Self-Empowerment Coach, Trainer and Mind/Body Healthcare Practitioner. She may be reached at www.alicebrink.com

Prevent House Fires by Cleaning the Dryer Vent

By Marge Padgitt, HearthMasters, Inc.

A dryer vent clogged with flammable lint

Although this is not Wood-fired related, it is something we deal with every day and is important information to know in order to avoid a house fire.

Dryer vent fires are caused by flammable lint inside the dryer vent that catches fire due to heat trapped inside the vent. Since only 25% of lint is trapped by lint screens, it is important to clean out dryer vents every six months on average. This requires cleaning the connector to the vent, the vent, and inside the dryer, which is accessible through the back panel of the dryer. Note: Some vents are very short and easy to access, others are long and difficult to access, especially those on second or third floors or apartment or condo dryers.

Dryer vent fires can occur whether the dryer is gas or electric, but clogged gas dryer vents are more dangerous and can cause backup of toxic Carbon Monoxide into the home in addition to being a fire risk.

Lint builds up inside the vent, eventually closing it off so much that the dryer does not function properly, or trapping heat inside so a fire starts. A fire can start without flames, only heat is required to ignite lint.

The Lint Alert Alarm warns homeowners when it is time to clean a dryer vent. This takes the guesswork out of it. HearthMasters services dryer vents and installs the Lint Alert Alarm.

Lint Alert Dryer Vent Alarm

Our technicians often run across vents that have not been cleaned for years. This is very risky and a fire hazard. Some homeowners have even replaced their dryers, believing that the dryer stopped working, but it was actually the clogged vent that prevented the dryers from functioning properly. Be sure to clean vents out on a regular basis.

See more information on our website at www.chimkc.com or at the Chimney Safety Institute at www.csia.org.

Monday, October 23, 2017

Alternative Heating Options Using Cordwood

There is nothing like the warmth and coziness of a hearth fire for a comfortable evening at home. But with the increase in prices for gas, many people think “energy efficient” first, and “ambiance” last, and have turned to alternatives for heating their homes.

When the energy crisis hit the U.S. hard in the 1970’s, manufacturing companies answered the call for wood-burning stoves with large, heavy, and not very efficient appliances. Today’s options are varied and high-tech. Manufacturers have now had 40-plus years to perfect their art and today's appliances are much improved over their predecessors. Homeowners now have a large selection of heating options which we will discuss here, and hopefully these suggestions will be helpful to you in making the decision to go with the renewable resource of wood and alternative wood heating.

The Rumford Fireplace– Designed by Count Rumford in the 1700’s, this design has not been improved on to this day. The shallow depth, curved throat, angled side walls, and higher opening, combined with a smaller flue provide much more heat than the standard “box style” fireplace. Compared to a standard fireplace, which produces –30% to +5% in efficiency (meaning most of the heat goes up the chimney), the +40% efficiency Rumford far surpasses its competitor. Don’t expect to heat the entire house, but a Rumford will definitely heat the room it is in plus, depending on the square footage in the area.

Historic homes are perfect for utilizing the Rumford design, which looks authentic and ads ambiance to the residence, but a Rumford looks great in modern homes, too.

A new method of “Rumfordizing” existing fireplaces has been developed, where a box-style fireplace is transformed into a Rumford style to gain more heat. Some masons and CSIA Certified Chimney Sweeps are employing this method. Not all masons are trained properly in this method of fireplace building, so find a qualified Rumford builder at www.rumford.com, www.csia.org, or www.midwestcsc.org. Cost range- $8,500—$10,000.

Wood-burning Stoves- Gone are the days of the catalytic combustor, since the new EPA approved “non-catalytic” appliances are extremely low in emissions. Today’s wood stoves require less wood to heat the same amount of space, and that translates into savings in the cost of wood, and in your time to load the stove. Where loading was once required every 2 –3 hours, it is now only needed every 4-10 hours. The addition of an electric built-in blower will push the warmed air through the house.

A wood-burning stove can be installed almost anywhere, provided there is an existing chimney that can be used or an outside wall where a Class A chimney can be installed. Existing chimneys must be brought up to current standards, and this means the installation of a 6” - 8” insulated stainless steel chimney liner. The flue can only be used for the stove—no other appliances can be attached to the same flue.

