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Review of Ecoboiler seb20

Nearly perfect

Jane 11 years ago

We have had our SEB20 since August last year (installed just before it was replaced with a newer model).

It is heating 6 radiators and the hot water with no problem at all. We don't use a lot of hot water so generally if we are using the stove every day it only takes 20 to 30 minutes before the hot water tank is back to temperature and the pump kicks in for the heating.

The firebox is a good size although the bars (which I see from the brochure for the replacement model have been changed) are a little high and it is sometimes a little awkward fitting in larger logs.

The only design fault is that it is fiddly to clean out ash where it goes into the casing. The manual says about clearing this with a wire and a vacuum and we have done it but it certainly is fiddly and awkward to do. It has to be done though as if you don't do it (we hadn't appreciated how much ash had got in there the first time)the thermostatic control can stop working properly. We found out when we went to turn the fire down and the control was loose, the fire was roaring - we couldn't shut it down - and the heat leak (non thermostatic) radiators were red hot. A good half an hour was needed in a really uncomfortable position to get this properly clean. We keep a close eye on it now and it has never happened again. As a relatively fit 40 something it isn't too bad but less agile elderly people would struggle with this bit of essential maintenance (the manual for the replacement stove has the same instruction so presumably the design hasn't changed much)

We have kept it in overnight without problem but as we don't like a hot house at night we generally let it go out. Cleaning and re-lighting is straightforward and takes about 20 minutes start to finish.

Once a good fire is built up the stove can be shut down and it will slumber quite happily while we are out for the day. It is lovely to come home to a warm house.

The airwash works fairly well but doesn't cover the whole glass leaving two strips at the extremes where there is no effect. The glass itself is large with a slight curve. It gives a good view of the fire.

We chose this over oil heating (with this system it would be easy to add a boiler in later) because we didn't like the idea of having to pay out huge amounts to fill an oil tank. So far we haven't regretted our choice and the stove itself is a very nice feature in the room - can't imagine anyone ever saying that about an oil boiler!

Stove expert replied: Nice comments for this model.

Overall rating:

4.5 flames

Build Quality 5 flames (avg 4.5)
Quality of finish 5 flames (avg 4.6)
Value for money 5 flames (avg 4.6)
Ease of use 3 flames (avg 4.1)
Ease of lighting 5 flames (avg 4.4)
Firebox size 5 flames (avg 4.4)
How well does the airwash work 4 flames (avg 3.7)
Controllability 4 flames (avg 4.4)
Handle operation 5 flames (avg 3.6)
How likely are you to buy it again? 4 flames (avg 3.6)
What is your overall satisfaction? 5 flames (avg 4.1)