WhatStove?

Review of Stratford EB 20 HE

Great Stove

G.swarbrick 10 years ago

On the whole I am very pleased with this stove. Heat output is more than enough to supply central heating and hot water to 10 radiators in a 3 bedroom 1960s semi detached house. Build quality is OK but within a month of first use a couple of the fluted quadrant cast sections along the rear of the firebox came loose and fell off, Arada supplied one replacement FOC.

It is sometimes a little difficult to control the heat/flame output on this model, the thermostat bulb is located on the outside of the rear of the stove and is a little insensitive. It would be far better located in a sleeve or "pocket" inset into the boiler section of the stove where it can measure the water temperature more closely. Perhaps Arada can consider this. Or maybe my stove needs some calibration or adjusting.

It will slumber overnight without problems but does need some attention in the morning or at the very least within a 18-24 hour period or else it will go out. Previous Parkray boiler would slumber for at least 36 hours and not need any attention at all.

Burns phurnacite, taybrite and wood no problem.

Stove expert replied: The thermostat probe used to be slotted into a pocket on the back of their boiler stoves and the new location is meant to be an improvement on sensing water temperature in the new style boiler jacket. I would expect a stove to need attention at least twice every day to remove ash and for refuelling, if left for longer periods they tend to choke themselves. The thermostat clearance can be checked, and instructions should be in the manual, access through the plate on the left hand side of the stove.

Overall rating:

4 flames

Build Quality 4 flames (avg 4.2)
Quality of finish 4.5 flames (avg 4.2)
Value for money 4 flames (avg 3.7)
Ease of use 4.5 flames (avg 4.5)
Ease of lighting 4.5 flames (avg 4.6)
Firebox size 5 flames (avg 4.7)
How well does the airwash work 3.5 flames (avg 2.9)
Controllability 3.5 flames (avg 4.2)
Handle operation 2.5 flames (avg 2.7)
How likely are you to buy it again? 4 flames (avg 3.8)
What is your overall satisfaction? 4 flames (avg 3.8)