Are you planning your dream fireplace and want to focus not only on design and performance, but also on meeting the ever-increasing environmental requirements?
A catalytic converter in the fireplace makes exactly that possible: it measurably reduces the CO, OGC and - as a side effect - also the fine dust emissions of your stove so that you can enjoy your fire with a clear conscience.
What you can expect
What does a catalytic converter do in a wood-burning stove?
In addition to the main emission components, wood combustion also produces undesirable emissions - primarily CO (carbon monoxide), OGC (unburned hydrocarbons) and NOx (nitrogen oxides). Their quantity varies depending on the combustion phase. What is often underestimated: How much of these pollutants are actually released into the environment depends heavily on how completely your stove burns.
This is exactly where a catalytic converter comes in. It ensures that pollutants in the exhaust gas are broken down through catalytic post-combustion. In other words, the harmful components are removed or cleaned from the exhaust gases.
The principle behind it is as elegant as it is effective: the catalytic converter is usually a ceramic or metallic element with a special coating of platinum or palladium. This surface accelerates the chemical reaction in which pollutants are converted into CO₂ - fully automatically, without you having to adjust or regulate anything.
What you get out of it:
-
Compliance with the legal limits
-
Significantly reduced CO emissions
-
More environmentally conscious heating - without sacrificing enjoyment of the fireplace
-
More energy from your firewood
-
Less soot and deposits in the stove and chimney
Fireplace with and without catalytic converter - the difference using the example of a Spartherm® fireplace
Promises are good - figures are better. Using the Spartherm Arte U-90h as an example, the emission values were measured in an independent test report: once without and once with a catalytic converter.
The result is clear: CO emissions are reduced by around 35% - from 1,070 to 691 mg/m³. Not a theoretical value, but a measurable effect that you can feel from the very first flame.
The Spartherm S-KAT catalytic converter - invisible to the eye, noticeable for the environment
The S-KAT from Spartherm delivers exactly what you want from a fireplace: a crackling fire, cozy warmth - and a clear conscience. It can be upgraded in most Spartherm models and works quietly in the background so that you can simply enjoy.
What sets the S-KAT apart:
-
Automatic action - works by itself, at any time and without manual adjustment
-
Easy cleaning - conveniently via the combustion chamber, using a vacuum cleaner with brush attachment
-
Measurably less CO - thanks to catalytic afterburning
-
Compatible with almost all Spartherm models - can be integrated directly ex works and can also be retrofitted in some cases
Important: The catalytic converter cannot be retrofitted to all models. Your specialist dealer will be happy to help you take it into account at the planning stage - so that your stove burns as cleanly as possible from day one.
Frequently asked questions
Does a catalytic converter really make a difference?
Yes - and it can be measured. Taking the Spartherm Arte U-90h as an example, the catalytic converter reduced CO emissions by around 35%. This is not an empty promise, but a proven test value.
Do I have to do anything differently with a stove with a catalytic converter?
No. The S-KAT works fully automatically - you heat as normal, it does the rest.
How time-consuming is the maintenance?
Not at all. The S-KAT can simply be cleaned via the combustion chamber if necessary. Neither special tools nor a specialist are required.
Will the S-KAT fit into my Spartherm stove?
The S-KAT is available for almost all Spartherm models - either integrated straight from the factory or, in some cases, as a retrofit solution. Your local specialist dealer will be happy to advise you and find the right option for your stove.
You might also be interested in:
Environment & Law
Is heating with a fireplace carbon-neutral?
The topic of CO₂ neutrality is something you hear again and again, especially in connection with wood-burning stoves - ...
5 Minuten Lesezeit
Environment & Law
What requirements must a wood-burning stove meet starting in 2025?
You have made your decision: Your dream of having your own fireplace is finally coming true. But you soon realize: The ...
5 Minuten Lesezeit
