WhatStove?

Review of Firebelly FB2 stove

Not So Great and Awful as a Multifuel

David 12 years ago

I've had an FB2 for 3 years and it was installed with a stainless external flue by HETAS engineers and Firebelly resellers.\n\nAs a log burner, it's ok, but that's about all. Put enough logs in and it will blaze away happily. The "airwash" system works occasionally, but if the logs are damp, the glass blackens quickly.\n\nLast year I bought the multifuel kit and a few bags of coal.\n\nI've used that twice. Why? Because it just doesn't work.\n\nThis evening I tried again and despite numerous fire lighters, kindling etc., the coal wouldn't light. \n\nIn the end in desperation, I tried a propane torch and almost an entire gas cannister later and still the coals go out, even with the door wide open.\n\nThis is a huge disappointment and a very expensive one - the flue cost as much as the fire and the draw seems adequate enough, but looking through the previous comments, I'm sure somebody will say it's not.\n\nI'd say that it was a good couple of grand gone up in smoke. If only...\n\n\n

Stove expert replied: have you contacted the supplier, installer, or Firebelly to try to rectify the problems? That is probably a good starting point. Perhaps get them to test the flue draw and see how good it is as a starting point.

Overall rating:

2 flames

Build Quality 3 flames (avg 3.9)
Quality of finish 3 flames (avg 3.8)
Value for money 1 flames (avg 3.2)
Ease of use 2 flames (avg 3.8)
Ease of lighting 1 flames (avg 4)
Firebox size 4 flames (avg 4.4)
How well does the airwash work 1 flames (avg 3.4)
Controllability 1 flames (avg 3.4)
Handle operation 2 flames (avg 3.9)
How likely are you to buy it again? 1 flames (avg 3.8)
What is your overall satisfaction? 2 flames (avg 3.7)