WhatStove?

Review of Charnwood c4 stove

Very poor wood burning stove

Dave Sabin 7 years ago

Within the first few months of use the back plate buckled badly. The stove was certainly not overrun, the plate is too thin - anyone with basic engineering knowledge will tell you that it is constructed from rolled plate that is too thin to resist warping due to internal stresses in the metal during rolling. In addition the plate is held in the back of the stove by a small nut and bolt that becomes almost impossible to undo and again is under engineered for the task in hand. If the plate cannot be removed then the stove cannot be cleaned properly by your sweep which will lead to the air control failing to work - effectively it acts like it is on minimum burn on all 3 settings. This is a very poor stove, badly designed with the use of poor materials. Other reviewers indicate that Charnwood are unhelpful, quite frankly I haven't tried as I am so disappointed with the stove. I have had installed in the last year in a small office a different stove made in the UK - it is smaller and puts the Charnwood C4 to shame. It has made me realise how poor the stove is and I will be changing it for a different manufacturer as soon as possible.

Stove expert replied: First port of call with any warranty issue is with the supplier who your contract has been made with when purchasing the stove, they should act on your behalf with the manufacturer during the warranty period. It is a shame that you have not given Charnwood the opportunity to assist you with this as each case will be considered on their own merit.

Overall rating:

2 flames

Build Quality 1 flames (avg 3.8)
Quality of finish 4 flames (avg 4.2)
Value for money 1 flames (avg 4)
Ease of use 4 flames (avg 4.4)
Ease of lighting 1 flames (avg 4.1)
Firebox size 4 flames (avg 3.7)
How well does the airwash work 1 flames (avg 3.8)
Controllability 1 flames (avg 4.3)
Handle operation 4 flames (avg 4.3)
How likely are you to buy it again? 1 flames (avg 3.7)
What is your overall satisfaction? 1 flames (avg 3.9)