WhatStove?

Review of Country Kiln Aspect stove

Not such good value after all!

John 14 years ago

Really dissapointed. After deciding not to touch a Chinese stove with a barge pole I was drawn to the Country Kiln range as the website lead me to believe it was made in the UK. The cleverly written homepage suggests it is high quality stove cast in the Scotland and that the reason it so cheap is that they have cut out the middle man. The reality is that this stove is of poor quality and the same as all the other cheap internet Chinese stoves. The overall finish of the casting is poor and airwash doesn't work despite burning seasoned hardwood. The worst part of this experience however was that I bought off the internet and when I tried to get it fitted all of the fitters and shops had a higher installation cost if I supplied my own stove. As it turns out if I had spent just £55.00 more overall and gone for a shop bought Parkray stove+liner+ installation from my local shop then I would had a much better result. I now know for future referance!\n\n

Stove expert replied: it used to be the case that most if not all chinese import stoves were a load of rubbish. That is not so today - some chinese made stoves are now actually good quality but obviously be aware that some are still no good. Make sure that your supplier can arrange for installation regardless of whether you buy online or from an old fashioned bricks and mortar shop.

Overall rating:

1.5 flames

Build Quality 2 flames (avg 1.7)
Quality of finish 2 flames (avg 1.7)
Value for money 2 flames (avg 2.3)
Ease of use 3 flames (avg 2.7)
Ease of lighting 3 flames (avg 2.7)
Firebox size 2 flames (avg 2)
How well does the airwash work 1 flames (avg 1)
Controllability 1 flames (avg 1.3)
Handle operation 1 flames (avg 1.7)
How likely are you to buy it again? 1 flames (avg 1.3)
What is your overall satisfaction? 1 flames (avg 2)