WhatStove?

Review of Clearview vision 500 stove

have I been unlucky?

HELEN LANT 9 years ago

Stove and chimney fitted December 2013 so we had a lovely cosy Christmas with our multi fuel stove. January 2014 some bubbles appeared on the inside glass front but as we kept the stove on continuously I did not pay too much attention. The glass did not clean up very well around the bottom edge. In June 2014 with the stove off completely the glass door had bubbles from the bottom edge past half way up. I reported this to my supplier who enquired had I been using anthracite as this was too hot- no, I used only EXEL smokeless fuel as recommended on purchase. The fitter said that this often happened but it was not dangerous. The only option was to buy new glass- this was not covered by the warranty- but the same thing was likely to happen again. The fitter who actually came to fit it had never seen this happen before but suggested that we try and keep the fire to the back of the stove away from the glass. Surely the glass should be fit for purpose?

Stove expert replied: Glass discolouration normally takes the form of a smoky appearance or a crackle appearance that gradually creeps over the glass and is due to over-firing or not firing hard enough thus allowing the flue gases to stay in the firebox to attack the glass from a chemical reaction. I have not heard of a bubble effect before so I am unable to comment on this but perhaps take photos and send to the manufacturer for their comment.

Overall rating:

4 flames

Build Quality 4 flames (avg 4.6)
Quality of finish 4 flames (avg 4.6)
Value for money 4 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 4.5)
How well does the airwash work 1 flames (avg 4.5)
Controllability 5 flames (avg 4.5)
Handle operation 4 flames (avg 3.9)
How likely are you to buy it again? 3 flames (avg 4.3)
What is your overall satisfaction? 4 flames (avg 4.4)