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Review of Clearview vision 500 stove

Vision 500 or Clearview Stoves

Richard Seager 11 years ago

I have researched log burners for about a year now. I have looked at nearly all the makes and found that the build quality of the Clearview to be one of the best out there. The problem I find with people being negative about log burners is they don't always understand how to use them correctly. You cannot just burn anything on a log burner, nor can you burn wood that is not completely seasoned. Oak needs at least 2 to 3 years air drying time from being cut down before you can consider burning it. Silver birch can be burnt after a year as long as it has been in a sunny area, covered from above but allowing the air to dry it to at least 2o per cent moisture content. I prefer to let my wood air dry naturally until is is around the 15 per cent mark. Different woods need different times to dry. I think everybody purchasing a log burner should also invest in a moisture meter, and read up on how to test wood for the best results. I look after a woodland and cut my own tree's and split them. I then stack them with a date of when they were cut. Also try buying wood at least a year or two before you need it, or purchase it from a wood yard where you can be advised on how long it has been cut and stored. Do not burn wood like, decking off cuts, old pallets, fencing or any other wood that has been treated or tanalised as this will give off toxic fumes which will cause your stainless steel liner to corrode. Burning wet wood will never get the log burner up to heat as it is heating up the moisture in the wood stopping it from burning hot enough. I have been in a few shops selling log burners and have been given some wrong information, so if you want any questions answered then phone the manufacturer and ask for the technical department. I have done this a few times with Clearview and found them to be extremely helpful. I have recently come back from Clearviews showroom in Ludlow where the people there bent over backwards to answer all my questions.

I can honestly say I found them to be extremely helpful. I have just ordered two Clearviews a Vision 500 and a Pioneer 400p which will be delivered in September. I hope this review is of some help to you people considering to buy a Clearview. I have been burning wood on our open fire in our Edwardian Town House for Twenty years and had the chimney swept once. The chimney sweep could not believe how clean the chimney was. It's all down to burning wood with a low moisture content, and not burning rubbish. If I can be of any help please contact me. My Name is Richard and my e-mail address is unsceneimages@gmail.com

Kind Regards Richard

If you get time visit the Clearview showroom, I drove 220 miles and it was worth it. By the way my sister in law has the vision 500 which I have used and that's where my rating score comes from. Also do not use fire lighters when lighting a Log burner.

Stove expert replied: Very informative review. Wood must always be dry and seasoned before being used, a moisture meter is ideal to insure for this.

Overall rating:

5 flames

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