Ernie and Erica Wisner are a couple from Tonasket, WA best known for their innovative rocket mass heater designs. They are often referred to as the world wide leaders and trainers in rocket stove technology. They have made over 700 rocket stoves all over the world.
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Background
They were introduced to this type of work when Ernie apprenticed with Ianto Evans for two years. Ianto Evans, of Cob Cottage Co., was the designer who originally developed this type of technology 30 years ago. Erica and Ernie initially planned to share information about all different types of natural building but their fans demanded otherwise. Everyone wanted to be taught how to build the rocket mass heaters and the custom cob rocket stoves. So that is what they did.
Current Affairs
Ernie and Erica now spend their time touring the world teaching workshops on how to build these energy efficient, natural heaters. They are also working to design and build a stove that will get an Underwriters Laboratory (UL (safety organization)) listing, which would eliminate insurance issues. They even helped write the building code for Portland. In 2013, they were featured in a 4 DVD film series produced by Paul Wheaton. The films covered an entire workshop which they split into four sections: Fire Science, Sneaky Heat, Boom Squish, and Hot Rocket. Additionally, Village Video produced a film with Ernie and Erica called How To Build Rocket Mass Heaters in which they again teach how to build and maintain these heaters. Adding to all of this, Erica and Ernie have written two books, The Art of Fire and The Rocket Mass Heater Builder’s Guide.