Wood stoves come in a variety of styles including standard matte black or a beautiful porcelain enamel finish, and are constructed of heavy steel or cast iron. All stoves require a non-combustible floor and wall behind the stove, with clearance to combustibles being different with each manufacturer. The old 36” rule no longer applies with the newer models, so more usable space is available in the room. 55,000—80,000 BTU output. Cost range—$5,000—$8,500

Wood-burning Fireplace Inserts- Sister to the wood-burning stove, this appliance is inserted into an existing masonry fireplace. A correctly sized stainless steel flue liner is necessary, with a connection to the wood stove. Most flues will measure 6” - 8” in diameter—some are in an oval shape. Do not install an insert without the required steel flue liner with ceramic wool insulation—and have a professional do the installation. If used without a steel liner, the existing flue that was sized originally for your fireplace will be too large for the new appliance to draft correctly and creosote will accumulate on the flue walls. Usually glazed or tar creosote is the type that occurs in this situation, and since it is highly flammable, it is the cause of many chimney fires.

A wood stove insert will produce enough heat to warm a large area (800—3,000 sq. ft.) , and is extremely efficient—usually in the 70% + range for efficiency ratings. Most inserts are EPA approved non-catalytic, which means that a catalytic combustor, which requires maintenance, is not necessary. The addition of an electric built-in blower will push the warmed air through the house. Burn well-seasoned hard woods and you’ll be happy with not only the heat your insert produces, but the fewer times you need to load wood. 60,000—85,000 BTU output. Cost range $4,500—$6,500.

Wood-burning Furnaces - Similar to the woodburning stove, but larger and produce 80,000—200,000 BTU’s or more. Many woodburning furnaces may be installed alongside an existing gas furnace (provided a separate flue is available), or outside the home in a shed, or in a barn Most furnaces have electric fans and use ductwork to distribute the heat throughout the home.

Either a Class A stainless steel chimney is required; or if using an existing masonry chimney, an approved stainless steel flue liner is necessary. If used with an existing chimney and a tile flue liner, a chimney fire is almost guaranteed to occur. It is extremely important to have a professional CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep or approved manufacturer installer do the analysis of the installation area and the actual installation of the furnace and flue. This is not a do-it-yourselfer project, as there are many critical items that must be taken into consideration including size of flue, location of the furnace, distance of the connecting pipe run, type of materials used, clearances to combustibles, etc. Find an installer at www.csia.org, or ask the manufacturer for help in finding a qualified dealer. 80,000—250,000 BTU output. Cost range -$6,000 - $9,000.

Custom-made Granite Heater by HearthMasters, Inc.

Masonry Heaters– re a pre-cast heater core inside of a brick, stone, or soapstone exterior, and built on site. It may be also finished on the exterior with tile or clay. The mass will be at least 1760 lbs. and the heater will have tight fitting doors that are closed during the burn cycle. It has an interior construction consisting of a firebox and heat exchange channels built from refractory components. A masonry heater has the ability to store a very large amount of heat, which means that you can rapidly burn a large amount of wood without overheating the house. The heat is stored in the masonry thermal mass, and then slowly radiates for the next 18 to 24 hours. Loading of wood is only required approximately once every 12 hours. The heater burns the wood quickly and all of the energy in the wood is used so there is no waste. The heater burns very clean, and practically no emissions are produced so it is environmentally friendly.

This type of heater, designed and used extensively in Europe, is the most efficient appliance available anywhere. The initial cost is more than other types of heating, but due to the savings into an existing masonry fireplace. A correctly sized stainless steel flue liner is necessary, with a connection to the wood stove. Most flues will measure 6” - 8” in diameter—some are in an oval shape. Do not install an insert without the required steel flue liner with ceramic wool insulation—and have a professional do the installation. If used without a steel liner, the existing flue that was sized originally for your fireplace will be too large for the new appliance to draft correctly and creosote will accumulate on the flue walls. Usually glazed or tar creosote is the type that occurs in this situation, and since it is highly flammable, it is the cause of many chimney fires.

Wood appliance safety tips:

· Never install a wood burning appliance in a garage or any area where flammable vapors from gasoline, kerosene, or other flammable products are stored.

· Always have a qualified professional who knows the NFPA 211 Standards do the installation.

· Keep children and pets away from hot appliances with special gates and guards made for this purpose.

· Keep the chimney and connecting pipes clean and have them serviced annually by a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep (www.csia.org) to avoid chimney fires and improve the performance of the appliance.

· Keep furniture and other flammable objects at least 36” away from the front and sides of the appliance.

· Do not burn trash, treated wood, railroad ties, newspaper, or pine trees in a fireplace or wood-burning appliance as toxic fumes and increased risk of a chimney fire may occur.

· Burn your appliance hot—this means open the damper fully, provide enough combustion air for it to function, and use dense, dry, hardwoods.

