Reason one for buying a catalytic wood burning appliance.

Catalytic stoves are cleaner burning.

Current EPA regulations restrict only particulate emissions. Catalytic combustors provide dramatic reduction in airborne particulates.  
Catalytic combustors are also highly efficient at burning other compounds in the exhaust stream, such as carbon monoxide, methane, benzene, and volatile organic compounds. This thorough combustion means higher efficiency, lower emissions, and safer performance (because the exhaust is mainly CO2 and water vapor).