WhatStove?

Review of Aarrow Sherborne Medium stove

after the first winter

Terry Sissons 14 years ago

Overall, we are very satisfied with our medium-size Sherborne stove. Once we learned to fill the box completely, and then to control the heat through the upper vents, the heat it produced was significantly more than we expected. On most days the stove takes the place of five radiators in four rooms plus a hall. (It should be noted that our house is insulated to a standard that exceeds new-build requirements, however.)\n\nOn the down side, the firebox size is relatively small, and so far we have been unable to get it to burn overnight. We have been burning seasoned wood rather than coal which is much dirtier, but it is possible that coal would last unattended for a full eight hours.\n\nI have rated build quality as 4 but in truth I have no idea of the basic quality, except that thus far everything seems to be in good condition. The quality of the finish may leave something to be desired, although the rings and marks which the stove has acquired may be due to carelessness by workmen who were more concerned with the floor they were installing than with our new stove top. My expectation is that the marks will disappear with the annual maintenance regime.\n\nIn another house, we used a Jotul stove to heat our entire house. Our current stove was never meant to accomplish this task. But it would certainly keep us from hyperthermia should our main heating system go down in the dead of winter. In a pinch, we could even heat a meal on the ring provided. For our needs and the space we had available for installation, we think the Aarow Sherbourne was our best possible choice.

Overall rating:

4 flames

Build Quality 4 flames (avg 4.2)
Quality of finish 3 flames (avg 3.7)
Value for money 5 flames (avg 4.8)
Ease of use 5 flames (avg 4.7)
Ease of lighting 5 flames (avg 4.8)
Firebox size 3 flames (avg 3.8)
How well does the airwash work 4 flames (avg 3.8)
Controllability 4 flames (avg 4)
Handle operation 5 flames (avg 4)
How likely are you to buy it again? 5 flames (avg 4.7)
What is your overall satisfaction? 4 flames (avg 4.2)