WhatStove?

Review of Franco Belge Savoy Classic stove

Savoy - Nice and hot or even hotter !

Andrew Cooper 15 years ago

We also have the baby brother Belfort. The Savoy is a resonably priced stove with a very good sized firebox and will take 400mm logs so less cutting effort(unless you have a smaller stove too!) The fire box is lined with cast plates rather than firebricks, this increases the internal size slightly, time will tell if they have a long life. Pleased with the appearance and build, nice large door. The door handle is well designed with a cam + roller design and the door closure pressure can be adjusted. All good so far.

\n

\nA major disappointment is the adjustment of the air flow and the resulting running temperature of the stove. With both air adjustments fully closed the Savoy runs with full flame at around 250 degrees Celcius. Only by feeding fewer but more often can we reduce the temp or by putting on some large lump. We have hot or very hot ! It will burn through charge of wood before you get back in from a trip to town. For this reason I would not recommend. Our Belfort when closed down will stay in very well but not the Savoy.

\n

\nThe Mark 2 version looks to have improved the air adjustment. Perhaps they know something I didn't ?

Overall rating:

3.5 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 4 flames (avg 3.9)
Ease of lighting 4 flames (avg 4.1)
Firebox size 5 flames (avg 4.2)
How well does the airwash work 4 flames (avg 4.2)
Controllability 1 flames (avg 3.5)
Handle operation 5 flames (avg 3.4)
How likely are you to buy it again? 1 flames (avg 2.7)
What is your overall satisfaction? 3 flames (avg 3.2)