WhatStove?

Review of Dowling Hybrid stove

Dowling Hybrid

Colin MacDougall 16 years ago

A bit of payback for Steve Dowling. I was gifted this stove from a friend who was converting a property. Its now in my large sun lounge (23'x 18', which rises to 12')with a stainless steel insulated flue.

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\n\nInitially I thought it looked a bit quirky, but I must say it looks the part.

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\n\nFrom the size and comparison with the dowling stove website, it is an 8kw model and I thought it might not be up to the job. However in February I had it fired up with some logs and put a big block of seasoned scots pine dripping with resin on it. When I came back from bathing the kids the room temp was over 90 degrees and resembled a large sauna!!!. This was in the mid winter.

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\n\nIts easy to control but prefers to be at full blast when it sounds like a jet engine during takeoff.

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\n\nStarting is really easy and the airwash works really well. No smoke on full throttle.

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\n\nOverall a very good robust stove, which really works.

Overall rating:

4.5 flames

Build Quality 4 flames (avg 4.7)
Quality of finish 4 flames (avg 4.2)
Value for money 5 flames (avg 4.6)
Ease of use 5 flames (avg 4.7)
Ease of lighting 5 flames (avg 4.9)
Firebox size 4 flames (avg 4.6)
How well does the airwash work 4 flames (avg 3.6)
Controllability 3 flames (avg 4.1)
Handle operation 5 flames (avg 4.4)
How likely are you to buy it again? 5 flames (avg 4.6)
What is your overall satisfaction? 5 flames (avg 4.6)