WhatStove?

Review of Parkray Consort 4

Neat little stove which packs a punch

Eric Rayment 11 years ago

The stove was fitted in mid September this year as an alternative to running the gas central heating. It was recommended to us by a local supplier and their heating installer/engineer. It is the ideal size for the standard British fireplace opening and looks very appropriate in our smallish 2 bedroomed bungalow. Like many other reviewers we had spent months researching the pros and cons of woodburning stoves and had narrowed the choice down to 2 or 3 other makes before settling on this one.

In common with the other reviews the stove has many positive features, particularly with ease of lighting and with little ash generated even after a week. However we have encountered a couple of negatives such as the inefficient secondary airwash and difficulty when using the riddling plate spanner. No doubt this will improve as we become more expert. It is doubtful whether the stove would burn overnight as the firebox may not be quite big enough to support the amount of fuel necessary, but we are not that concerned. As a result of our efforts so far, we have noticed the black stove paint is already wearing off the control knobs and handle. This may well be common to most stoves but a tad disappointing after only a few weeks use. Now we know why the dealer recommended buying stove paint and glass cleaning spray too!

Overall this is a great little stove which puts out enough heat to make the gas central heating redundant and the whole bungalow feels too warm at times or have we not had enough frosts yet to really appreciate it? We have no regrets about buying this stove, it is excellent value for money and we hope it will give us many years of use.

Stove expert replied: No need to buy glass cleaner as a cloth dipped in woodash or vinegar works well to remove deposits or just rolled up newspaper.

Overall rating:

3.5 flames

Build Quality 4 flames (avg 4.7)
Quality of finish 4 flames (avg 4.7)
Value for money 4 flames (avg 4.7)
Ease of use 5 flames (avg 5)
Ease of lighting 5 flames (avg 5)
Firebox size 4 flames (avg 4)
How well does the airwash work 2 flames (avg 4)
Controllability 3 flames (avg 3)
Handle operation 3 flames (avg 3)
How likely are you to buy it again? 4 flames (avg 4.3)
What is your overall satisfaction? 4 flames (avg 4.7)