WhatStove?

Review of Hwam Vivaldi stove

Beautifull Vivaldi

Ed 14 years ago

This is our first house in 40 odd years that hadn't even got a chimney. After living here for a few years we realised that a real fire was what was missing in our lives. The HWAM Vivaldi's contemporary design works well with the style of our modern bungalow. The stove is a breeze to light with good draught from the double wall stainless chimney. It doesn't stay in over night but this is not a problem as it lights so easily. Installed in our 12' x 17' kitchen it provides more than enough heat so we leave the doors open to spread the heat through the house. The general finish is good but be aware that the paint is relatively soft until the heat from the fire has had chance to cure the paint. (We ordered a spray can of matching paint with the stove.) The air wash system works best when you have got a good fire going and any staining on the glass easily wipes off. More persistent deposits comes off with a damp cloth dipped in fine wood ash. Nice construction touches are an ash box that runs on little rollers and it even has a cover to prevent the ash blowing about when emptied. The design and construction appeal to my engineering background and my wife fell in love with this stove the first time she saw one with a fire in it.("Better than watching the TV.")

Overall rating:

4.5 flames

Build Quality 5 flames (avg 4.4)
Quality of finish 5 flames (avg 4.3)
Value for money 5 flames (avg 4)
Ease of use 5 flames (avg 4.8)
Ease of lighting 5 flames (avg 4.8)
Firebox size 5 flames (avg 4.3)
How well does the airwash work 4 flames (avg 4.1)
Controllability 4 flames (avg 4.1)
Handle operation 4 flames (avg 4.1)
How likely are you to buy it again? 5 flames (avg 4.4)
What is your overall satisfaction? 5 flames (avg 4.4)