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Review of Dowling Sumo stove

Dowling Sumo Stoves

Bernie Carnegie 12 years ago

My first Dowling stove was a Sumo 8kw. I had an open plan kitchen dining room lounge and I found the stove great so simple and solid, no fire bricks no silly little windows of glass,easy to light and great heat.It has the added advantage that,because of the way the door drops down you can have it as an open fire, not so efficient like that but, nice on a winters evening. \n \nWhen I moved I decided to get another an 18Kw Sumo for a much larger house I sent Steve a picture and measurements of the fire place, he made a chimney with an angle so I could get the fire more into the room and it hasn't disappointed, it pumps the heat out and actually heats not only the downstairs but most of the house. I run it purely on wood it takes half meter lengths which is perfect, it will stay in overnight. I have been running it for 5 years and the only thing I have had to do is replace the glass, which is so simple because it just slides in. It look as good as new.\n\nI have just installed another Sumo,in a large open plan flat this is the updated and more heat efficient( because of the venting system) Sumo 20Kw with airwash. Very good,very hot. The airwash certainly keeps the glass cleaner than its predecessor, which I have become accustom to cleaning every day with a Stanley blade scraper,this stove once a week, a small price to pay. Two differences I have noticed, I preferred the original riddling system which rocked back and forward and I think the heat is a little less easy to control, in that I can't shut it down as far as my earlier model.However I think heat output to log input is excellent. I have found all the stoves very fuel efficient.\nGreat stoves I would absolutely recommend them. \n\n

Stove expert replied: Seems this range certainly meets this customers requirements. Good review.

Overall rating:

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 5 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 4 flames (avg 3)
Controllability 5 flames (avg 4)
Handle operation 5 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)