Villager Bayswater stove Hot

I have only had my Villager Bayswater stove for 5 years, and already it needs to replaced due to a leakage at the back caused by corrosion of the back boiler. My plumber advised me not to continue using the fire as I am fortunate that the fire has not already burst. He said the stove could be removed, and the area welded, but at best I would get another year, As you can imagine, I am not happy.

Stove expert says: corrosion to the boiler is a real classic with boiler stoves, especially where the heat output to water of the boiler stove is undersized compared to the system it connects to. This means that it takes a very long time for the water to come up to temp (if it ever does) if the stove is the only heat source. This increases condensation on the boiler and hence corrosion. Fitting a load valve or load unit would do a lot to reduce this from happening as the load valve or unit gets the boiler up to running temperatures quickly and then keeps it there. This is not necessarily a problem with the stove - it is probably more likely due to the installation in terms of the plumbing. Running the stove briskly and not slumber burning it would also help.

We have this unit in our house in France burning wood only with a metal conversion plate fitted to the burner grate. On reflection we would have been better with the unit designed specifically for wood which some friends of ours have. They get a better performance from theirs because the air vents over the top off the wood rather than from underneath.

Stove expert says: absolutely right - wood burns best on a bed of ash with it's supply of air from above. If you are only going to burn wood then opt for a dedicated woodburner as this reviewer suggests. The firebox will be bigger too as there will be no grate which means you can fit bigger lengths in.