WhatStove?

Review of Charnwood Island II stove

Great stove!

Guy Fisher 11 years ago

Choice! After reading endless info from this site and others we were a bit overloaded with info as to which make and whether to have cast iron or steel. After reading a review on this site which seemed to make sense we plumped for the Island II. It's quick to heat up, easy to control and throws out a lot of heat. The ash box is a little small although it does turn most things you burn to dust so you can burn for at least a whole day without needing to empty. Whatever anyone tells you the glass will always need cleaning. Over the winter we have used it most days and each morning you will need to take a wet sponge and some fairy and give them a wipe over. You may also need a scoring pad but then it’s as good as new. The doors also just lift off in case you need to give them a real good clean by the sink. This stove is meant to throw out 8kw of heat which it does but we have quite a large room with a door on to our hallway and an open plan area onto the Kitchen so the heat can disappear so just make sure you buy big enough. We have an open fire in the front room and will be looking to replace this shortly with another Charnwood. The speed at which the stove starts to produce heat is so much quicker than a real fire and all the mess is contained inside. Beware though, these things eat wood.

Stove expert replied: You on;y get out of a stove what you put in so if you are expecting a large amount of heat the fuel needed will have to reflect this. A small fire will produce a small anount of heat and most importantly the quality of the fuel used effects the output, wood should have 20% or less moisture content.

Overall rating:

4.5 flames

Build Quality 5 flames (avg 4.3)
Quality of finish 4 flames (avg 4.5)
Value for money 4 flames (avg 3.6)
Ease of use 5 flames (avg 4.6)
Ease of lighting 5 flames (avg 4.7)
Firebox size 3 flames (avg 3.9)
How well does the airwash work 5 flames (avg 4)
Controllability 5 flames (avg 4.4)
Handle operation 4 flames (avg 4.4)
How likely are you to buy it again? 5 flames (avg 3.8)
What is your overall satisfaction? 5 flames (avg 4.1)