WhatStove?

Review of Town and Country Runswick stove

Excellent Investment

Silas Penfold 12 years ago

This is a very good stove and a revelation in terms of efficiency when compared to the open Baxi type fire-place it replaced!

I burn either anthracite ovals or logs. Logs give a more intense heat and do not tar-up the glass, but higher volumes are required.

The ovals seem to be a better economy, although they smoke-up the glass and create a lot more ash. I find if I bank them up (ie am not to miserly with the quantities) they keep in for ages. Ovals are also easier to store.

The control-ability is excellent, and with logs you can easily 'dial-in' that lazy, dancing flame effect which is really better than watching TV.

The riddling mechanism is more a triumph of reality over good intention, but is good enough to maintain the air flow up through the grate, which is crucial for regulating the burn rate of solid fuel.

The ash pan is easy to remove and empty, and I find if I carry this out at 24hour intervals when burning anthracite, its capacity is adequate.

Stove expert replied: Clear the ashpan more often to maintain the grate longevity. Interesting that you are finding the glass worse when using smokeless fuel!!

Overall rating:

4.5 flames

Build Quality 5 flames (avg 4.7)
Quality of finish 5 flames (avg 4.8)
Value for money 5 flames (avg 4.3)
Ease of use 4 flames (avg 4.7)
Ease of lighting 5 flames (avg 4.8)
Firebox size 5 flames (avg 3.9)
How well does the airwash work 3 flames (avg 4.2)
Controllability 5 flames (avg 4.9)
Handle operation 4 flames (avg 4.4)
How likely are you to buy it again? 5 flames (avg 4.9)
What is your overall satisfaction? 5 flames (avg 4.7)