WhatStove?

Review of ACR Rowandale

best decision ever

Fire Novice 9 years ago

I was really torn between the clearview pioneer (which has a fantastic reputation) and this stove. price point was marginally different, both 5kw, both felt solidly built. couldn't find any reviews as its a relatively new stove to ACR.

Our initial stove, upon delivery had a manufacturing defect and we had no problems getting this sorted with ACR customer service.

To compare with the clearview, this stove is wider, with a massive viewing window, and less deep profile, so it sits into our not-too-deep fireplace beautifully without sticking out. With its chrome handle and clean straight lines it feels like a modern twist on a traditional cast-iron look. I have fired it twice, and being a total novice I found it very easy to use, albeit I have nothing to compare it to. it is very easy to control the amount of air into the stove and therefore the intensity of burn. It takes a while for the stove to get really hot (around half an hour) but once it's hot it retains heat well.

Being larger than most 5kw stoves I suspect you can achieve higher heat outputs if you wanted to. Burning two logs is currently keeping me very cosy indeed and it is a pleasure to look at, overall thrilled with my purchase. 

Overall rating:

4.5 flames

Build Quality 4 flames (avg 4.5)
Quality of finish 4 flames (avg 4.2)
Value for money 4 flames (avg 4.3)
Ease of use 5 flames (avg 4.2)
Ease of lighting 5 flames (avg 4.3)
Firebox size 5 flames (avg 4.7)
How well does the airwash work 4 flames (avg 3.8)
Controllability 5 flames (avg 4.5)
Handle operation 4 flames (avg 4.7)
How likely are you to buy it again? 5 flames (avg 4.5)
What is your overall satisfaction? 5 flames (avg 4.3)