Review of 4kw Foxfire stove
Woodwarm Foxfire 4kw with external air supply
Got our Woodwarm Foxfire 4kw stove installed in December 2010 in the middle of one of the worst winters for many years. Had researched very intensively as our recent self-build project incorporated a Mechanical Heat Recovery Ventilation (MHRV) System and we needed a "room sealed stove". We found this facility with the Foxfire which supplies both primary and secondary air. We had calculated our room requirements about 6 - 7kw but, when we discussed with our stove installer how air-tight our house was, we were recommended to go with the Foxfire 4kw, and on reflection we are glad that we didn't install anything bigger. The stove has performed exceptionally well over one of the hardest winters in years. One of the first things we noticed about the stove was just how easy it is to light. We fitted 4.5 meters of 125mm flexible flue liner which aids in the draw of the fire. Because the stove is of steel construction, it is up to temperature in less than 10 minutes. Using a stove thermometer, we easily reach operating temperature and then reduce the air supply to see one of the most desirable flame effects on such a small stove. The external air kit supplies both primary and secondary air and is very responsive. To date, we have only burned wood so, we only use the secondary air supply which facilitates the air-wash and keeps the glass very clean for days. We only use well seasoned timber with a very low moisture content. Re-fuelling is easily achieved with a robust handle and glove supplied with the stove. The firebox is not very big, approximately holding eleven inch logs, which we have to re-fuel roughly every 90mins on a steady burn. However, if we need to go out for a while, it is possible to slumber the fire for several hours. Overnight burning is something we have not been able to achieve, maybe due to the size of the firebox and limited fuel storage. This little steel stove heats our room very quickly and adjacent rooms as the night progresses. The fact that it is not a cast iron stove is of little importance to us as once our room is hot, even if the fire goes out, our room is so well insulated that the heat can be felt in the room and adjacent rooms the next morning. I would definitely recommend this little stove for any small room or larger well insulated rooms and especially new eco-houses with MHRV Systems. I find the entire stove very well constructed with quality materials. Very little ash is produced sometimes not having to empty the ash pan for a full week of burning. Finally, on reflection of all the wood we used all winter, from our wood pile, this stove is remarkably easy on fuel.
Stove expert replied: Lots of heat for little wood, what could be better? Great review of this stove.
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