WhatStove?

Review of Franco belge Savoy Elegance - MKII

Nice Looking but Design Flaws

Jon Williams 11 years ago

I bought the FB Mk II in Dec 2010 but it has only been used occasionally, being in the room we use only for special occasions. I had been mostly happy with the stove as it belted out a good deal of heat relatively quickly. Construction was mostly solid, but I feel the design lets it down as the area to hold the fuel is wide but narrow, meaning the fuel tends to fall forward and hit the glass. Of course, bearing this in mind and loading it differently helps, but means you don't get as much fuel in.

Another issue was the inside plate (baffle plate?) which sits below the flue. This has broken and the whole thing drops forward (not sure if it is supposed to drop forward). Reading the other comments makes me aware this is a common issue.

Moreover, as other people have said, refuelling it means I get a face full of smoke, sometimes a roomful if not quick enough. And the rope around the door seal has compressed to such an extent that when lighting it smoke seeps out when the door is closed.

The air filter works well and I elected to have the smoke controlled device fitted (simply another bit of metal to stop you closing the top air filter fully), but it does mean you cannot burn overnight as fuel continues to burn strongly with all vents closed (maybe related to door seal).

I will be contacting the supplier to try and get another plate and some more rope, hopefully this will fix the main issues.

A lovely looking stove which gives a lot of heat, but design issues and the baffle plate faults would prevent me from buying again.

It's a nice looking stove

Stove expert replied: If you are getting smoke back every time you refuel the stove I would recommend getting further advice on the flue system you currently have. Do get the rope seal replaced and also the baffle plate as the operation of the appliance will be altered when these are not functioning properly.

Overall rating:

3 flames

Build Quality 3 flames (avg 3.4)
Quality of finish 4 flames (avg 4)
Value for money 2 flames (avg 3.4)
Ease of use 3 flames (avg 4.3)
Ease of lighting 5 flames (avg 4.4)
Firebox size 3 flames (avg 3.9)
How well does the airwash work 4 flames (avg 4.2)
Controllability 4 flames (avg 3.8)
Handle operation 4 flames (avg 3.1)
How likely are you to buy it again? 1 flames (avg 2.9)
What is your overall satisfaction? 3 flames (avg 3.4)