WhatStove?

Review of Hunter Herald 8 stove

18 years in and going strong

Kevin Webb 3 months ago

We installed our Herald 8 double door multi fuel burner 18 years ago. We have never had an issue. We have had a damper fitted from the start. It took at least 2 years to get a good understanding on how it works especially with allowing ventilation when operating. We live in a 1930''s 2 reception 3 bed semi the fire serves the back room and open Conservatory. Have replaced the bricks and ropes over the years and this week 0ctober 17th 2023 replaced the r/hand piece of glass and rope but only because our dog flipped his Nylabone in the air and it hit the glass. Always has given great heat with coal or logs, with logs its all about the quality for the heat. Getting the draught right takes time to understand but knowing simple things like always allowing an Ash bed and closing the bottom vents and opening the top when burning logs is a must. When using solid fuel coal our fire has stayed in for 4 days and nights only needing to leave it go out to clean it out and start again. It sits there glowing all day and night when you know how to vent and rake. We open all doors to allow the heat to travel,before you shout fire safety i have 4 smoke detectors and a CO2, honestly coming out of the bedroom in the morning you feel the heat on the landing.Unfortunately it takes a bit of practice to get it right and you have to maintain and clean and get your hands black and dirty every year or so. Don''t be put off its been the best thing we have fitted since doing up our house when we moved in in 1996.

Overall rating:

5 flames

Build Quality 5 flames (avg 3.7)
Quality of finish 5 flames (avg 4)
Value for money 5 flames (avg 3.6)
Ease of use 5 flames (avg 4)
Ease of lighting 5 flames (avg 4.1)
Firebox size 5 flames (avg 3.9)
How well does the airwash work 5 flames (avg 3.6)
Controllability 5 flames (avg 3.4)
Handle operation 5 flames (avg 3.2)
How likely are you to buy it again? 5 flames (avg 3.3)
What is your overall satisfaction? 5 flames (avg 3.5)