We've had the protest 1 stove for just over a year. It gets nice and hot and we have found it to be quite controllable, getting an overnight burn when using smokeless fuel. Our only negative
comments are that when the door is opened there is always a build up of ash which falls into the hearth, this is probably due to the grate/door/airwash design. Just means that every time the door is opened you need a dustpan and brush to clear up also the airways control levers are constantly loose and need tightening up regularly.
Summary : We bought this stove last August so we've had it for around a year. It's been great as a supplementary heating source. We have it installed with a flue liner in a 75m3 living room
which it heats comfortably from it's position in a inglenook fireplace near a corner. It has been a revelation replacing a cheaper chinese model that was in the house previously, however it is not as controllable as some more established models that I've seen - especially when burning wood.Best things;Good flame picture considering size of boxVery slim stove at 300mm front to back which was a major selling point for us - it doesn't protrude into the room too much and we didn't have to exend the hearthLights really easily and quicklyThe handle is detachable and stays coolSimple and quick to cleanGood price for a well built UK made, DEFRA approved stoveWell made steel body with nice clean styling (also see below!)Fuel consumption is reasonableNot as good things;Not as easy to control as some other models and takes some playing to get it to burn slowly and reliably, especially with woodHad some issues with the airwash when burning slowly with wood (however dry)Never had it burn through the night with anything (but this isn't really a consideration for us)Nice styling however the chrome fittings appear 'cheap' to some (airwash & damper control, handle) - I have replaced with turned matt black fittingsAll in all we've been pleased with it as a supplementary heating source and would recommend to anyone looking for a compact, contemporary styled stove at a reasonable price.
Stove expert replied:
Honest feedback with good and bad points. Sound scores overall.
Had this stove for three years and its excellent. We had it installed in addition to the central heating but now almost never use the heating. Great with either smokeless (we use cpl no 5 at
£8.25/25kg) and hard wood or just wood. It's an exempt appliance so ok in a smoke control area. The only negative is that the back fire brick breaks up after a year and £40 each Fits in very tight spaces which was necessary for us. Great little stove :)
We have had this stove for 4 months. It is our first and so wish we had got one sooner. Ours is the Portway 1 and we have the extra tall legs. This allows me to easy access the fire and bending
is reduced as I have back problems a plus as far as I'm concerned. There is very little ash with good kiln dried wood but wow the heat out of this their smallest in the range is great, we leave the doors open in our bungalow so the heat goes round the whole place keeping us warm no need for the central heating. I have been also surprised at how easy it is to light and keep clean remembering when I was a kid (70s) and had to do our fire place at home it was dirty and hard work this ones a dream I even enjoy preparing the fire now! Ours is free standing as we don't have a chimney so had the extra expense of a flue put in. However at lest we know what's been done and it looks very modern and contemporary if anyone comes in they seem drawn to the fire and we get lots go complements. So in short it's made in the UK gives good heat output 5kw and is slim and stylish not in your face like some. Would I buy it again YES!
Had it since November, and it's been lovely. Had it fitted without a liner by a Hetas installer after having a full smoke test carried out, and Hetas installer and Hetas chimney sweep advised
I'd be absolutely fine without a liner. and it's been marvellous. Air wash great as long as burning dry wood, heat output is great considering the small size of the stove, it looks lovely, has a removable handle so you don't burn your hands. Doesn't burn great over night with wood, but it'll burn fine over night if you use smokeless coal and turn it right down. I've not had a single problem with it and it saved me when my heating went funny. It's also good in terms of fuel consumption when I compare it to my stove in my last house, a 5kw Charnwood Island. Well priced as well, £750 for a Defra approved British made stove.
Stove expert replied:
Good review, satisfied customer.
