A catalytic burner was studied which can be used as a heater operated at medium temperature. The catalytic combustion was initiated by an igniter which was placed on the exit surface of the catalyst layer. Noble metal catalysts (Pd/NiO) which were supported on alumina washcoated honeycomb were used, whose maximum heat-resisting temperature is about 900 degrees C. The optimal operating conditions for stable catalytic combustion were obtained by means of analyzing the catalytic combustion region, the temperature distribution, and the combustion efficiency.