WhatStove?

Review of Charnwood C 5 stove

Grown to love Charnwood C5

Malcolm Lane 10 years ago

I was used to a monster of a stove in my last house and initially found the Charnwood C5 difficult to get going. However with a little practice it is now very easy. The door needs to be cracked open slightly to begin with and it would be useful for the catch to lock the door in this position, but that is my only suggestion for improvement. I bought a stove pipe thermometer and find that the stove gets up to temperature quickly and stays within the ideal burning zone. Air control is simple with two open settings -fast/start and normal. I have direct air feed from outside into the stove. I find the stove efficient and I use maybe 8 to 10 split logs an evening. I have no problem with ash coming out and clean the edges of the glass maybe once a week.

Overall rating:

4.5 flames

Build Quality 4.5 flames (avg 4.7)
Quality of finish 5 flames (avg 4.6)
Value for money 4.5 flames (avg 4.3)
Ease of use 5 flames (avg 4.2)
Ease of lighting 4.5 flames (avg 4.1)
Firebox size 3.5 flames (avg 4)
How well does the airwash work 3.5 flames (avg 3.9)
Controllability 4.5 flames (avg 4)
Handle operation 4 flames (avg 3.9)
How likely are you to buy it again? 4.5 flames (avg 4.1)
What is your overall satisfaction? 4.5 flames (avg 4.1)