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Review of Coalbrookdale Darby stove

Coalbrookdale Darby

Bruce Kirkman 16 years ago

The Coalbrookdale Darby was a brilliant purchase which, used in conjunction with an H2 panel, contributes to the central heating when it reaches the required temperature, saving us a fortune on LPG. Each evening I light the fire and open the doors to let the heat fill the room and it has become a focal point for our hotel guests. When the guests go to bed I close the door and the residual heat is then fully transferred to the hot water & heating system. It does get through a fair amount of fuel when burning hot but certainly earns its keep.\nIt took a long time to set up correctly with the H2 panel (which is another brilliant bit of kit) and AGA, who make it, are a bit disdainful when it comes to spare parts (they take ages to deliver them and they're expensive) but it is an extremely well-built stove and its sheer density of over a quarter of a ton of cast iron retains the heat for hours after the fire has gone out.\nExpensive but worth the investment; a bit like having an AGA in your kitchen.

Overall rating:

4 flames

Build Quality 5 flames (avg 5)
Quality of finish 5 flames (avg 5)
Value for money 4 flames (avg 4.6)
Ease of use 4 flames (avg 4.2)
Ease of lighting 3 flames (avg 4.2)
Firebox size 3 flames (avg 4.6)
How well does the airwash work 3 flames (avg 2.6)
Controllability 4 flames (avg 4.1)
Handle operation 4 flames (avg 4.5)
How likely are you to buy it again? 5 flames (avg 4.5)
What is your overall satisfaction? 5 flames (avg 4.9)