WhatStove?

Review of Franco Belge Montfort stove

A few problems

Anne 12 years ago

I've had this fire for a 2.5 years. I Had it professionally installed by a Hetas engineer and for the first year we had no problem at all - it's was very easy to light I clean the glass everyday and it's was a pleasure to watch the flames of the fire with a clear view.

The first problem was discovered when we had the chimney swept for the first time, although It was swept by the same person that fitted the fire. The top plate could not be removed. 3 hours of working on the fire the only solution was to angle grind a piece of the lugs from the grate on the side allowing access to the front plate that had twisted with the

Heat.

The fire worked fine for another 8 months but Just after lighting the fire one day we heard a band and noticed the bottom grate had completely cracked!

We have a thermometer so the fire has always been burnt at the correct temperature and although its a multi Fuel we have only ever burned logs!

The fire adds a fantastic atmosphere to the room but I'm disappointed with the build quality and feel that after such a short time these problems should not be occurring!

I would definitely recommend a wood burning stove to anyone but not this particular make!

Overall rating:

3.5 flames

Build Quality 3 flames (avg 3.9)
Quality of finish 3 flames (avg 4.5)
Value for money 3 flames (avg 3.7)
Ease of use 4 flames (avg 4.6)
Ease of lighting 5 flames (avg 4.5)
Firebox size 4 flames (avg 4.2)
How well does the airwash work 4 flames (avg 3.9)
Controllability 4 flames (avg 4.2)
Handle operation 5 flames (avg 4.3)
How likely are you to buy it again? 1 flames (avg 3.4)
What is your overall satisfaction? 4 flames (avg 3.6)

  • Keith Boden said 11 years ago:

    At least you could sweep it. We can't even get the bottom grate out, so we can remove the baffle plate! I agree with you, the build qulaity is poor and is built too tight/with not enough margin to remove the essential things such as fire bricks, grates, etc.

  • Ben walker said 11 years ago:

    Franco Belge will replace the fire bricks and baffle for free under warranty if it is the old style that required screws to hold the baffle up into place. We recently did this for a customer and the new baffle system is far better. Check your serial numbers and give them a ring.