Review of Franco belge Savoy Elegance - MKII
Franco Belge Savoy Elegance MK 11
We purchased this stove 6 + years ago and it
has exceeded our expectations in both heat output and reliability. A flue thermometer is essential to avoid excessive temperature and subsequent cracking of the fire bricks. I purchased a sheet of vermiculite board from the local merchant ( approx cost £30 ) and have used less than half a sheet and none since the flue thermometer was fitted. It is easy to cut with a hand or pad saw using the damaged fire brick as a template .Franco Belge fire brick spares are expensive so buy a thermometer. The original fire brick retaining screws are occasionally difficult to remove requiring an impact drill to '' shock '' them off. Replacement screws cost £4-5 each so used copper grease on threads to facilitate future removal; might be worth considering doing this at the outset. We managed to break the glass through our error ( overloading fire box ) but it was simple to replace, likewise door ropes. Only hardwood with a moisture content of less than 20% is burnt resulting in relatively low flue liner deposits. This is our first stove and have nothing to compare it with but would readily buy another Franco Belge based on our experience with this model, albeit hopefully not for a few years yet !