WhatStove?

Review of Fireline FP5 stove

Not Very Good

7 years ago

I have been using my new fx5w for about two months. I am comparing it to the Clearview Pioneer 400 which we installed in our previous house. (The Pioneer also is rated at 5 kW). I had a look on the web and thought this stove looked OK. I wish I had thought much harder.

On the plus side the Fireline has a large glass window that gives an excellent view of the fire. It also works - burns wood efficiently and takes relatively wide logs.

However I deeply regret my purchase as this stove is much poorer than my old one. So what are the ''issues''?

1) The air flow in the stove pushes smoke out of the door when inserting a new log. Compared to my old Clearview the effect is pronounced

The salesman convinced my to go for the 5kW rather than the 8 kW which is the same width as the 8kW but not as deep. Big mistake. I think the lack of depth contributes to the smoke spillover effect when you open the door.

2) The air wash lever is above the door and gets too hot to control directly.

3) The response to the air controls is minimal.

4) The word Fireline is etched into the fire bricks so as the fire dies down a bit you see what looks like advertising emerge from the flames. It sounds trivial but it really destroys some of the pleasure of staring into the fire.

I don't have the money to change the stove but if I win the lottery replacing the Fireline will be near the top of my list.

Stove expert replied: The firebricks may be able to be turned round many are dual aspect which would get over the etching in the front face. Regarding the smoke coming into the room this may not be the fault of the stove but a poor draw on the flue system,. Make sure that there is enough free air in the room by possibly adding a vent. Making the flue taller may help this or fitting an anti downdraught cowl could overcome the problem.

Overall rating:

2 flames

Build Quality 4 flames (avg 3.7)
Quality of finish 4 flames (avg 3.8)
Value for money 1 flames (avg 3.3)
Ease of use 1 flames (avg 3.8)
Ease of lighting 3 flames (avg 4)
Firebox size 2 flames (avg 3.8)
How well does the airwash work 2 flames (avg 3.5)
Controllability 1 flames (avg 3.6)
Handle operation 1 flames (avg 3.5)
How likely are you to buy it again? 1 flames (avg 3.4)
What is your overall satisfaction? 1 flames (avg 3.4)