WhatStove?

Review of Clearview 650 stove

Why have steel when you can have cast?

Angus Robertson 13 years ago

I purchased the 650 Clearview mamy years ago and kept it for 3 months then sold it on.\nIn my previous house I had a Jotul 602, so I had something to compare this stove with.\nPositives;\nVery clean burning, not even smoke coming from the chimney, sometimes just a haze, so quite impressive.\nNegatives;\nIts made from steel and so it does not retain heat, it gives off a sharp heat and goes cold in the middle of the night when the heat is really needed. \nWhen the stove got hot (it was not over heated as I always worked a stove thermometer)then the top used to swell up, which was scary.\nThe double door was fidgity and the seals didnt have a good hold and would fall off.\nIts expensive for what it is, basically flat sheet steel, any continental stove manufacture working with steel, will roll the steel into a stronger structure with the top having a smaller surface area.\n\nHaving read the other reviews most people seem to love Clearviews, I dont understand this, but suspect they havent used other stoves in which to compare it to.\nThere are far better Scandinavian cast Iron stoves on the market for less money, with better thought out designs, superior materials and more character.\nLooking back I dont know why I even purchased this, I dont think it took a lot of imagination to design it.\nLook at the alternatives, suss out designs and dont neccessarily go with what the dealer tells you, he may be looking at his profit margin only.

Overall rating:

2.5 flames

Build Quality 1 flames (avg 4.3)
Quality of finish 2 flames (avg 4.4)
Value for money 1 flames (avg 4.1)
Ease of use 4 flames (avg 4.5)
Ease of lighting 4 flames (avg 4.5)
Firebox size 4 flames (avg 4.6)
How well does the airwash work 5 flames (avg 4.4)
Controllability 4 flames (avg 4.3)
Handle operation 1 flames (avg 3.8)
How likely are you to buy it again? 1 flames (avg 4.2)
What is your overall satisfaction? 1 flames (avg 4.2)