Abstract: A free-standing unit for heating air in a U-shaped channel surrounding a fire box having a pair of spaced vertical vents for directing the heated forced air to converge in front of the fire box opening to limit air flow towards said openings. Mesh in the vertical vents directs the forced air downward to be combined with the hot forced air from a bottom horizontal vent. A baffle plate depending from the top of the fire-box adjacent the flue port and an opening along the top of the doors ignite the gases adjacent the top and directs some gases back into the fire. By forcing heated air at a low level and drawing cool air from a high level, the air being heated is of a uniform temperature. A hood extending along the top edge of the fire box opening diverts exiting gases back into the fire box. A thermostatically controlled blower creates the forced air and cools the fire box walls.