WhatStove?

Review of Dunsley Yorkshire stove

Yorkshire Boiler Stove (w/thermal store)

Richard Tibenham 11 years ago

I have been using the Dunsley Yorkshire boiler stove for a year now, and generally we are very pleased with it. At the time of purchase, the Yokshire was the only boiler stove on the market permitted for use in smoke control areas, and I believe this is still the case. This was really the main factor in purchasing this stove over others.

The stove is configured to heat a 300ltr thermal store through an ESBE load unit. There are many options for configuring a boiler stove, and after a lot of research, I decided a thermal store system such as this would be most appropriate. Through the thermal store, the stove provides domestic hot water and heating to six radiators.

After some extortionate quotes (£5000 just for the labour!) from HETAS registered installers, I decided to carry out the installation works myself. Having given the concept a lot of research, I got the impression that even the HETAS plumbers were not particularly sure what was required and priced in a lot of uncertainty. It took a lot of work to provide a suitable base for the thermal store in the loft, install the 28mm copper piping, correctly size the heat link radiator, specify the correct load unit etc. Now the job is done, it all seems worth it, but I would suggest it is a lot of work and should only be considered if you are convinced you are equipped with the technical and practical knowledge to carry out the job properly.

Having finished the works last autumn, we are very happy with the performance of the stove. The build is very solid and reliable and the controls are simple and effective. The air baffle works very well, and I am able to restrict the air supply even in very windy conditions. We purchased the wood burner only model, and found the fixed grate to be difficult to use, so upgraded to the multi fuel grate which we find much better.

Using the optional external air kit, air is ducted into the stove from beneath a ventilated suspended floor. Not only does this remove drafts caused by the draw of the stove, it also provides additional ventilation to the void beneath the floor, thus reducing the risk of damp problems.

Unlike other boiler stoves, the Yorkshire is able to regulate the temperature of water in the back boiler by regulating the air flow into the fire box. We also have a thermostat located on the flue to turn the circulation pump on/off so as to optimise the efficiency of the system. Through controls such as these, we are able to run the stove in at its optimum.

Minus points would be, one; the styling isn’t to every bodies taste. I find the appearance of other Dunsley stoves, or offerings by Clearview and Morso to a name a few, far kinder on the eye. This is a shame considering Dunsley have a unique sales point in the Yorkshire.

The second point would be that I do find the glazing can tar up when the stove is running on the ducted air inlet. The stove runs most effeceintly when the air flow is restricted, but annoyingly this is when it can tar up the most. However, I may have found a possible fix to this in the form of double glazing. Having recently inspected a double glazed Clearview stove, I noted that there is nothing special about the double glazing; just two sections of glass spaced apart by fire rope. Clearview offer a special profile of fire rope to do this. I am yet to install the new glass, but hopefully this will help reduce the taring problems.

On the whole we are very happy with the Dunsley Yorkshire Boiler stove, but I would suggest that this is very dependent on how the system is configured. I have found the ESBE load unit to be a very worthwhile addition to the system. As boiler stoves are not particularly common, a lot of research is required and I wouldn’t necessarily rely on ‘the professionals’ to provide the right advice. I would also give a lot of consideration as to how appropriate a boiler stove is over a dry stove. Whilst it is very satisfying to run wood fired radiators and hotwater, it can involve a lot more time and expense to install when compared to a dry stove.

Stove expert replied: Specialist Heating Engineers should not be disregarded, many will give expert advice and support. As this customer has installed it himself he should get Building Control to sign this installation off whereas a Hetas Engineer can sign it off, important as your house insurance will require this certification.

Overall rating:

4.5 flames

Build Quality 5 flames (avg 4.9)
Quality of finish 5 flames (avg 4.8)
Value for money 4 flames (avg 4.7)
Ease of use 5 flames (avg 4.9)
Ease of lighting 4 flames (avg 4.6)
Firebox size 4 flames (avg 4.3)
How well does the airwash work 2 flames (avg 4.4)
Controllability 5 flames (avg 4.7)
Handle operation 5 flames (avg 4.6)
How likely are you to buy it again? 4 flames (avg 4.9)
What is your overall satisfaction? 5 flames (avg 4.8)