WhatStove?

Review of Portway 1 contemporary stove

Decent Stove, Decent Price

Tim Gully 11 years ago

Summary : We bought this stove last August so we've had it for around a year. It's been great as a supplementary heating source. We have it installed with a flue liner in a 75m3 living room which it heats comfortably from it's position in a inglenook fireplace near a corner. It has been a revelation replacing a cheaper chinese model that was in the house previously, however it is not as controllable as some more established models that I've seen - especially when burning wood.

Best things;

Good flame picture considering size of box

Very slim stove at 300mm front to back which was a major selling point for us - it doesn't protrude into the room too much and we didn't have to exend the hearth

Lights really easily and quickly

The handle is detachable and stays cool

Simple and quick to clean

Good price for a well built UK made, DEFRA approved stove

Well made steel body with nice clean styling (also see below!)

Fuel consumption is reasonable

Not as good things;

Not as easy to control as some other models and takes some playing to get it to burn slowly and reliably, especially with wood

Had some issues with the airwash when burning slowly with wood (however dry)

Never had it burn through the night with anything (but this isn't really a consideration for us)

Nice styling however the chrome fittings appear 'cheap' to some (airwash & damper control, handle) - I have replaced with turned matt black fittings

All in all we've been pleased with it as a supplementary heating source and would recommend to anyone looking for a compact, contemporary styled stove at a reasonable price.

Stove expert replied: Honest feedback with good and bad points. Sound scores overall.

Overall rating:

4 flames

Build Quality 4 flames (avg 4.7)
Quality of finish 3 flames (avg 4.3)
Value for money 5 flames (avg 4.8)
Ease of use 4 flames (avg 4.6)
Ease of lighting 4 flames (avg 4.6)
Firebox size 4 flames (avg 3.7)
How well does the airwash work 3 flames (avg 3.7)
Controllability 4 flames (avg 4.5)
Handle operation 5 flames (avg 4.3)
How likely are you to buy it again? 4 flames (avg 4.4)
What is your overall satisfaction? 4 flames (avg 4.5)