WhatStove?

Review of Clearview Pioneer 400 stove

Pioneering Spirit

Amanda King 14 years ago

This will be our fourth winter with this hard working little stove. Fitted in a north facing room in an exposed position, we couldn't ask for more!\n\nWe occasionally burn smokeless fuel, but find that it burns far too hot and we end up having to open all the internal doors.\n\nThis wonderful little workhorse has been used to make casseroles on and boil kettles of water in power cuts. I timed boiling a pan of potatoes on it compared to the gas hob, and beat the hob by two minutes (it was going at full capacity).\n\nHaving the longer legged option means you can store small logs or kindling underneath.\n\nIf lit in the morning and the room is left with the doors open, a gentle heat will permeate throughout the ground floor during the day.\n\nWe are installing a second stove but have chosen a Charnwood Country 4; two reasons: the hike in price for a Pioneer during four years is over £300. We wanted a light coloured stove for a dark room, Charnwood are the only manufacturers that do this in a paint finish, unless we want to pay £2k to Chesneys (National Trust).

Overall rating:

4.5 flames

Build Quality 5 flames (avg 4.7)
Quality of finish 5 flames (avg 4.7)
Value for money 4 flames (avg 4.3)
Ease of use 5 flames (avg 4.6)
Ease of lighting 5 flames (avg 4.6)
Firebox size 5 flames (avg 4.2)
How well does the airwash work 5 flames (avg 4.6)
Controllability 5 flames (avg 4.5)
Handle operation 4 flames (avg 4.2)
How likely are you to buy it again? 5 flames (avg 4.5)
What is your overall satisfaction? 5 flames (avg 4.5)