Review of Firefox 5 stove
Firefox 5 with wood burning kit installed.
I fitted the stove into an existing unlined chimney, in a 1937 house, with sealed metal register plate; and an external flue box for ease of cleaning.\n\nThe tightness of all the bolts was checked prior to install.\n\nI have found that it's best to light the stove and get it established with the door open. With lower draw than with a lined chimney, it's necessary to use the primary air control to maintain good burning and get the stove hot. The air wash, like others have found, doesn't work effectively but the door glass is easily cleaned with wet newspaper and ash when cold.\n\nWith the wood burning kit, the riddle grate is removed giving a much larger volume to the firebox size. The fire burns on a bed of ash at the bottom of the stove. The kit is an extra £50 which I had overlooked when choosing the stove. I haven't tried to keep the fire in overnight.\n\nBurn rate is affected by the draw in a chimney. A lined chimney will give the maximum draw which can cause control problems. The manual instructions are written assuming the flue is lined although this isn't shown in the installation diagrams. If your house was built before 1965(?)lining isn't mandatory and not recommended because cleaning and the eventual replacement of the lining is avoided. A liner has a finite life, 10-20 years at the most depending on usage.\n\nThis was an easy DIY project and the stove works very well. I found the level of understanding and advice from my local HETAS approved supplier appalling. \nBuyer beware.\n\n
Stove expert replied: Lining of chimnies is not just about the draw, other safety factors apply. Has the installation been signed off by Building Control? Otherwise good comments about wood kit!!