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Review of Heta Inspire 55 stove

Heta Inspire 55

7 years ago

We replaced our excellent'' Woodward'' woodburning stove as it had started to look dated after 35 years use so opted for the Heta Inspire 55 because of its contemporary design.

We installed the stove ourselves and followed the instructions to the letter but am very disappointed with the size of the inside chamber. We now have to cut our wood much smaller which means extra work! Also, the grate height is too small so logs role against the door and can fall out if the door is opened causing a fire hazard.

The fire is set in a wide chimney breast so there should be sufficient air flow (We also have an airvent in the room on a side wall. However, we have difficulty getting the fire to light in the first place and have to light it by the door handle and leave the door slightly open for draw otherwise the fire goes out. Once we are able to get the fire alight and need to add logs the fire billows smoke into the room.

One of the brick liners at the rear of the stove is already cracked after just one season so not impressed as these are not covered by guarantee.

We live in a bungalow so the chimney liner is only 5mtrs long, wondered if by replacing the bird guard for something else on the chimney pot would help but this is an expensive exercise if unsuccessful. Would love to hear if anyone is able to help.

Stove expert replied: I assume that you had not seen the stove before purchase due to the comments made regarding the firebox size. I would recommend that seeing a stove is worth doing before purchase so that there are no illusions over the product features, size and build construction etc. If you are only burning wood perhaps a designated woodburner would have given the larger firebox that you refer to, and would prevent extra cutting of the logs, it also provides the most efficient base for the ash to build up on should a grate not be necessary. Leaving the door ajar for a short period is often the best way to get a stove lit and with extra air ion the room should provide the best conditions for combustion. Was the chimney lined before this stove was fitted or at the time of fitting? Is there insulation round the liner to keep the gases warm. Has the installation been signed off by Building Control? Liners are some thing that are not covered under warranty by manufacturers due to being classed as consumable and the need to replace them periodically. Providing the liner is staying in place and protecting the metal of the stove you do not need to replace it, you can use fire cement to help keep the pieces together. A MAD anti downdraught cowl may help to solve the problem that you are experiencing with smoke coming back into the room, they have a good success rate.

Overall rating:

2 flames

Build Quality 3 flames (avg 4.3)
Quality of finish 4 flames (avg 4.7)
Value for money 1 flames (avg 3.7)
Ease of use 1 flames (avg 3.7)
Ease of lighting 1 flames (avg 3.7)
Firebox size 1 flames (avg 3.7)
How well does the airwash work 3 flames (avg 4.3)
Controllability 2 flames (avg 4)
Handle operation 4 flames (avg 4.3)
How likely are you to buy it again? 1 flames (avg 3.7)
What is your overall satisfaction? 2 flames (avg 4)