WhatStove?

Review of Franco belge Savoy Elegance - MKII

Build Quality and Design

David Yates 7 years ago

This is a lovely looking stove. The glass is kept clean by efficient airflow and the controls are sensitive.Of the eight stoves I have owned over forty years, this is the most efficient and elegant by far.

But I''m getting rid of it. After ten years, it''s too expensive to maintain. From the start the firebricks shattered for no reason. Four years ago the handle malfunctioned and had to be repaired by an engineer. Recently the baffle plate has buckled again. Repairs and replacements would cost half the price of the stove.

For that price I can get a Defra approved English designed 85% efficient model.

David

Stove expert replied: 10 years service and now finding replacement parts too expensive is a shame, wear and tear does need to be factored in as spares are often disproportionally expensive compared to a new stove price! From what you have written it is a set of liners and 2 baffle plates which seems reasonable for 10years service unless there are other parts not accounted for in the review.

Overall rating:

3.5 flames

Build Quality 3 flames (avg 3.4)
Quality of finish 4 flames (avg 4)
Value for money 3 flames (avg 3.4)
Ease of use 5 flames (avg 4.3)
Ease of lighting 5 flames (avg 4.4)
Firebox size 4 flames (avg 3.9)
How well does the airwash work 5 flames (avg 4.2)
Controllability 5 flames (avg 3.8)
Handle operation 2 flames (avg 3.1)
How likely are you to buy it again? 2 flames (avg 2.9)
What is your overall satisfaction? 3 flames (avg 3.4)