WhatStove?

Review of Dovre 700 stove

Excellent

Village Girl 13 years ago

I installed the wood only version about 3 years ago (mine did come with a side door, contrary to the report in the other review). I've never been cold since! Overall, the quality is excellent - the door hinges sometimes work their way up and have to be banged back down before the door falls off, but that hasn't happened for two years now. Maybe it was just stiff from being new. Amazingly easy to light - it never fails and takes no effort or complicated rituals - one firelighter and a few thin branches, and you're off. Totally uncomplicated to use, whatever you put in always catches. Mine has kept going for over 18 hours at a stretch from one (substantial) load, lighting the new load from the embers of the previous one. In fact, over winter, I hardly ever need to "light" the fire. The firebox is a good size, admitting logs 50 cm long (something I appreciate, because I cut my own wood - a bigger firebox means less chopping). It's straightforward to crank up the heat or damp it down - however, when closed down as far as it will go and still operate, the airwash isn't as effective. Handle operation is fine.\nMine heats a house 160 square metres big, on two floors, if I leave all the doors open. Even in deepest winter (temperatures can fall to -20°C where I live).\nI don't suppose I'll ever need to buy another one, as these are built to last, and I don't intend to move. But my brother bought one on the strength of a winter visit here, and is equally pleased with his.\nI cleaned the chimney for the first time this year (easy procedure, and no mess), and all that came down was half a plastic carrier bag of soot, so their cleaner combustion claims would seem to be founded.

Overall rating:

5 flames

Build Quality 4 flames (avg 4.4)
Quality of finish 5 flames (avg 4.6)
Value for money 5 flames (avg 4.6)
Ease of use 5 flames (avg 4.6)
Ease of lighting 5 flames (avg 4.8)
Firebox size 5 flames (avg 5)
How well does the airwash work 4 flames (avg 4.2)
Controllability 5 flames (avg 4.6)
Handle operation 5 flames (avg 4)
How likely are you to buy it again? 5 flames (avg 4.6)
What is your overall satisfaction? 5 flames (avg 4.8)