What efficiency range can advanced, well-engineered biomass stoves achieve?

20 and 40 percent

The efficiency metrics for modern Improved Cookstoves (ICS), designed for solid fuels like wood or charcoal, are significantly higher than older methods, driven by public health and sustainability concerns. While traditional three-stone fires may exhibit thermal efficiencies as low as 5 to 10 percent, advanced, well-engineered biomass stoves employing modern combustion control techniques are capable of achieving thermal efficiencies ranging between 20 and 40 percent. This substantial increase in performance means that a much smaller quantity of biomass fuel is required to cook a staple meal compared to traditional open fires, directly addressing issues related to deforestation and indoor air pollution.