WhatStove?

Review of Villager Chelsea Duo stove

VILLAGER

DaveLomas 10 years ago

I would like to comment that this time last year I received the worst ever customer service I've experienced regarding my faulty woodburner.

Every unbelievable excuse under the sun was made to deny that I had a faulty woodburner. Even down to the depth of my ash bed. First of all they said I had too little ash followed by Imhad too much. I measured it in the end. I had an overdraw problem which results in the fire roaring and whistling like a furnace. It was obvious the problem was I considered to be a faulty airwash which would not shut off. Defeated and exhausted after banging my head against a brick wall, I had to resort to welding the airwash SHUT. I was informed that this modification would invalidate the guarantee.

I would like to add that I have another Villager in another room and have had no problem with it - that was why I went for another one.

Stove expert replied: This problem may have been corrected, so control would be regained of the stove, with the addition of a flue damper or stabilizer.

Overall rating:

2 flames

Build Quality 0.5 flames (avg 3.7)
Quality of finish 5 flames (avg 4.6)
Value for money 0.5 flames (avg 4.3)
Ease of use 0.5 flames (avg 4.1)
Ease of lighting 5 flames (avg 4.5)
Firebox size 4 flames (avg 4)
How well does the airwash work 0.5 flames (avg 3.2)
Controllability 0.5 flames (avg 3.6)
Handle operation 4 flames (avg 3.8)
How likely are you to buy it again? 0.5 flames (avg 4.1)
What is your overall satisfaction? 0.5 flames (avg 4.1)