WhatStove?

Review of Burley Hollywell 9105 stove

Cannot Recommend - Why?

Martin Lewis 8 years ago

The stove is OK, but dealing with Burley customer support was very disappointing and has soured the whole experience of owning this stove for me.

The stove itself is as easy to light as any other I have used, the controls simple and heat output impressive. As long as the fuel is burning at a high temperature the glass remains relatively clean and is easy to wipe down with vinegar and a non-stick scratch pad. It produces a lot more ash than advertised even when burning heat logs with less than 10% moisture, but combustion is pretty much complete, nonetheless.

There are some imperfections in the cast iron on the air control slot that result in the handle not being able to travel the full distance. The door handle works itself loose on a daily basis, so you have to tighten it up before lighting it.

I found Burleys customer services lacking, there was a serious issue with my stove which was apparently ‘unique’ and had never been seen by them before. The door would open when the combustion rate dropped, when the stove was lit. The installer said it was 'just bedding in'. So either it was a unique problem or it was just bedding in, but it can't have been both! Burley did not call me back to check that I was happy and the issue had been resolved by a return visit from the installer. You might have thought they would be interested in finding out what the cause was, but there was no follow up hence my disappointment.

Overall rating:

4 flames

Build Quality 4 flames (avg 4.3)
Quality of finish 3 flames (avg 4.2)
Value for money 4 flames (avg 4.2)
Ease of use 5 flames (avg 4.4)
Ease of lighting 4 flames (avg 4.3)
Firebox size 5 flames (avg 4.3)
How well does the airwash work 5 flames (avg 3.8)
Controllability 4 flames (avg 4.1)
Handle operation 3 flames (avg 4.3)
How likely are you to buy it again? 2 flames (avg 3.9)
What is your overall satisfaction? 3 flames (avg 4)