WhatStove?

Review of Charnwood C 5 stove

Really pleased with our C5

Tim J 9 years ago

I've waited until we have used our stove for 6 months until posting this review as I wanted to be as fair and accurate as possible. We found this site really helpful in choosing different options for stoves to look at so I think it's only fair to feed back afterwards.

We opted for the C5 with the log stand in the cream colour without the multi-fuel grate. Other options we considered were a Clearview (the one we wanted with a log store would have been nearly double the price of the Charnwood) and a Town and Country (my in-laws have the Little Thurlow and rate it highly). Our fitter recommended looking at Charnwood as he had one himself and suggested they were good value for the price and build quality. He doesn't sell stoves himself so we felt he was reasonably impartial.

We found a good deal online and picked the stove up ourselves (on a cautionary note it was VERY heavy even with two people moving it).

In a nutshell, we're very pleased with the stove. It is extremely easy to light (first time every time) and very simple to use as there is only one control for the airflow. Heat output is great and it looks really good in the room, particularly with the log store.

Initially I was worried about the glass being stained and it does go brown if you don't clean it after about 3 uses. However, I think this is the case to some extent with all burners (it certainly is for my in-laws and my brother who both have different brands of stove). I've found that a bit of damp newspaper dipped in some wood ash and rubbed onto the glass clears it completely - I do this every few times I use the stove and it takes 5 minutes with excellent results. Don't know if it's what the manufacturers recommend but it certainly works for us. The grate is fairly easy to clean - I empty it after about 3 nights use with a dustpan and brush.

In short, for the cost (mid range I think) and the ease of use, I would definitely recommend this stove and would buy the same again. Only slight downside is the necessity to clean the glass, but as I said, this is a 5 minute job and something I think in reality you have to do with even the most expensive stoves.

Overall rating:

5 flames

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