[vonsmog]

Have had one of the zero clearance fire places with the catalytic converter for 22 years now. I burn about 12 face cords a season. Heats the whole house. I have never had to clean the chimney, as it just has a light film on the inside, as the catalytic converter makes it burn so well. Just checked it this fall and still clean. I do have to pop out the catalytic converter a few times a season to unclog from ashes, but it can be done from inside of the fire box. So it only takes a few seconds to do. Just don't drop it, or you find out how much a new one is quickly! Like I did, so I picked up two, for when I drop another. Have had the extra one in a box for over 15 years now! Get good seasoned wood and you will be very happy with it.