WhatStove?

Review of Scan Andersen 4-5 stove

Hard to control

Richard Robinson 12 years ago

This is an attractive stove but in our house it has been problematic. We have a tall (12m) flue so the draught is normally strong. The main problem has been the imbalance between the secondary (airwash) and tertiary air. So much air is supplied by the tertiary vents at the back of the stove that one has to be very careful not to over fuel it: if too much fuel is supplied then the fire burns uncontrollably because the tertiary air has no form of regulation. In this situation closing the secondary air control doesn't slow the fire down but does lead to the window smoking up. As a result we are unable to burn softwood though careful use of hardwood is less of a problem. Overall the stove needs to be watched constantly and in my view the oversupply of air makes it burn wood very fast. It contrasts with our Morso panther which we have had for 10 years and is very much easier to manage.

Stove expert replied: Sounds like you have learnt through trial and error how best to control your stove, it does take time but the rewards are well worth continued effort. Good fuel is a must on all stoves to get the beat results.

Overall rating:

2.5 flames

Build Quality 4 flames (avg 4.1)
Quality of finish 4 flames (avg 4.2)
Value for money 3 flames (avg 3.9)
Ease of use 2 flames (avg 4.2)
Ease of lighting 3 flames (avg 4.4)
Firebox size 4 flames (avg 4.1)
How well does the airwash work 3 flames (avg 3.8)
Controllability 2 flames (avg 4.1)
Handle operation 2 flames (avg 4.2)
How likely are you to buy it again? 1 flames (avg 3.9)
What is your overall satisfaction? 2 flames (avg 4)