WhatStove?

Review of Aarrow Signature 5 DEFRA Stove

Bad Design

Richard Fleming 8 years ago

We've had this stove for 2.5 years and have already required a new throat plate. The flow has been checked by our HETAS installer and is within the recommended limits. I believe the fault is due to the engagement of the throat plate in the stove, as soon as this is slightly distorted the plate drops down in the stove and becomes further distorted making it not possible to re-engage. Compared to other DEFRA stoves I've had experience with the air draw on trickle doesn't give as slow consistent burn. This may be due to it being a multifuel? I would look at other options from other manufacturers when we finally have the funds to replace this stove. Customer service from Arada has been OK, we've had the stove replaced once at their cost and a new throat plate, but they say that we are over firing the stove. A stove should be designed for its intended purpose, they get hot, we never over fire, its not an efficient way of getting heat into the room. Generally disappointed.

Stove expert replied: A stove can over fire when the flue draw is excessive (a flue draw taken today can be different to another day), if the stove performs differently in different weather conditions then a damper or flue stabilizer will help to correct this. Subjecting a stove to higher than normal working temperatures can lead to premature failure of internal components and can also distort the main body so correction of this is very important before further damage occurs.

Overall rating:

2 flames

Build Quality 1 flames (avg 1)
Quality of finish 2 flames (avg 1.5)
Value for money 2 flames (avg 1.5)
Ease of use 3 flames (avg 2)
Ease of lighting 3 flames (avg 3.5)
Firebox size 2 flames (avg 1.5)
How well does the airwash work 3 flames (avg 2)
Controllability 3 flames (avg 2)
Handle operation 1 flames (avg 1)
How likely are you to buy it again? 1 flames (avg 1)
What is your overall satisfaction? 2 flames (avg 1.5)