WhatStove?

Review of Dowling Sumo stove

The stove everyone notices.

Geoffrey Lake 9 years ago

I have a 16kW Sumo just starting its fourth year of use in a newly built house.

The stoves unusual design, large size and output attract favourable comments from almost everyone who sees it.

The stove is easy to use, efficient in fuel use and surprisingly flexible. It can be extremely clean burning. It has consumed about nine tonnes of softwood, a tonne of hardwood, five tonnes of anthracite /smokeless briquettes and a small amount of house coal so far. I stopped using the house coal as it produced too much soot.

I inspect the chimney frequently and have just swept it for the FIRST TIME this weekend. Very little debris came down and the flue is now visibly clean and smooth. I find this astonishing and it says much for the design of the stove (and presumably the construction of my chimney). I do tend to run the stove fairly hot, then let it burn out. I don't try to 'bank down' the fire overnight, which probably helps keep the flue clean.

I would recommend the stove without reservation.

Overall rating:

4.5 flames

Build Quality 5 flames (avg 4.2)
Quality of finish 5 flames (avg 4.3)
Value for money 5 flames (avg 4.3)
Ease of use 4 flames (avg 4.3)
Ease of lighting 5 flames (avg 4.6)
Firebox size 5 flames (avg 4.5)
How well does the airwash work 3 flames (avg 3)
Controllability 4 flames (avg 4)
Handle operation 3 flames (avg 3.6)
How likely are you to buy it again? 5 flames (avg 4.1)
What is your overall satisfaction? 5 flames (avg 4.2)