WhatStove?

Review of Medium Country Franklin stove

Medium Country Franklin Stove

Adam Stoaling 14 years ago

When supplied this stove came without ANY instructions, either for fitting or use, and lacked some of the fitting nuts and bolts. This resulted in numerous telephone calls to the supplier before initial installation was completed - and a near "divorce" from girlfriend as smoke and fumes filled the house on first lightup! After this initial disaster the performance has improved. However, although the build quality of the cast iron base unit is OK, the "furniture" is irritatingly poor. One of the glass panels is not properly secured by its clips and the door fasteners (soft metal "brass lookalikes") have already failed by "sinking into" the doors therefore ceasing to function. Rather than chasing the manufacturer who seems more than "Cavalier" in their support (NOT the supplier - more later) i will probably lash something up myself.\n\nNow the good bits! Stoves Online got the unit to me pre Christmas at very short notice in time for my builder to fit it within my project timescale. Their support advice has been excellent (although it shouldn't have been necessary!) and the stove looks really good (without close inspection of the previously mentioned detail).\n\nValue for money - yes - but only as its a rather cheap option on the stove market.\n\nWould i buy again - NO - rather pay more and have a truly well built functioning unit. That having been said i like "rough rustic" in my house and it certainly is that.\n\nA final note:- with no built in cover plate in the stovepipe, chimney sweeping is "interesting" especially when a large crows nest is involved.\n\nAdam Stoaling\n\nStove installed December 2008\nFirst use January 2009\nThis review posted 12 April 2009

Overall rating:

2.5 flames

Build Quality 3 flames (avg 3.4)
Quality of finish 2 flames (avg 3.5)
Value for money 4 flames (avg 4)
Ease of use 3 flames (avg 4)
Ease of lighting 4 flames (avg 4.5)
Firebox size 3 flames (avg 3.5)
How well does the airwash work 1 flames (avg 1.8)
Controllability 2 flames (avg 2.9)
Handle operation 1 flames (avg 1.8)
How likely are you to buy it again? 1 flames (avg 2.5)
What is your overall satisfaction? 3 flames (avg 3.8)