Thanks Jeff for conducting the test and by doing so I've learned a little more about cat stoves. You pointed out the lack of smoke which for the non cats thats a real good thing. I too have noticed they take off fast and put off very little if any smoke. I pulled the trigger on another Elm and for awhile was going with the cat version. But Steve talked me out of it. So for now since I'm getting an easy 10-12 hrs on a load I'm happy with that.I can do it with wood. Maybe just a bit of flame now and then, but mostly just the cat burning the smoke. The bricks just don’t make enough smoke to keep the cat going. It certainly wasn’t pouring smoke out of the chimney, and probably not enough to be much of a creosote concern, even with somewhat regular use. I think I could stuff it full and the BK could keep it under control.
The fly ash would be a big issue for a cat, I think. Probably a reason BK says to burn only wood.