The house that I grew up in and one that my parents still live in now both had rumford fireplaces. They really throw the heat out into the room and there is barely ever any smoke. When we build our next house we will put them in. Our current house does not have a rumford and we had to put gas logs in because of poor design.

Came across this Rumsford kit demonstration on Youtube. I believe there are at least two companies offering this type of construction.

Here is a link that might be useful: Rumsford step by step

Here's another Rumford install video link below...... "See the October 2008 issue of Harrowsmith Country Life magazine for an article featuring the construction."

Here is a link that might be useful: time lapse Rumford

I was very interested in the Renaissance Rumford fireplace...until I asked for the installed price...

Here is a link that might be useful: Renaissance

@whallyden- well, I should have seen that coming! I always fall in love with things that are outside of my budget! :) I haven't talked with anyone about the costs in our area yet, but now I'll know to be ready for the sticker shock.