Review of Franco belge Savoy Elegance - MKII
Really hot - shame hot ash falls out when door is opened!
We had ours professionally installed having never owned a woodburner before as we were replacing our LPG model. The heat output is excellent, we have a 32 foot room with very large windows, single storey, this is the first winter we have been able to only wear T-shirts in the living room as the fire is so hot!\n\nOnly downside is that when you have been burning logs all day, after about 4 hours when you re-load the fire the ash and hot cinders fall out of the fire all over the place and bounce onto the carpet - not funny. I notice another reviewer has said the same - bad design they need to increase the height of the fuel retainer to stop this happening as it is dangerous. \n\nGlass stay fairly clear if you burn dry wood, however, if slightly moist you do get a build up but it is easily cleaned with household wipes.\n\nAlso we only used the fire a number of times and the back wall fire brick developed a large crack from top to bottom, then a great chunk fell off the corner. The installer initially refused to replace and said that these things can occur and it is wear and tear - after a few times I dont think so. They did duly replace FOC. However, after a month the replacement has developed a fine hairline crack up it again. The installers say that this happens and it should not affect the operation, however, reading another review on this site of a different model of Franco Belge they too had this same problem. My stove is still only around 8 months old, so I would say this is poor.\n\nHowever, overall apart from these two faults it offers exceptional heat and I would recommend especially if you live in a large exceptionally cold, single storey barn conversion with solid stone walls - just would like to be able to buy a replacement taller fuel retainer - wonder if Franco Belge would consider making this?