A catalytic burner includes a porous diffuser member and a porous distributor member. At least one seal extends between the porous diffuser member and the porous distributor member thereby defining an oxidation chamber. Catalyst media particles for catalyzing an oxidation reaction of a fuel stream to produce heat and an exhaust stream is disposed within the oxidation chamber. The catalyst media particles comprise carrier particles. The carrier particles comprise refractory material, and at least some of the carrier particles have thereon an outer coating comprising an oxidation catalyst. The catalyst media particles have a void fraction of at least 0.6.