WhatStove?

Review of Bergen stove

VERY HAPPY STOVE OWNER!

Claudia Benson 9 years ago

I had my Bergen fitted at the end of January and I love it. The only issue I have (and I'm sure it's user error!) is difficulty maintaining a consistent heat level and using many more logs than I expected (despite having a moisture meter and a stove thermometer)! I think I might be letting the logs burn down too far before adding more. Should I be stoking it with wood as the temperature begins to drop? Of course when the temperature drops I end up with a murky, tarry window which I know signifies bad things for the environment. I used kiln dried logs to start with but they are too expensive to continue with (£45 worth lasted me one week - granted, it was my first week so there was a lot of experimentation going on!). I then got a cubic meter of seasoned (guaranteed seasoned for two years and it burns well) which cost me £80 and has lasted for nearly 3 weeks. This still seems like a lot of wood/money. I usually light it around 4/5 in the evening and run it until 10/11pm (during which time I don't need central heating). Occasionally I start it up around mid day and run through until bedtime. Are my expectations too high? I guess I need to find someone who has slightly less seasoned logs in the summer, hope they are cheaper, and buy tons of them! I still love the whole process though: it lights like a dream and re-lights when necessary really easily. It looks beautiful, it seems sturdy and well made and the handle really is heatproof which is a boon!

Overall rating:

4.5 flames

Build Quality 5 flames (avg 4.5)
Quality of finish 5 flames (avg 4.7)
Value for money 3 flames (avg 3.8)
Ease of use 5 flames (avg 3.7)
Ease of lighting 5 flames (avg 3.6)
Firebox size 5 flames (avg 4.5)
How well does the airwash work 3 flames (avg 4)
Controllability 3 flames (avg 3.4)
Handle operation 5 flames (avg 4.3)
How likely are you to buy it again? 5 flames (avg 3.7)
What is your overall satisfaction? 5 flames (avg 3.8)