WhatStove?

Review of Clearview 650 stove

Exellent, Very efficient stove, but maybe too big for smaller houses.

Alison Kristina 11 years ago

I've had the Clearview 650 for a about 6 months now, and this will be my first winter. I live in a late 1800's 2 bedroom stone cottage in the middle of the countryside. As a wood burning stove it's excellent, although I've not had any other stove to compare it to. Very easy to light, excellent burning ability, clean. It heats 4 radiators and the hot water. Both come up to a hot temperature very quickly.

My only problem is that the stove is too big for the house. I like a constant 20 degrees C room temperature and that means keeping the stove temperature at around 300 degrees F which is too low for efficient clean burning, and the glass soon gets smoked up. At the moment, I have to open the windows if I want to run the stove at it's most efficient 400 - 500 degrees F. If I had a bigger house (and my cottage isn't that small!) this stove would be ok. That said, come deep winter, maybe I'll need the full heat output? I doubt it though as the double glazing is quite efficient and there's few drafts.

I burn only well seasoned wood (both hard and softwood) so have no experience of using coal in it.

I agree with a previous reviewer who said a smaller stove run hotter and more efficiently is better than a large stove run cooler and less efficiently.

So I'd say that if you have a smallish house or don't like too hot a room temp then maybe this stove will be too big for you.

Stoves Expert Replied: As this seems to be too large to be used efficiently be mindful to insure that you give the stove a short period of fast burn at least twice a day for 15 - 20 mins to burn off the tar residues that are produced when the stove is slumbering for long periods. Also be mindful that the glass may suffer from crazing as the flue gases will attack it if left shut down for too long.

Overall rating:

4.5 flames

Build Quality 5 flames (avg 4.3)
Quality of finish 5 flames (avg 4.4)
Value for money 3 flames (avg 4.1)
Ease of use 5 flames (avg 4.5)
Ease of lighting 5 flames (avg 4.5)
Firebox size 5 flames (avg 4.6)
How well does the airwash work 3 flames (avg 4.4)
Controllability 5 flames (avg 4.3)
Handle operation 5 flames (avg 3.8)
How likely are you to buy it again? 3 flames (avg 4.2)
What is your overall satisfaction? 4 flames (avg 4.2)