WhatStove?

Review of Charnwood Country 16 b stove

Update on previous review

Colin Newton 3 years ago

Just came across the review I submitted 8 years ago. Thought it might be worthwhile providing an update. I am pleased to say that I still have my Charnwood 16b and am still very happy with it. Interesting to read that some people have had problems with paint chipping/peeling. Every year I apply a coat of black stove polish and it comes up like new. It is now nearly 14 years since I bought my stove. I have had no leaks or cracks and apart from a few replacement parts it still works well. If I am perfectly honest it does struggle to heat the house well if the temperature drops below 0 degrees but I have to say that it is a 200 year old cottage and although we insulated as best as we could it is not up to the standard of a modern house. Some additional things I have done which has also helped is to add secondary glazing as I was keen to keep the original sash windows. Additionally, I purchased a stove fan and instead of keeping all our doors closed they are now left open which gives us an even temperature throughout the house. I find it hard to make a direct comparison with any other models because although many of my friends have wood burning stoves they are only room heaters and do have the full capacity of the 16b. Rather than change the make or model of my stove when the need arises, I think I will be more inclined to reduce the size of water tank we have which I imagine would allow the central heating pump to come on quicker and heat the radiators for a longer period of time.

Stove expert replied: Good comments and great to hear this is still working well after nearly 14 years and heating your home adequately.

Overall rating:

4.5 flames

Build Quality 5 flames (avg 3.9)
Quality of finish 5 flames (avg 4)
Value for money 5 flames (avg 3.7)
Ease of use 5 flames (avg 4)
Ease of lighting 5 flames (avg 4.3)
Firebox size 4 flames (avg 4.3)
How well does the airwash work 5 flames (avg 3.5)
Controllability 4 flames (avg 4)
Handle operation 4 flames (avg 3.8)
How likely are you to buy it again? 4 flames (avg 3.4)
What is your overall satisfaction? 4 flames (avg 3.6)