WhatStove?

Review of Clearview 650 stove

Can''t fault it.

Gary Walker 6 years ago

Installed this stove in my house upon moving in, over four years ago. I chose the 650 because in the bungalow I previously lived in, I''d installed a Clearview 500 and it was the envy of everyone who sat in front of it.

My 650 is fed with air from a fire brick and has about 30 feet of draw. I share business premises with an export packer and therefore have an inexhaustible supply of softwood. I have actually overnighted this stove with only softwood, by packing it to the rafters before turning in for the night. I probably added 5lb of creosote to the chimney, but hey, theories must be tested.

It''s a hot stove and a clean burning one. At 500 deg F, the smoke from the chimney is definitely "there''s a new Pope". I prefer to burn a softwood/hardwood hybrid load and once up to temperature with only the cold wash open, it''s my pleasure to damper the vent down until the stove allows just enough oxygen in to cause that mesmerizing condition where multi coloured flames sporadically billow downwards from the top of the combustion chamber.

Reading some of the critical reviews here, I would implore those reviewers to ensure they have;

Sufficient draw.

Good seals.

Dry wood.

If these conditions are met, there''s no reason you shouldn't experience a first class stove with a 650.

Stove expert replied: Do remember to give short periods of fast burn at least twice during every 24hr period of use to burn off the tar residues that occur in prolonged slumbering mode. These periods of fast burn should be 15 - 20mins and no more.

Overall rating:

4.5 flames

Build Quality 5 flames (avg 4.3)
Quality of finish 4 flames (avg 4.4)
Value for money 5 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 5 flames (avg 4.4)
Controllability 3 flames (avg 4.3)
Handle operation 3 flames (avg 3.8)
How likely are you to buy it again? 5 flames (avg 4.2)
What is your overall satisfaction? 5 flames (avg 4.2)