We''ve had this stove installed for 3 winters now and genuinely we have no complaints. The stove is quite efficient, using between 2/3 and 1.5 bags of pellets a day (15kg) depending on the prevailing
weather. Our 1960''s house is quite exposed (rural) so gets cooled rapidly when there''s a cold wind but also benefits from solar gain on a sunny day.
The stove was retrofitted in to an existing central heating system replacing a defunct wood burner. The installer upgraded a few elements but the stove is effectively directly heating the radiators in each room with a thermostat and time controller. Currently due to a failed immersion heater it is also providing hot water via the cylinder again on a timer program.
The stove requires cleaning out about once a month, and is left "on" constantly, controlled by the programmer and thermostat (set at 18.5 degrees). The programmer gives between 8 and 10 hours heating depending on the day of the week.
The RHI payment we receive covers the annual pellet cost (2 tonnes is sufficient for running October to April).
Whilst the initial capital cost was more than a gas or oil boiler, the ongoing running cost is much lower due to the RHI. The fossil fuel alternative would also have required a tank installation - which would have been intrusive with the layout of our property whereas we already had a woodshed suitable for storing the pellets (just a one-off moving the pellets from delivery pallet to storage required).
In operation the stove is reasonably quiet, and gives a pleasing fire glow (until the glass soots up too much). Refuelling is a bit of a hassle at times ensuring the pellet tray runs home properly. We have found the wheels on the drawer runners have broken which isn''t ideal - hopefully parts are available. Servicing is straightforward and cleaning although dirty is certainly no worse than a conventional wood burner and you can do it yourself without requiring a heating engineer.
Overall very satisfied.
Stove expert replied:
Great to hear many positives on this very popular insert pellet stove
Klover 18kw insert biomass pellet boiler(all singing all dancing boiler) NOT.Installed for about 14 months now.Advised it would burn about 1 bag of pellets a day,need cleaned out once a week
and would be sufficient for all hot water needsLet's start with 5 bags a dayCleaning the fire out almost every day(which by the way is a filthy job(rather clean out old style open coal fire)All this supplied and installed by klover recommended installer and recommended by ENERGY SAVING TRUST for Rhi paymentsPs Electricity build has shot up considerably
Stove expert replied:
The amount of pellets used will depend on the heat demand in the property. It is important that the stove is serviced regularly like any other boiler. Following a service you should see improved results from your stove. If the stove has been serviced then we would recommend you contact your supplier to take a look at the stove, some settings may need to be changed.
