WhatStove?

Review of Charnwood SLX20i inset stove

Charnwood insert stove - saves me two tanks of oil a year

Kieran 11 years ago

Bought this a five years ago and had it slotted into an existing fireplace with back boiler connections. The year before we installed it, we used 2 and a half tanks of oil - approx 2,500 litres. The year after, we used about 500 litres as the oil is the back up for the stove now. I do manage to get wood locally (sometimes free!) and some turf and have a number of storage areas where I season, dry and store the fuel. Good storage is key to a wood burning stove and to getting cheap wood. In the heart of winter I normally use smokeless coal nuggets and the fire will burn for two months solidly without going out. Fuel costs about 350 for the coal (20 bags) and between between 200 and 400 for 9 cubic metres of wood and turf.

I think it is a great stove but the chimney needs to be right and it took the installer a little time to fix the draught on the chimney - not the stoves fault - it was the chimney that wasn't high enough.

I live in Ireland and happened to find a supplier in the local town. I really like it - it has one control and is easy to use.

Stove expert replied: Great savings on heating oil, the proof of the pudding etc....

Overall rating:

4.5 flames

Build Quality 5 flames (avg 4.8)
Quality of finish 4 flames (avg 4.5)
Value for money 4 flames (avg 3.3)
Ease of use 4 flames (avg 4.5)
Ease of lighting 5 flames (avg 4.8)
Firebox size 5 flames (avg 4.5)
How well does the airwash work 3 flames (avg 3.5)
Controllability 4 flames (avg 4)
Handle operation 4 flames (avg 4.3)
How likely are you to buy it again? 5 flames (avg 3.8)
What is your overall satisfaction? 4 flames (avg 3.5)