In search of IronDog users, I registered on several forums where I hoped to find someone. In one of these forums, a dealer just posted the following:
(I hope I am not violating any rules with the quote and hereby thank the author, whose name I will not mention)
an ERFA is a stove
1. The lining of the combustion chamber with cast iron plates, fireclay bricks, or vermiculite panels has no effect on the emission values of the ERFA. Any chimney inspection institute will confirm this to you.
2. The lining of the combustion chamber with these materials is not done to achieve heat storage. The lining is only done to protect the combustion chamber. If the ERFA is made of steel or cast iron, the combustion chamber must be protected against excessive temperatures. To prevent damage to the body of the ERFA.
Only in masonry tiled stoves are fireclay bricks used for heat storage. However, these are very thick fireclay bricks up to 15 cm thick.
In a wood stove or fireplace insert, fireclay bricks of this thickness are not used. Mostly between 15-30 mm thick.
3. Any manufacturer of an ERFA and any testing institute will confirm this to you.
4. For centuries ERFA manufacturers have used cast iron or fireclay bricks for this purpose. In the last 25 years more and more vermiculite panels have been used. Vermiculite does not store heat at all.
Whether the author has sound knowledge or not, I cannot judge, but that is my impression. It is interesting for me.
Elsewhere, the same author said that cast iron linings are no longer used because they last too long and no spare parts need to be purchased.