WhatStove?

Review of Arada Farringdon Models

Arada Farringdon Medium Eco

Robin Pearce 5 years ago

A year ago we switched from a small 5kW Arada Arrow wood burner to an Arada Farringdon Medium Eco'' so as to have a wider door to look into the fire. However we''ve just returned it for a refund, due to bad smoke spillage when opening the door to refuel.

Yet the installer measured a healthy 28 pascal of draw on our 6.5m high flue that we upgraded to 150mm. We''ve put our old Arada back in place temporarily & it works very well without smoke spillage. It roars when being lit, as it always has done.

So to have a burner with wider front door, we''ve bought a pre 2022 Arada 5 kW widescreen instead, due to be fitted next week. It''s quoted as 79% efficient, whereas the Farringdon is only 74%!

So quite what the 2022 standard is trying to achieve I''m not sure. The Farringdon has almost no exhaust output in the centre at the top due to excessive baffling, hence the smoke spillage. I wouldn't risk a 2022 standard one again.

Overall rating:

3.5 flames

Build Quality 4 flames (avg 4.7)
Quality of finish 4 flames (avg 4.7)
Value for money 3 flames (avg 4.3)
Ease of use 3 flames (avg 3.7)
Ease of lighting 3 flames (avg 4)
Firebox size 4 flames (avg 4.3)
How well does the airwash work 3 flames (avg 3.7)
Controllability 5 flames (avg 4.3)
Handle operation 2 flames (avg 3.7)
How likely are you to buy it again? 5 flames (avg 4.3)
What is your overall satisfaction? 5 flames (avg 4.7)

  • James Hunter Johnston said 8 months ago:

    I am having the same smoke spill problem with the Arada Holborn 7 I recently bought (June 2023). I have spoken to Arada about it and got no very helpful response. It seems smoke spill is a problem across their range. It is something I have not encountered with other brands.