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Review of Burley Debdale 9104

Great little stove but needs attention

Martin Ross 5 years ago

I have rented many cottages with solid-fuel stoves and owned a narrowboat with two. The Debdale has the best flame-picture and belts out heat. It''s easy to light but does need to be run at ''full chat'' to get the best out of it. I find that it''s best to light it with a lot of kindling but that it can run with the door closed after about five to ten minutes. The firebox is not very deep (front to back) and it runs best on eight-inch logs. It needs to have air around all sides of the logs. It draws well on a windy day but needs the regulator almost fully open on a calm day. It really does burn the ash - I''ve just removed ash for the first time after burning for six hours a day for three weeks. Compressed peat burns well but the ashes are still red hot after twenty-four hours! If run slowly the glass does not stay clear as the air wash is also restricted when you close the only control.

The construction is superb. It is an elegant, understated stove. I love that is supplied with paint to touch it up over time.

If you try and close it down a bit, it will probably go out. But when you have ''the knack'' it is a brilliant stove.

I use an IR thermometer to see if it is remaining hot or tending to cool. At full belt, it runs at over 220C on the glass. If this drops below 180C, then it needs more air or more fuel.

Currently, I am burning kiln-dried pine or spruce logs at 15% humidity or less. I don''t think this stove will work with supermarket logs - you need to find a reputable supplier.

I bought a builder''s dumpy bay of kiln-dried logs for £50, delivered and they have been an absolute joy. In three weeks I have used only a quarter of these.

If I light the fire in the morning, it will warm the whole house. In my 40m3 room, with the door open, it''s now25 C !!

Stove expert replied: No stove should be operated on maximum draw continuously. Short periods of maximum burn for 15 - 20 mins max is what is recommended with a more gentle slumbering period in between.

Overall rating:

4 flames

Build Quality 5 flames (avg 4.7)
Quality of finish 5 flames (avg 4.6)
Value for money 5 flames (avg 4.6)
Ease of use 4 flames (avg 4.2)
Ease of lighting 4 flames (avg 4.3)
Firebox size 3 flames (avg 3.7)
How well does the airwash work 1 flames (avg 3.9)
Controllability 4 flames (avg 4)
Handle operation 5 flames (avg 4.3)
How likely are you to buy it again? 5 flames (avg 4.3)
What is your overall satisfaction? 4 flames (avg 4.4)