Internet Resources:

National Chimney Sweep Guild: www.ncsg.org

Chimney Safety Institute of America: www.csia.org

Midwest Chimney Safety Council: www.midwestcsc.org

Masonry Heater Association: www.mha-net.org

National Fireplace Institute: www.nficertified.org

Rumford Fireplaces: www.rumford.com

Hearth, Patio, and Barbecue Association: www.hpba.org

__________________________________________________________________________

Marge Padgitt is the CEO and President of HearthMasters, Inc. DBA Padgitt Chimney & Fireplace in Kansas City, Missouri, and has 30 years experience in the chimney industry. She is a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep and an NFI Certified Woodburning Specialist. Marge can be contacted at hearthmastersboss@gmail.com or 816-461-3665.

Saturday, October 21, 2017

Issue #8 is out!

Wood-Fired Magazine: Wood-Fired Magazine Issue #8

Issue #8 is packed with ideas for campfire cooking, cast iron skillets, heating with wood, cutting and stacking firewood, information about the Masonry Heater Association of North America and more!

Saturday, September 23, 2017

Independence company is celebrating 35 years in business this month

HearthMasters, a specialty chimney and fireplace contracting company serving the greater Kansas City area, is celebrating 35 years in business. HearthMasters is the largest company of its type in the Midwest region.

Independence, Missouri, September 22, 2017

Gene Padgitt started Midwest Chimney Sweep in September of 1982 as a one-man chimney sweeping

Gene finishing up a Queen Anne Victorian Project
to rebuild five chimneys in NE Kansas City

operation at a time when there were no chimney sweeps in Independence and only two others in the greater Kansas City area. The company has since grown to 16 employees with multiple trucks in operation, and specializes in historic masonry chimney restoration, custom fireplace and chimney work, masonry heaters, and brick oven design and construction.

HearthMasters also offers chimney sweeping and inspections, leak repairs, dryer vent cleaning, diagnosis of performance problems, whole house ventilators, and consultations with builders and architects.

Gene Padgitt, the company V.P. and senior technician, has a degree in HVACR Technology, is a Certified Heater Mason, NFI Certified Gas Specialist, CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep, State Certified Private Fire Investigator, and Licensed Mechanical Contractor in all cities in the Kansas City area. Gene serves as an expert witness for fire investigations involving chimneys and heating appliances. He has won 13 national and local awards for his masonry skills.

Marge Padgitt, President and CEO is a, CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep and NFI Certified Wood-burning Specialist.

The Padgitts have served on regional and national boards for industry related association. Currently, Marge is the president of the Midwest Chimney Safety Council, and Gene is the Secretary. Marge and Gene have taught industry classes to professionals for over 20 years, and recently started HearthMasters Masonry School, in order to meet the demand for masonry skills training for chimney sweeps and masons.

Marge is the author of The Chimney and Hearth Pro’s Resource Book, The Homeowner’s Guide to Chimneys, Fireplaces, and Alternative Heating Appliances, and a new book coming out in 2018 which is called Investigating Structural Fires Related to Chimneys and Heating Appliances. She also publishes Wood-Fired Magazine.

Marge offers classes on chimney and fireplace safety and heating options to neighborhood groups or associations.

For more information visit www.chimkc.com, www.hearthmasters.net, www.hearthmasters.us, and www. Woodfiredmag.com

Thursday, September 21, 2017

Cut utility bills by using wood-heating appliances

A good way to cut utility bills during cold weather is to use a wood-fired heating appliance such as a masonry heater, wood-burning stove, or wood-burning fireplace insert. Now is the time to have such an appliance installed before the busy fall season hits hearth stores and chimney sweeps. Some stove manufacturers such as Regency offer summer purchase incentives and rebates.

Today’s modern wood-burning heating appliances are very efficient and clean-burning, unlike their older predecessors. The Environmental Protection Agency regulates wood stove emissions and has strict requirements that stove manufacturers must follow. This is why replacing an older, dirty burning wood stove is good not only for the environment, but good for the pocket book because less wood is needed to produce the same amount of heat as older stoves.

Fuel costs can be significantly less than oil, gas, or electric heating appliances, especially if there is a nearby supply of inexpensive cordwood. For homeowners with their own land and trees, the concept of no cost for fuel other than physical exertion is very attractive. For those wanting to live off-grid, have an emergency heating alternative, or just lower fuel costs, the addition of a wood-burning appliance is a good solution.

Masonry Heater by HearthMasters

Masonry heaters are arguably the best type of wood-burning appliance. They use old-world technology which is a series of channels installed inside the appliance that trap heat, then transfer the heat slowly through the mass of masonry. Masonry heaters are large and need to be centrally located for maximum benefit. The Masonry Heater Association of North America recommends that a Certified Heater Mason build a masonry heater since he/she has taken specialized training on this unique appliance. The MHA has more information on these efficient site-built appliances on their website at www.mha-net.org.

