WhatStove?

Review of Dowling Hybrid stove

Update on my Dowling Hybrid 8

Keith Taylor 10 years ago

Purchased this stove two years ago and would like to update my previous review. Since purchasing this stove we have experienced some of the coldest winters for a very long time and are so pleased that we invested our time and money into this brilliant designed multi fuel stove.

We have our chimney swept this time of year and at the same time I respray the stove with an aerosol of high heat resistant paint (readily available anywhere ) to get ready for the winter. The stove now looks just as perfect as when we purchased it from ' Team Dowling' two years ago! It has had some hammer during the past two very cold winters and has never disappointed with heat output. You can vary your fuel according to your taste. We vary between wood and anthracite thermal eggs,both burn efficiently and produce as much heat as required but obviously the eggs don't burn away as fast as wood so are ideal if the fire is going to be left unattended for long periods.

The stove is showing no signs of wear anywhere,there are no rope seals to breakdown ,the ash pan is so soundly constructed that there is no warping and twisting that so often happens due to high temperatures in stoves. The glass on the door broke last year,completely my fault!, dropped a heavy log on it when a bit bleery eyed! The 'Dowling Team' couldn't have been more helpful and was soon replaced and also later in the year I misplaced one of the spring clips and once again the 'Dowling Team' excelled by replacing ex graticia in first class return post. How's that for service.

The first of the cold winter weather is now visiting us and the stove is now coming into its element,warming all through the cottage and no need for the expensive oil boiler to fire up. We also heat any water needed for the kitchen sink on top of the stove to reduce draining hot water from the cylinder upstairs .

A brilliant designed stove that is built to high standards and after two years of excellent service I can highly recommend .

Overall rating:

5 flames

Build Quality 5 flames (avg 4.7)
Quality of finish 5 flames (avg 4.2)
Value for money 5 flames (avg 4.6)
Ease of use 5 flames (avg 4.7)
Ease of lighting 5 flames (avg 4.9)
Firebox size 5 flames (avg 4.6)
How well does the airwash work 5 flames (avg 3.6)
Controllability 5 flames (avg 4.1)
Handle operation 5 flames (avg 4.4)
How likely are you to buy it again? 5 flames (avg 4.6)
What is your overall satisfaction? 5 flames (avg 4.6)