When most people think of wood stoves, they picture the classic Franklin Stove. It's a good look for someone's fishing cabin, but it definitely won't fit into any modern decor scheme.

But decor is a major part of the RAIS appeal. “The style is the first thing you notice about a RAIS, because it's such a distinctive contemporary look,” said Jason Perry, president of RAIS America. “The RAIS design changes that whole perception of what a wood stove should look like.”

While RAIS supplies wood stoves in a variety of shapes and sizes, the free-standing rounded contours of the Pina and Rondo models go a long way towards defining the company's creative expression. The Rondo (photo, below) is essentially a 3-tiered fireplace, with a storage compartment on the bottom, the fire chamber in the middle, and a warming chamber on the top.

The Pina model (photo, above) is designed be installed onto a turntable. So even while the stove is operating it can be rotated. The flue collar, which is the very first piece on the top that attaches to the stovepipe, is on ball bearings., allowing the stove to pivot independently. “It's an ingenious invention,” says Perry. “Modern contemporary design often emphasizes great rooms that are much more open. So a stove like that can face the kitchen during one part of the day, and pivot around to face an entertainment are later in the evening.

But it's not all about the looks. RAIS technology is much more efficient than a conventional fireplace or wood stove. “They heat in two ways – through radiant heat and through convection heat,” Perry explained. “These are steel stoves, and the outer shell is basically 2 layers. Air flows in between those layers and naturally rises out the top of the stove.

“That's why the RAIS stoves don't use fans,” he continued. “A lot of stove manufacturers recommend an optional fan, but ours don't need them due to that natural convection process.” RAIS Wood Stoves have qualified for Eco-label certification in their home country, which measures not only is the performance of the product assessed, but also its manufacturing process.Most RAIS models – even their in-wall fireplace inserts – are at least 75 percent efficient, and that lets consumers collect a federal tax rebate of up to $1,500.

Perry advises RAIS dealers that the key to success is dealer outreach to architects, designers and green builders in their area. “Every architect that designs a home has at least one fireplace,” he stated. “RAIS units can take the fireplace and upgrade the performance, particularly the green performance.”

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