WhatStove?

Review of Charnwood Island II stove

Amazing stove!

Steve Jones 14 years ago

We bought this stove 3 weeks ago and are very pleased with it. \n\nThe stove will eventually be fitted in the our lounge after renovations are complete, for the time being it is in our kitchen and provides the only heat to the property.\n\nIt was ordered over the internet collected from the UK and brought to France where we live, saving £900 against the local Charnwood agent's price (€2,250 - don't ask we why, I'm not sure myself). When I first saw it, despite knowing its dimensions previously, I was surprised at how small it is and was beginning to wonder if we should have gone for the Island III.\n\nWorry not, it packs out loads of heat, very quickly transforming a cold, stone farmhouse into a cosy home, something the stove it replaced never managed. We're using seasoned chestnut and acacia. I don't think the firebox is quite large enough to stay alight overnight on wood alone, then again, the manufacturer's spec states that it is for intermittent, rather than continuous use. Not a problem, either, as its a piece of cake to light.\n\nThe reasons we chose this stove are as follows:\n\n1. Looks, simple lines without all of the frills and leaded-a-like glass you quite often see and also without the ultra-stark modernist lines.\n\n2. Quattro-flow. One control, faster-slower. Simple. We want this stove (and the chimney) to last, let someone else worry about which air-flow goes where and when.\n\n3. Can use an external air-inlet. By adding the optional manifold to the rear, the stove can draw its air directly from the outside thus minimizing draughts. This also means that the air in the house that you've already heated is not used for combustion and stuffed up the chimney.\n\nI would also recommend a flue thermometer, we got ours from Charnwood, as it takes the guesswork out keeping the flue hot and soot-free.\n\nOur neighbours thought we were mad getting it from the UK when 12-16kW stoves are available for €500 in the DIY-sheds over here. All I'll say is, our house is warmer, we use about a quarter of the wood they use and you can still see our flames, their glass might as well be cast iron. Houses and wood the same.\n

Overall rating:

4.5 flames

Build Quality 5 flames (avg 4.3)
Quality of finish 5 flames (avg 4.5)
Value for money 4 flames (avg 3.6)
Ease of use 5 flames (avg 4.6)
Ease of lighting 5 flames (avg 4.7)
Firebox size 4 flames (avg 3.9)
How well does the airwash work 5 flames (avg 4)
Controllability 5 flames (avg 4.4)
Handle operation 5 flames (avg 4.4)
How likely are you to buy it again? 5 flames (avg 3.8)
What is your overall satisfaction? 5 flames (avg 4.1)