Chofu Wood Fired Hot Tub Heater for DIY Hot Tubs

$968.00

The Chofu stove is a precision-built, high-efficiency water heater designed specifically for hot tubs. It circulates water using the principle of “thermosiphon” – the pumping action created by rising hot water, which eliminates the need for a circulating pump or electricity. A double-walled stainless steel water-jacket surrounding the firebox makes the entire firebox a heat-transferring surface. And Chofu’s exclusive high-tech welding process makes it unmatched in durability.

The Chofu wood fired hot tub heater enables you to build your own hot tub using a stock tank, wood tub, bathtub, recycled spa, etc.

It includes: (2) 1¾“Dia. x 10L” stainless circulation pipes, (2) 1¾ Dia. X 9L” neoprene tubes, and (4) clamps for connecting to a tub. Through-wall ports must be selected for the type of tub.

Note – This product is intended for DIYers that plan to get ports, stove pipe, drain assembly, and other parts separately. If you want all of those in one package, check out our Chofu Heater Packages.

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SKU: Wood-Fired Heater Category:

Chofu Wood Fired Hot Tub Heater Features

What Makes the Chofu Stove Unique?

High-Efficiency Heat Transfer

20-gauge stainless steel firebox wall with double-walled water-jacket for optimal heat transfer.

Internal Fire Baffle

Unique hollow, water-circulating baffle plate for rapid heat transfer and increased surface area.

Clean Emissions

Vented collar provides secondary combustion, reducing smoke emissions and chimney sparks.

Reflective Heat Shield

Polished stainless steel heat shield with refractory insulation prevents heat loss.


Additional Features

  • Premium grade (308) stainless steel stove body and firebox
  • Heavy steel stove front
  • Cast iron door with adjustable draft
  • Durable stainless steel grate
  • Tub connections provided (see photo)
  • Generous size firebox, 18″L x 14″W x 10″H
  • Vented smoke-outlet for secondary combustion
  • 3/4-inch drain for freeze protection
  • Ash drawer for easy removal of ashes
  • Long-handled ash rake provided

Specifications

Dimensions: 25″ L x 16″ W x 18″ H
Stove body: 20-gauge grade 308 stainless steel
Firebox door: cast iron
Weight: 52-lbs.
Stove front: 1/8-in. steel
Heat Output: 47,000 BTUs
Stove grate: stainless steel

Firebox Specifications

Firebox dimensions: 18″ L x 14″ W x 10″ H
Heat exchange surface area: 9 sq. ft.
Drain: 3/4-in.
Stove front: 1/8-in. steel
Smoke outlet: 4 in.
Circulating pipes: 1 3/4-in. outside diameter
Heat Output: 47,000 BTUs

Installation & Operation

Installation Steps

The Chofu hot tub heater will connect to any tub using accessories provided (neoprene tubes, stainless steel pipes, and wire clamps), and thru-wall ports of your choice. (Thickness of the tub wall must be specified to determine the length of thru-wall ports.)

Installation requires four basic steps:

  1. Prepare a non-combustible foundation (cement or tile) next to the soaking tub to receive the Chofu heater.
  2. Cut two holes in the side of the tub wall for thru-wall ports.
  3. Install connecting pipes from heater to the tub.
  4. (4) Install the stove pipe (8 feet recommended).

Operation

The Chofu hot tub heater operates like a conventional wood stove, achieving the fastest heating rate from burning dry hardwoods. It uses 17-inch length wood, with the most efficient heating coming from using 17-in. x 11/2-in. x 11/2-in. wood, loaded at 30-40-min. intervals.

Temperature Control

The heating rate is controlled by the amount of air let into the firebox through the adjustable draft in the door – wide open for fast heating, and closed down once water is hot.

Freeze Protection

The Chofu hot tub heater can be used in the coldest climates. Follow these steps for freeze protection:

  1. Insert freeze plugs into the thru-wall ports from inside the tub
  2. Remove the drain plug from back of Chofu to drain the water-jacket
  3. Reverse procedure when tub is used again

Heating Schedule (55ºF to 105ºF)

GallonsTime (55°F to 105°F)
1001-1/2 hours
2002-1/2 hours
3003-1/2 hours
4004-1/2 hours
Heating Schedule (55°F to 105°F)

Heating Rate Information

Although the heating rate is variable depending on dryness of wood, frequency of loading, etc., the average heat output of the Chofu is 47,000 BTUs. A 200-gallon tub can be heated at approximately 20ºF per hour.

Additional Information

Chimney Cap

Secondary combustion at the smoke outlet of the Chofu eliminates most sparks; however, a chimney cap may be necessary when the heater is used in a fire hazard area or when trees are nearby.

Note: Using a chimney cap causes a reduction in the velocity of air-flow (draft) through the firebox, resulting in a slower heating rate. To compensate, an additional 2-ft. length of stove pipe can be added to maintain the optimum air-flow.

Stove Pipe Support Bracket

8-ft. of stove pipe is recommended for optimum draft and does not need support; however, when additional pipe is added or a chimney cap is used, the pipe must be supported using a stove pipe support bracket.

Chimney Removal and Storage

When the Chofu hot tub heater is not in use or for storage, the stove pipe can be easily removed by lifting the pipe off at the connection between the black enameled collar and the stainless 4″ pipe adapter. This connection has a very snug fit and does not need to be secured with sheet metal screws, as do all the other connections.

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