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Review of Clearview Pioneer 400 stove

Pioneer Clearview 400

Brian Atkinson 13 years ago

Bought my Pioneer about 15yrs ago and fitted it myself in an inglenook fireplace. I have a 150yr old stone built weavers terrace cottage,although I have gas central heating, it,s rarely on unless it,s very cold. I,ve burnt everything on this little stove, logs, kiln dried wood, paper briquettes and anthracite and coke mix but the most economical and ease of maintainance are ovals, at £8.50 a bag, 20kg. I light them and keep them in 24/7 during the winter, with an old pair of oven gloves I can even empty the ashpan whilst its running. Once the firebox is up to temp I shut the airscrew completely off and just open the airwash slide slightly and because it,s smokeless the little fire just rubs along quietly keeping the downstairs at a constant 70 to 75F. It doesn,t look very visual with no flames but who cares. It uses about 1 bag a week, not so bad for continuous warmth, the only problem is my wife keeps falling asleep downstairs also I wish I had fitted a back boiler now what with the gas prices

Overall rating:

4 flames

Build Quality 5 flames (avg 4.7)
Quality of finish 4 flames (avg 4.7)
Value for money 4 flames (avg 4.3)
Ease of use 3 flames (avg 4.6)
Ease of lighting 4 flames (avg 4.6)
Firebox size 3 flames (avg 4.2)
How well does the airwash work 3 flames (avg 4.6)
Controllability 4 flames (avg 4.5)
Handle operation 2 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)