WhatStove?

Review of Franco belge Savoy Elegance - MKII

Corrosion.

Declan McManus 6 years ago

I bought my Savoy Elegance in 2012 because it fitted the bill perfectly - appearance, wattage and most of all the large glazed area.

Unfortunately after 3 years there was evidence of rust internally and after a further year I had to replace the rear baffle due to rust at a cost of £400. Now a year later the flange holding the cover for the top flue outlet is rusted away and I either need to replace the top or buy a new stove.

The top has also cracked and the rear baffle distorted due to overheating (!) and finally the vermiculite panels become friable and are expensive to replace.

Our stove is red - which FB no longer offer - so a replacement black top is going to look a little odd.

We live on the coast so the salt air may be a contributor but it does not appear to have affected anything else to anywhere near the same extent.

Stove expert replied: Having a problem with rust internally may be down to water getting into the flue system and running down it, using wet fuel, not operating the stove at a high enough temperature or a combination of all three. Having said this, the top cracking normally implies that the stove has been over fired. Internal liners are consumable and will require replacing periodically and will be affected by moist conditions. No fuel with a moisture content in excess of 20% should be used on the stove a,d I recommend checking that the flue system is rain proof is made a priority due to the proximity of the installation. There are cowls available that reduce the amount of space that rain can enter which may be worth considering.

Overall rating:

3.5 flames

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