WhatStove?

Review of Charnwood Island I stove

Easy to use

David Laws 10 years ago

We have used the Island 1 for three years and have three other wood burners. This is by far the easiest to use. The controls are simple and it is very easy to light. The construction is robust and it is in working order after daily usage throughout three winters. Cleaning is simple and the riddling grate works better than any other I have seen.

We have one problem. Despite only using seasoned wood and using a stove thermometer the throat plate has slowly buckled altering the way it burns. A neighbour has knocked it back into shape and re-welded it at little expense. Interestingly the pub down the road has an Island II with the same problem with the throat plate.

Despite this it is still the best log burner we have and is much easier to use than the posh looking Scandanavian model in the next room.

Overall rating:

4.5 flames

Build Quality 4 flames (avg 4.6)
Quality of finish 4.5 flames (avg 4.6)
Value for money 5 flames (avg 4.2)
Ease of use 5 flames (avg 4.7)
Ease of lighting 5 flames (avg 4.6)
Firebox size 4.5 flames (avg 4.1)
How well does the airwash work 4 flames (avg 4.3)
Controllability 5 flames (avg 4.3)
Handle operation 5 flames (avg 4.6)
How likely are you to buy it again? 5 flames (avg 4.4)
What is your overall satisfaction? 4 flames (avg 4.3)