Charnwood Island II Hot

Good heat output. Aesthetically pleasing. You do need to allow the embers to build up and provide a base for the next days lighting. Price is really the only off putting factor but it is a well built stove that is easy to operate and performs well.

Stove Expert Replied: Nice review, fair marks given above.

I installed my Island II with Charnwood's Flue Boiler about a year ago, but wanted to live with it for a while before posting a review. I positioned the stove centrally in an open plan kitchen/diner that occupies 2/3rds of the ground floor of an old Georgian cottage.

My local stove shop who supplied everything recommended the II, though I thought I should maybe go for the Island III...they were right!! Running at 260 C (using a stove thermometer) the stove very quickly turns a cold space into a warm and inviting one...given time the heat gets upstairs too.

The flue boiler is also a fantastic addition. It'll heat a 160L water tank from cold to piping hot in about 4 hours, a luke warm one much quicker. The 1.3KW heat loss rad in the bathroom keeps this room toasty too. I'd thoroughly recommend it as you're really getting hot water for free...the effect of the flue boiler on the stove output seems negligible and with a well insulated flue (I used chimwrap) there were minimal deposits when I swept it before this season's use.

The only proviso I would add is that you really must use well seasoned/dry wood to get the best from it...but that applies to any wood burning appliance. I use Oak offcuts from a joinery firm to get a good fire bed and then logs...Ash being favourite. I've found it best to keep a good bed of ash in the Stove (at least an inch or more) and only riddle it every other day or so. It burns so cleanly that there's minimal ash to clean out anyway. The controls on this stove and most of the Charnwood range are simple and really well thought out. The Quattroflow air control makes control of the stove ridiculously easy and the cool touch handle means you can open the doors without gloves...both advantages over the Clearview stove that I also considered. I also happen to think that the Island range has the best looking stoves out there.

Whole heatedly recommended.

Stove Expert Replied: The flue boiler is certainly a great idea if the situation allows, lots of hot water from the flue gases which would otherwise be wasted heat!!

After much deliberation and internet hours, we visited our local stockists who showed us a number of stoves. The quality of the Charnwood was in a class of its own. The stove is also aesthetically good, a traditional stove with clean lines.

The stove was a little more expensive than the budget that we set out, but as the old adage says, you get what you pay for.

We are not disappointed, the stove is mounted on a hearth in the room (i.e. not in an inglenook) with the flue diving off at 45 degrees into the wall from the top of the stove. Previously we had an open fire. The heat output of the stove is fantastic and in comparison to an open fire it is far more efficient. Half to three quarters a basket of logs lasts a night. The open fire would have eaten the entire log basket and a scuttle full of coal. Starting the fire is easy and the controls are simple and highly effective, even when it’s blowing a westerly gale the draw up the chimney is controlled easily. We are burning ash that has been stored for six months. Can't recommend this stove enough.

We spent a considerable amount of time visiting numerous stove suppliers/showrooms and reading the brochures. We liked the Charnwood range from the outset and eventually settled on the Charnwood Island 2.

Initially, the high cost of this range of stoves was difficult to justify as there were many comparable stoves on the market at anything up to 50% cheaper. Nevertheless, now seeing the high standard of build quality compared to these others, we are more than satisfied. Furthermore, it is an absolute doddle to light and the single control lever for the airwash/control system couldn't be more user friendly.

At first we had a minor darkening of the window glass but quickly discovered this was down to our slightly damp fuel. By switching to completely dry wood and opening the secondary air vent very slightly (located underneath the stove), solved the problem immediately.

NOTE: Have not attempted to keep the stove burning overnight so have deliberately not rated this aspect higher. The installer recommended using solid fuel should this ever be necessary.

We used to have problems keeping the glass of this stove clear, but have discovered that underneath the stove there is an additional control vent.

It is mentioned in the manual, but you may not have noticed it. The vent is adjusted by undoing a small wingnut under the stove, and this allows you to slide a plate from side to side. The plate has a cut-out in it, and this allows you to vary the amount of air that is let in in front of the glass. Works a treat, and our glass stays clear all the time now.

Hope this helps somebody out there.

I baulked at the purchase price but decided that quality and longevity were the key criteria as we intended living in the property for a long time. Our location is 10 miles from Aviemore in a region that holds the UK record for cold, -27 deg C, with lots of frosty weather rolling off the Cairngorm mountains.

With a good supply of 2 year seasoned pine, this stove keeps the core of our cottage warm (a large kitchen/dining room)all day. Occasionally, I'll also use coal, but only if I need to keep it ticking over overnight.

Nothing has needed replacing or has malfunctioned in nearly 3 years of heavy use. The controls are easy to use and very functional. There is a large clear view of flames with an ample fire box. This has been an excellent choice of unit which is very economical and green compared to any other fuel system.

We bought this stove 3 weeks ago and are very pleased with it.

The 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.

It 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.

Worry 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.

The reasons we chose this stove are as follows:

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

I would also recommend a flue thermometer, we got ours from Charnwood, as it takes the guesswork out keeping the flue hot and soot-free.

Our 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.

Quality stove that looks great. Easily the best looking stove on market. Firebox is good size providing heat to two large connecting rooms. Glass panels provide great view and quattroflow is easy and efficient. Using quality seasoned wood the stove stays in overnight and glass remains reasonably clear. Overall very pleased with purchase.

Firebox is very small but works well. mixed size logs don't fit easily!! Mistakenly listened to many pro 'experts' and put in a stove far too small & unsuitable. Gives postage stamp size view of fire even with doors open. flame effects stunted by baffle. Haven't tried coal/coke to keep fire in over night -quality wood goes out. glass slowly stained up - cant see fire now with doors closed after 1 month.

Whatstove expert says: "sounds like you were given bad and out of date advice. The big progress that modern combustion systems have made is the ability for a stove to burn slowly and yet efficiently. The days of a stove roaring OR smouldering should be over - this means you can choose a slightly larger stove and still burn controllably. The glass staining is often due to damp fuel or insufficient draw, or both."

Ian B wrote in to say: "my advice would be to try anthracite (smokeless) fuel as this is the most efficient fuel, pound for pound, and the least amount of work. you should fill it up and it should last all day. i dont know your flue sizes but to get the best efficiency, a 6inch insulated flexi-liner(904 grade) will give you the optimum efficiency. ie minimun heat loss, good draw. also fitting an all purpose cowl will protect your flue and minimise heat loss. hope this helps."

Whatstove expert says: Ian B is right that anthractite will burn hot and for a long time but it is also very high in CO2, and if you want to do your bit to cut emissions then stick to well seasoned wood. A 150mm liner will in fact not always give the better draw if fitted to a stove with a 125mm outlet - (though the Island is 150mm), fitting a cowl is a good idea but will not really mimise heat loss - it will stop rain entry. A very important consideration is to insulate the liner.