WhatStove?

Review of Villager B series stove

Old faithful!

Sarah Richards 14 years ago

This is the second Villager Flatmate we have had. We have had over 15 years continuous service out of the current stove and it still cleans up like new. And we REALLY use our stove. Our home was flooded a few years back and our stove looked like a pile of rust. After a quick run over with a wire brush and a coat of stove black, it came up like new again. And no rust came back either.

It is a very simple design BUT the great thing is the baffle on the chimney, which makes it so controllable. We have friends with more expensive "trendy" woodburners and we sit and watch their wood burn away in no time at all.

The only reason that I didn't give the overnight burning a 5 is that you do need to use a good mix of wood to keep the stove in overnight. If you use the right wood, there is no problem keeping it in.

We live in a large 5 bed house and the Villager can keep the whole house lovely and warm. Don't be put off by the size, it is a little treasure!

We also do a lot of cooking on the stove. It's great for stews, casseroles and makes the most amazing steamed Christmas puddings!

All in all, for the price this is a gem!

Overall rating:

5 flames

Build Quality 5 flames (avg 4.1)
Quality of finish 5 flames (avg 4.1)
Value for money 5 flames (avg 4)
Ease of use 5 flames (avg 3.8)
Ease of lighting 5 flames (avg 3.8)
Firebox size 5 flames (avg 3.7)
How well does the airwash work 5 flames (avg 2.9)
Controllability 5 flames (avg 3.4)
Handle operation 5 flames (avg 3.2)
How likely are you to buy it again? 5 flames (avg 3.8)
What is your overall satisfaction? 5 flames (avg 3.9)