A ceramic igniter heater is a device that can burn fuel and also produce heat. It is made of a ceramic composition that preferably includes a mixture of silicone nitride and molybdenum disilicide. The ceramic composition contains a longitudinally extending core and a slightly tapered annular segment. The core contains three layers of resistive material.

A ceramic igniter includes two annular segments, with one insulative layer on the outer surface and a second, outer resistant layer on the core. The insulative layer separates the two parts, and one segment is connected to a positive source of energy while the other segment is connected to a negative source of energy. During this process, the ceramic material is essentially pore free.

Ceramic igniter heaters are multi-layered and suitable for burning wood pellets, coal briquettes, and other solid fuels. They are usually sold as a ready-to-install solution. The installation process is simple: the ceramic heater is interchangeably inserted into a temperature-resistant ceramic base and is then fixed by clamping springs or by electrical contact.

The ceramic igniter has a long operating life of up to 100,000 cycles. Its unique electrical properties make it very durable, and it can start up quickly from room temperature. Because of its durability, it can be manufactured at competitive costs.