WhatStove?

Review of Charnwood Island III stove

Charnwood island 3

Chris 15 years ago

I replaced an old (huge) Morso stove which was jolly good, but had solid doors and so spat burning embers on the living room floor. The Morso was in effect an open fire with no control, it took 'skill' to get it going, and needed to be re loaded before it got too low. .... The Island 3 has a control knob, this can shut the fire down when closed, and when open produces a super charged effect ! the result is easy lighting with minimal sticks, and a pleasing slow flame burn when it is going, and shut down a bit. It chucks out loads of heat, I sit 10 -12 feet away from the stove and need to peel layers of clothes off within 30 mins, it is also quite frugal on log consumption, eating less than the old morso.

\nDown sides so far: I have a cream colored stove, so it doesn't look hot, so have burnt my hands on the doors ... (stupid but easy)

\nwhen re loading the fire you have to open the doors very slowly or you get covered in hot ash !!! but this is prob the same for all fires with doors.

\nThe 'airwash' works well ..... but you will need to clean the glass frequently another job to do if you are used to an open fire

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\nIf you want a good sized log burner I don't think you will be disappointed .

\nPricey .... yes .... but nice build quality, good looking, and works well.

Overall rating:

4 flames

Build Quality 4 flames (avg 4)
Quality of finish 4 flames (avg 3.6)
Value for money 4 flames (avg 2.6)
Ease of use 5 flames (avg 3.3)
Ease of lighting 5 flames (avg 3.3)
Firebox size 3 flames (avg 4.1)
How well does the airwash work 4 flames (avg 2.5)
Controllability 5 flames (avg 3.4)
Handle operation 4 flames (avg 3.5)
How likely are you to buy it again? 5 flames (avg 2.7)
What is your overall satisfaction? 4 flames (avg 2.5)