WhatStove?

Review of Firebelly FB1 stove

Poor design ideas

Joe Bloggs 13 years ago

Had the FB1 for over 12 months now. Being the 1st stove I have had, I wasn't sure what to expect. I liked the contemporary look of the stove compared to the rest which were on the market. The fire soon gets going, as long as there are a few ashes in the bottom and some good dry wood for the initial lighting. I haven't had much success keeping the fire in over night, but to be honest that doesn't bother me much. The only problems with the stove itself is the fact that the legs won't adjust, so put it on anything other than a flat surface it will rock, unless the legs are packed underneath.. but the major problem was the fire board which is lining the stove.... Every piece cracked within the 1st few weeks of use and the top one fell in onto the fire beneath. Utter rubbish stuff. I finished up forking out for a very expensive fireproof tile made for a industrial kiln, which hasn't let me down for months...\n\nThe glass also fogs up quite often, so maybe the screen wash doesn't work that effectively...\n\n

Stove expert replied: Actually a lot of makes of stove do use these vermiculite firebricks. They can be damaged more easily than masonry style firebricks but they are very insulating. When loading a stove with vermiculite firebricks you should place the wood in the firebox, not throw the bits in or you may damage the bricks. I find that 2p coins or thin washers do a good job of adjusting for hearths which are not flat.

Overall rating:

3 flames

Build Quality 3 flames (avg 4.1)
Quality of finish 3 flames (avg 3.9)
Value for money 4 flames (avg 3.9)
Ease of use 3 flames (avg 4.2)
Ease of lighting 3 flames (avg 4.2)
Firebox size 3 flames (avg 4.1)
How well does the airwash work 2 flames (avg 4)
Controllability 3 flames (avg 3.5)
Handle operation 3 flames (avg 4)
How likely are you to buy it again? 3 flames (avg 3.8)
What is your overall satisfaction? 3 flames (avg 3.9)