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Review of Charnwood Cove 2 stove

Excellent Boiler Stove

Philip Preen 11 years ago

Have the Cove 2B (the boiler version) connected to a 300 ltr thermal store. Stove is really easy to light if using properly seasoned wood. Currently using smokeless coal easy to light if using some kindling. The boiler control regulates the air supply to the firebed. Once the system is up to temperature (65 degree flow - 55 degree return) the thermostat closes down and regulates the water temperature. All running on a gravity circuit.

Air wash works well once stove is warm - generally leave fully open until fire is going well then close to 25% if burning smokeless coal and 50-75% when burning wood.

Overnight burning excellent if banking up with fuel and riddling before retiring for the night. Have only used smokeless coal overnight so cannot comment on wood. Also by late evening the thermal store is up to temperature and therefore the stove is only keeping the system warm overnight so fire generally in slumber mode.

Ash pan is a little small as ash will drop down at the sides so makes a mess when emptying (our other stove stovax stockton 6 has an ash pan that runs the entire width of the stove) The fire grate extends 1-2" over the edges of the ash pan on this stove. Also the ash pan is shallower than I would like. This is a boiler stove and during the winter will remain lit for 12-14 hrs a day - this produces a lot of ash, so a bigger ash pan would have been good. Sometimes need to empty twice a day.

Build quality is very good with smooth operation of all controls and door handle.

We have the log store stand which holds enough fuel for about 4-5 hrs of burning.

Overall very pleased with the stove and would buy from Charnwood again.

Stove expert replied: Would recommend emptying the ash pan twice a day if using smokeless fuel and burning for most of the time so that the grate will last longer. If ash builds up under the grates it can shorten the life of it as also so can over-riddling the stove. Ideally leave a bed of ash on top of the grates to protect them from direct heat.

Overall rating:

4.5 flames

Build Quality 5 flames (avg 4.7)
Quality of finish 4 flames (avg 4.7)
Value for money 5 flames (avg 3.8)
Ease of use 5 flames (avg 4.5)
Ease of lighting 5 flames (avg 4.6)
Firebox size 4 flames (avg 3.9)
How well does the airwash work 4 flames (avg 4.1)
Controllability 5 flames (avg 4.1)
Handle operation 5 flames (avg 4.5)
How likely are you to buy it again? 5 flames (avg 4.5)
What is your overall satisfaction? 5 flames (avg 4.6)