WhatStove?

Review of Franco Belge Limousin stove

limousin

Trev Parry 14 years ago

Good fire but have had problems with the baffle and the back wall' going through one of each every two years (not good). The importer didn't want to know as soon as it was out of warranty, and neither did the manufacturer.\nHowever the parts were relatively inexpensive and easy to replace. I wouldn't buy another simply because of the poor aftersales.\n\n

Stove expert replied: Franco belge stoves are a fairly good mid range stove, but sometimes it can make sense to pay a little extra to get something that bit better. It is not surprising that the importer and manufacturer did not want to know as it is the retailer who should be the first port of call for a customer. One should expect a decent retailer to help their customer get the spares needed for their stove. Baffle plates are generally not covered by any warranty - if they keep burning out then it sound a little like this stove might be being run a bit too hot on coal, and/or the chimney draft might at times be very strong. Fitting a draught stabiliser might help. I am not saying that this is the case here but it seems unlikely that this Franco Belge owner consistently got 'dudd' baffle plates and parts, and therefore much more likely that it was to do with how the stove was being used.

Overall rating:

4 flames

Build Quality 4 flames (avg 4)
Quality of finish 4 flames (avg 4)
Value for money 4 flames (avg 4)
Ease of use 5 flames (avg 5)
Ease of lighting 5 flames (avg 5)
Firebox size 5 flames (avg 5)
How well does the airwash work 4 flames (avg 3.5)
Controllability 4 flames (avg 4)
Handle operation 4 flames (avg 3.5)
How likely are you to buy it again? 1 flames (avg 3)
What is your overall satisfaction? 3 flames (avg 4)