WhatStove?

Review of Burley Wakerley stove

Smokey and getting more and more difficult to get/keep going

7 years ago

I have had my Burley Wakerley since Sept 2014. Originally I wanted a Clearview 750 but the installer said that was not ideal due to the diameter of the chimney/flue so I went with his recommendation of a Burley Wakerley. Initially it was great but as time has gone by it is evident that this Burley stove is a cheap alternative to the Clearview. It''s smokey, difficult to get and keep going due to no draw and I am forever having to clean out the bottom as there is no removable ash box and if I don''t there is no hope at all of getting the fire going. This Christmas we had to put the thing out shortly after lighting it as there was smoke coming out of every possible orrifice, back of the stove, around the door seals, between the flue joins as well as pouring out of the door once opened. Eventually we closed the vent right down and opened all the windows. There doesn''t seem to be enough draw to get it going. From a quality perspective: The wooden door handle has fallen off, the stone slab at the back of the stove has cracked in half because the metal sheet in front has bowed and no longer sits straight, more on a slant. I have never burnt anything other than kiln dried wood, as recommended. But now once I have been lucky enough to get the fire going, I almost have to be sitting on top of the stove to feel any heat at all. My sister bought a Clearview stove at the same time and has used her as much as me and the two are not comparable. Basically my Burley is rubbish whilst her Clearview is the real deal.

Overall rating:

2 flames

Build Quality 2 flames (avg 4)
Quality of finish 2 flames (avg 4.2)
Value for money 2 flames (avg 3.8)
Ease of use 3 flames (avg 4)
Ease of lighting 1 flames (avg 4.2)
Firebox size 4 flames (avg 4.6)
How well does the airwash work 1 flames (avg 4.3)
Controllability 3 flames (avg 4.5)
Handle operation 1 flames (avg 4.3)
How likely are you to buy it again? 1 flames (avg 3.9)
What is your overall satisfaction? 1 flames (avg 3.9)