WhatStove?

Review of Jotul F 371 stove

a good investment

Alice Cook 13 years ago

We bought a Jotul 376 (the same as pictured apart from glass side panels and glass wood store underneath)and are very pleased with it. After looking at many models and listening to much differing advice we chose a Jotul because the stove is completely cast iron (good heat retaining properties and far less likely to warp or crack), and it has high efficiency incorporating a 'secondary burn' of gases which reduce smoke emissions and increase the heat output. It is very solidly and well built but also is very attractive. The air wash system works very well provided you use a sufficient quantity of good quality wood. If you use a small quantity of damp wood, the front glass will smoke up quickly. However the glass will self clean afterwards with good wood and using the secondary burn setting.

It took us a good few weeks to really learn how to use it. The English Jotul website is not very comprehensive and we found much better advice on the USA website. It does take a while to learn how to build up a fire so that you don't smoke up the glass, but once learnt we enjoy a clearview every time now.

We have on a number of occasions used the glowing charcoal under the ash from the previous evening to light a fire the following morning by just adding small pieces of wood or kindling without having to lay it again.

It is one of the more expensive types of stove, but well worth the outlay - you get what you pay for!

Stove expert replied: Interesting that you have now learnt that damp wood does not work well on the stove, only dry seasoned timber should be used in any closed appliance. Good review though.

Overall rating:

4.5 flames

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