WhatStove?

Review of Dowling Hybrid stove

Dowling Hybrid

AndyD 13 years ago

I've a non-standard Hybrid which was originally part of a batch made for the Bothies Society, but with the glass window rather than the solid steel door. It's slightly larger than the standard 6kw and Steve reckons that the output's about 7kw. The shape's also slightly different- in looks it's kind of a hybrid between a Hybrid and a Sumo...\n\nFor their size they throw out an enormous amount of heat, far better than a more conventional box stove. They have their idiosyncracies and take a bit of getting used to, but I love these stoves and wouldn't have anything else. The styling isn't to everyone's taste, and I've never seen a photo that did them justice 'in the flesh'. \n\nLast year when we were looking for a wood-burning oven, I couldn't find anything to compare with what I'd become used to with a Dowling, so got them to make one. It's great.

Overall rating:

4 flames

Build Quality 5 flames (avg 4.7)
Quality of finish 3 flames (avg 4.2)
Value for money 4 flames (avg 4.6)
Ease of use 5 flames (avg 4.7)
Ease of lighting 5 flames (avg 4.9)
Firebox size 5 flames (avg 4.6)
How well does the airwash work 2 flames (avg 3.6)
Controllability 3 flames (avg 4.1)
Handle operation 4 flames (avg 4.4)
How likely are you to buy it again? 5 flames (avg 4.6)
What is your overall satisfaction? 4 flames (avg 4.6)