Abstract: The invention relates to a combustion method and apparatus for carrying out this method.The method comprises establishing (a) a combustion zone of hot embers above and near a grate and (b) a column of particulate fuel above and resting on said hot embers, supplying combustion air to said combustion zone only, flowing products of combustion generated at the interface between said hot embers and particulate fuel and in said hot embers downwardly through said grate, then upwardly in heat exchange relation to air in a space to be heated, and finally to exhaust.The apparatus comprises means for holding a column of particulate fuel above a grate, means for flowing air into a combustion zone above and adjacent to said grate at the bottom of said column only, and means for flowing products of combustion downwardly through said grate then upwardly through a heat exchange zone to exhaust.