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Review of Charnwood Island I stove

Charnwood Island 1 - a great little stove

Ben Sampson 12 years ago

I have used several stoves of various makes over the years and have been using the Island 1 daily since October, burning local seasoned hardwood.\n\nEase of use is second to none and the stove is a pleasure to light, needing only a few sheets of newspaper, kindling and some small logs, with the air vent fully open and the door ajar until the flames have reached the back of the firebox. Once the logs have caught I close the vent halfway. This closes the secondary ventilation and stops it roaring too madly and overheating, but still lets the fire build steadily.\n\nOnce the fire is going well, with a good bed of glowing embers, the control can be almost completely closed and will keep burning for around three hours before needing more logs. We have it in quite a small room, so perhaps burn it slower than some would. The stove will keep ticking over for a very long time with the lever fully closed, but the glass tends to blacken badly. As long as the vent is slightly open the airwash works well. I don't try to keep it burning overnight, it seems like a waste of fuel, especially when it is such a breeze to relight but have occasionally found it still alight the next morning.\n\nThe width of the firebox is great for a 5kw stove - taking logs of 12"+ is a real bonus when you are cutting them with a bowsaw! The door handle always stays cool and I suppose I should add that it is a very attractive stove, with simple unfussy looks straddling traditional and modern.\n\nIt is on the pricey side, but on balance I think it is worth paying the extra for a stove that ticks all the boxes.\n\n

Stove expert replied: Nice feedback. Do not have stoves shut down for long periods without giving them a short period (10-20mins) fast burn periodically to remove tar / soot deposits that build up when slumbering.

Overall rating:

4.5 flames

Build Quality 5 flames (avg 4.6)
Quality of finish 5 flames (avg 4.6)
Value for money 4 flames (avg 4.2)
Ease of use 5 flames (avg 4.7)
Ease of lighting 5 flames (avg 4.6)
Firebox size 5 flames (avg 4.1)
How well does the airwash work 4 flames (avg 4.3)
Controllability 5 flames (avg 4.3)
Handle operation 5 flames (avg 4.6)
How likely are you to buy it again? 5 flames (avg 4.4)
What is your overall satisfaction? 5 flames (avg 4.3)