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Review of Hunter Herald 6 stove

Hunter Herald 6 double sided single depth.

Michael Picton 9 years ago

For the last few years I had a clearview vision 500, which was excellent. The clearview was located in a dining room , it was installed with a double skinned flue which was boxed in . However several walls have been knocked down to make our house more open plan. An existing fireplace was opened up at the back so we could get a double sided stove fitted instead of the open fire. The hunter Herald 6 was installed in the void with a 6" 316 steel flex flue approx 7m in height. After installation I fired it up, I was bitterly disappointed. The highest I could get the temp up to was 100 deg c. It was sucking in air from the control vents like mad, even with them closed. I ordered a flue damper, which has made a massive difference.The stove ticks over with the damper closed at 200 deg c. I am only burning logs.The stove outlet casting has the holes cast for the damper so I bought the hunter item which fits straight into the collar. I cannot believe that it is possible to use the stove without a damper and the fact that hunter have the holes cast into the flue collar suggests a damper is advisable. Another strange thing is the "turbo bar" which is a box section steel tube that runs horizontal just below the throat plate. A real nuisance as it stops you piling up the logs- it gets in the way. I have no idea what it does and I'm pretty sure the stove would run just as well without it.The glass does not stay clean. I am satisfied with the stove , but build quality does not match clearview , if clearview made a double sided model I would buy it, however double sided stoves are limited.

Stove expert replied: Was the flue draw tested when installed as clear guidance is given to this in the manual supplied. I suspect that the draw was above the recommended level and a damper enables the reduction of the draw to what is suggested. The turbo bar will be required to insure the stove can burn effectively and efficiently and perhaps you are trying to put too many logs into the firebox at any one time. Is the fuel dry and seasoned? The glass will only stay clean if the air settings are correct and the fuel does not have a moisture content of less than 20%. Putting too many logs into the fire may also be aggravating this.

Overall rating:

3 flames

Build Quality 4 flames (avg 4.3)
Quality of finish 4 flames (avg 4.4)
Value for money 3 flames (avg 3.9)
Ease of use 3 flames (avg 4.1)
Ease of lighting 4 flames (avg 4.4)
Firebox size 4 flames (avg 3.6)
How well does the airwash work 2 flames (avg 3.6)
Controllability 2 flames (avg 3.7)
Handle operation 2 flames (avg 3.2)
How likely are you to buy it again? 3 flames (avg 3.1)
What is your overall satisfaction? 3 flames (avg 3.6)