WhatStove?

Review of Dowling Sumo stove

Huge disappointment

Ian Thompson 3 years ago

Fitted Dowling Sumo. Concerns about open chimney around flue ignored/brushed aside. Consequent ingress of rain meant appearance deteriorated rapidly. Photos sent to Dowling ignored for comment. So called self cleaning glass simply does not. Glass cracked three times. Morso Squirrel in another room performs brilliantly, If affordable, would have scrapped Dowling years ago. Avoid, avoid.

Stove expert replied: If there is a gap around the flue then this is an installation issue and not a problem caused by the stove itself, the installer is responsible for this. Sealing around a flue not only prevents ingress of rain (which a rain cap or similar should also prevent) but prevents heat from escaping from the room. Having three glasses crack is concerning and unusual, were they put in too tightly? Dirty glass can be caused by the incorrect fuel or by the air controls not being set correctly, most air wash systems today work well with a good air flow into the firebox and dry wood.

Overall rating:

2 flames

Build Quality 1 flames (avg 4.2)
Quality of finish 1 flames (avg 4.3)
Value for money 1 flames (avg 4.3)
Ease of use 3 flames (avg 4.3)
Ease of lighting 4 flames (avg 4.6)
Firebox size 4 flames (avg 4.5)
How well does the airwash work 1 flames (avg 3)
Controllability 3 flames (avg 4)
Handle operation 2 flames (avg 3.6)
How likely are you to buy it again? 1 flames (avg 4.1)
What is your overall satisfaction? 1 flames (avg 4.2)