Fireplace insert by Regency

Fireplace inserts are appliances that are installed inside an existing masonry fireplace. They use a small stainless steel flue liner and can be used either with or without a blower. By installing a new EPA approved efficient wood-burning fireplace insert the fireplace efficiency will be increased by approximately 75%.

Freestanding wood-burning stoves are also very efficient and clean–burning. They work by emitting radiant and convective heat, and are best situated in a central location in the home. A stove can be installed in any room with the proper floor and wall protection. A wood stove installed in a basement can provided needed warmth in a cold area, and since heat rises - the floors above will be heated as well.

As far as chimneys go, a Class A stainless steel chimney can be used to vent gasses, or an existing masonry chimney may be used with a stainless steel liner installed. A professional installer will know which type of flue liner or chimney to use with a particular appliance.

The Midwest Chimney Safety Council suggests hiring a professional to do any type of wood-fueled appliance installation. In some areas, such as the greater Kansas City area, it is a code requirement to have a licensed professional install a wood-burning appliance.

For more information on fuel cost calculators visit http://www.epa.gov/burnwise/woodstoves.html

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Marge Padgitt is the CEO of HearthMasters, Inc. in Independence, MO www.chimkc.com

Top Five Wood-Fired Restaurants in Kansas City

To the wood-fired connoisseur, there is nothing that can compare to food – any food -- cooked in a wood-fired oven. This is because the taste imparted to the food from the wood is something that can’t be obtained from gas or electric ovens.

A team of taste testers was sent to each of these restaurants on multiple occasions over the past year in order to sample some of their wonderful dishes. The results were unanimous: Eat wood-fired whenever possible!

We know this is true, because we build brick ovens and install pre-cast ovens from Italy in restaurants, and as builders we have to sample the food so we can tell clients how great it is.

Pizza Bella: 18^th & Baltimore, Kansas City, Missouri offers a menu which features gourmet pizza designed by the owner/chef. Pizzas featured are Margherita, prosciutto, mushroom, leek, potato, egg, and others that are not found in standard pizza joint. The appetizers and desserts feature brussels sprouts, olives and olive oils, mussels, and a charcuteirie plate with assorted cheeses, mustards, and baguette. All of the breads and doughs are made on site. A true gourmet food experience can be found here. Ask the bartender to suggest a wine or beer with your meal. www.pizzabellakc.com

Blue Grotto: Brookside Plaza at 63^rd & Wornall, Kansas City , Missouri serves antipasta, soups, salads, entrees, and wood-fired pizza featuring Funghi and Salsiccia, and a Quattro Stagnioni pizza with artichokes, criminis, olives, peppers, and fontina cheese. The cast iron apple cobbler is a fitting finish to a delicious meal. The Blue Grotto has more good reviews online than most restaurants in town so it is worth the trip. www.bluegrottobrookside.com

Red Door Woodfired Grill: 6324 Brookside Plaza, Brookside, Kansas City, MO opened in January of 2017 with a newly remodeled restaurant. The burgers feature a blend of short rib, ternderloin and beef brisket from McGonigle's Market. The menu matches that of Red Door Leawood, for which award-winning chef Debbie Gold consulted. A variety of appetizers, flatbread pizzas, burgers, sandwiches, salads, and entrees fill the menu. The flatbread pizzas cooked in the stone oven are the feature that foodies love. www.reddoorgrill.com

Providence Pizza, Hwy 71 and Main Street, Grandview, Missouri specializes in pizza but also serves great calzones, sandwiches, appetizers, salads, and desserts. The restaurant offers the customer a choice of thin or thick crust, and an extensive list of toppings, cheeses, and sauces. Pizza is cooked in their large copper-clad wood-fired oven at the front of the restaurant. www.providencepizza.com.

The oven at Rock & Run Brewery and Pub

Rock & Run Brewery and Pub: 110 E Kansas St., Liberty, Missouri offers an exotic brew pub menu which includes appetizers such as deviled eggs, mini bruschetta, and house-made meatballs, salads, soups, sandwiches, pastas, and of course, pizza. Rock & Run’s specialty pizzas include a white pizza with chicken, bacon, white garlic sauce, and mozzarella & provolone cheeses, a pulled pork pizza, Reuben pizza, and a super-hot diablo pizza. Of course, Rock & Run offers an extensive wine and beer list since the restaurant brews their own beer on site. A must for any visit is to top the meal off with campfire s’mores cooked in the wood-fired oven which are to die for. www.rockandrunbrewery.com

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Marge Padgitt is the publisher of Wood-Fired Magazine and CEO of HearthMasters, Inc. HearthMasters builds and installs wood-fired ovens and installed ovens at three of the above locations. See more info at www.hearthmasters.us.