WhatStove?

Review of Charnwood Island III stove

disappointed

Charlotte Bennett 6 years ago

I got our Island 3 secondhand in perfect only 5 burns condition. We have moved it to its 3rd position in our house, following renovation work and changing our rooms around. This stove is so disappointing, it does not draw well or really give out any great heat for its size. The ash blows out when the door opens and also falls out over the low front bar, so the room(s) are covered in fine ash dust. As it has had 3 different flues; 2 up concrete lined chimneys (1850''s farmhouse)and now a flue going up and then out exterior wall and above roof line, I feel I can say it''s not the installation, it is the stove. We have a Country 8 in one of the other chimney flues and it roars away. I wish I had never purchased it and had got a Clearview instead. Charnwood customer service not helpful.

Stove expert replied: Has the stove never given out the expected heat and is it the right kW for the space you are trying to heat? The installation will be key, especially as you have another working flue in the property which may be preventing this flue from working effectively. If the other flue has a stronger draw then this can prevent this flue from lifting the gases away and will give a sluggish stove and poor performance. The fuel will also be important and wood needs to be dry and well seasoned with a moisture content of less than 20%.

Overall rating:

2.5 flames

Build Quality 4 flames (avg 4)
Quality of finish 4 flames (avg 3.6)
Value for money 1 flames (avg 2.6)
Ease of use 4 flames (avg 3.3)
Ease of lighting 1 flames (avg 3.3)
Firebox size 5 flames (avg 4.1)
How well does the airwash work 2 flames (avg 2.5)
Controllability 4 flames (avg 3.4)
Handle operation 1 flames (avg 3.5)
How likely are you to buy it again? 1 flames (avg 2.7)
What is your overall satisfaction? 1 flames (avg 2.5)