WhatStove?

Review of Dowling Hybrid stove

Brilliant designed multi fuel stove.

Keith Taylor 12 years ago

After the recent burning oil price hikes I was looking to minimize the use of the central heating boiler and up grade my lovely to look at but very inefficient open coal fire.Initially I was looking at installing an inset 7kw multi fuel stove to provide the heating but was concerned by the build quality of some of the stoves I looked at.After finding this site I went through the stove list alphabetically checking each site and on reaching D found Dowling Stoves.Never heard of them but worth a look.Love at first sight !After checking all the dimensions and relevant data decided this was the stove for me.From the initial contact with Steve Dowling to the collection of the stove everything went like clockwork.We have a 17th century open plan cottage and the look of the stove looks fantastic sat on its stone hearth.The flue vents out horizontally to the chimney so no need for a vertical flue pipe.The stove is a doddle to light and soon starts pumping heat out.Very easy to control the fire with either coal or wood burning.We have the 8Kw and the output is enough to heat the open plan cottage with the heat also travelling up the stair well to the bedrooms.The stove is of very sturdy construction and looks fantastic thanks to the design and manufacturing team at Dowling Stoves.Also,an added bonus I can boil water on the top of the stove for the kitchen sink and even cook a meal if there is a power cut.!!\n\n

Stove expert replied: Top marks except for air wash, could be poor quality fuel!!

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 4 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)