WhatStove?

Review of Hunter Herald 80b boiler stove

Disappointed

Sharon 12 years ago

Unfortunately we have had a problem with our stove leaking water. We noticed that the ashes were wet and the ash pan was corroding away. We had the stove installed Sept/Oct 2011. Getting in touch with Hunter is a problem straight away as there is no contact number. You have to go through the company you bought it from. Eventually we had a new stove delivered and have had the hassle of taking out old one and putting new one in which included bashing a hole in the chimney breast again. It looks like Hunter have cut down on quality of the ash pan, we have 2 small flimsy ones now instead and the finish looks cheap especially above the top air vent.

We have just received an e-mail from Hunter through Harridge Stoves (where we bought it from). They have offered us £250 towards the plumbers bill but have refused the full amount which is £700. We have taken a photo of the mess and are in the process of sending a reply. All this hassle through no fault of our own. I have to buy wall paper and re-decorate.

The workings of the stove have been fine but I suppose we have been using more wood and coal than we should have because of the leak. We burnt wood mostly but put coal on at night to keep the fire in. If you want your radiators red hot you would have to use coal on the stove mostly. The glass blackens almost immediately, but saying this we shut all our vents to keep the fire in longer.

I feel that we may end up going to small claims court to recoup our money.

Stove expert replied: If a warranty problem occurs then you will always deal with the person you had the contract with and not direct with the manufacturers. To get some part of the re-installation costs paid is good but most manufacturers will not cover this. £700 does seem high for an exchange though! Unfortunate experience for you and not a common one with the number of boilers that they make. One point - if you close the airwash fully the glass will blacken as it can't work unless open!

Overall rating:

3 flames

Build Quality 1 flames (avg 2.7)
Quality of finish 3 flames (avg 2.8)
Value for money 3 flames (avg 2.5)
Ease of use 5 flames (avg 3.1)
Ease of lighting 4 flames (avg 3.2)
Firebox size 5 flames (avg 4.1)
How well does the airwash work 1 flames (avg 3)
Controllability 4 flames (avg 3.6)
Handle operation 3 flames (avg 3.4)
How likely are you to buy it again? 1 flames (avg 2.5)
What is your overall satisfaction? 3 flames (avg 2.7)