WhatStove?

Review of Firefox 8 stove

Firefox 8 - Very Disappointing

Mike Watkins

We were initially please with the Firefox as we thought it looked good and was great value for money but having tried hard to live with it for a year now it has got to go! Once we have got it to stay alight getting it up to any reasonable temperature (anything over 300) is near on impossible and on the odd occasion that we have it just eats fuel. We use kiln dried oak logs so I can't blame the wood. Controlling the stove is also difficult, it's either raging away or closed right down, anything in between is hard to find. It does though burn coal nicely but to get any heat out of it we have to leave the door open for a while to let the heat out!!

I guess it all boils down to you get what you pay for. Our main log burner in the living is a Clearview, which at 4 times the price, and is absolutely superb. It burns clean and hot all day and stays in overnight and is economical on fuel (wood only). We bought the Firefox for a small room next to the lounge and have been very disappointed by it, spoilt I guess by the Clearview.

Stove expert replied: The poor heat may be due to the flue that this stove is joined to, the weather conditions may be affecting this and hence on some days it burns fast and on other days seems sluggish and not able to get a good fire going. Worth investigating further before discarding the stove.

Overall rating:

2.5 flames

Build Quality 3 flames (avg 4)
Quality of finish 4 flames (avg 4.2)
Value for money 4 flames (avg 4.3)
Ease of use 3 flames (avg 4.1)
Ease of lighting 4 flames (avg 4.3)
Firebox size 3 flames (avg 3.9)
How well does the airwash work 1 flames (avg 3.6)
Controllability 1 flames (avg 3.7)
Handle operation 4 flames (avg 3.7)
How likely are you to buy it again? 1 flames (avg 3.7)
What is your overall satisfaction? 1 flames (avg 3.8)