WhatStove?

Review of Franco Belge Savoy Classic stove

I had my Savoy for two years

Johan Baard 13 years ago

I had my Savoy for two years and am quite satisfied. It is a 'smaller' stove so one has to expect 'smaller stove' problems. I burn it for about 120 days a year.

I have the boiler attachment and that works very well although after a year I have 'knocking' in the pipes when burning very hot. The boiler of course competes for wood space inside the stove.

After having the fire going for a while (say two hours) and having a hot fire with a good coal bed, I burn freshly cut very green wood easily without any negative effects (Acacia mearnsii and A melanoxylon (wattle and blackwood)). I also burn pine without problems.

Some negatives:

Quite messy to load with coals falling out easily.

Stove expert replied: DO NOT USE FRESHLY CUT WOOD ON A STOVE - NEVER - NEVER. Get the plumbing checked as you should not be able to hear any knocking sound and it may be that the water is not getting away from the stove quickly enough!

Overall rating:

4 flames

Build Quality 4 flames (avg 3.5)
Quality of finish 4 flames (avg 3.9)
Value for money 4 flames (avg 3.6)
Ease of use 3 flames (avg 3.9)
Ease of lighting 5 flames (avg 4.1)
Firebox size 3 flames (avg 4.2)
How well does the airwash work 5 flames (avg 4.2)
Controllability 4 flames (avg 3.5)
Handle operation 5 flames (avg 3.4)
How likely are you to buy it again? 4 flames (avg 2.7)
What is your overall satisfaction? 4 flames (avg 3.2)