Several embodiments of high-efficiency catalytic converters and associated systems and methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, a catalytic converter for treating a flow of exhaust gas comprising a reaction chamber, a heating enclosure enclosing at least a portion of the reaction chamber, and an optional coolant channel encasing the heating enclosure. The reaction chamber can have a first end section through which the exhaust gas flows into the reaction chamber and a second end section from which the exhaust gas exits the reaction chamber. The heating enclosure is configured to contain heated gas along the exterior of the reaction chamber, and the optional coolant channel is configured to contain a flow of coolant around the heating enclosure. The catalytic converter can further include a catalytic element in the reaction chamber.