WhatStove?

Review of Riva 66 Multi-fuel Fire

Great stove but downsides to cassette concept

Adam Shepherd 13 years ago

The stove itself is brilliant. Easy to light, control. Well made. No problems with the function at all. HOWEVER, no end of issues with the cassette concept(ie embedding in a wall). Superheated air coming out the top burns paint, cracks plaster. We've had it "installed" twice, so it is not an installation issue, and tried both types of metal surround. Now have a marble frame (c10 inches on top of big metal frame), but even with that plaster is cracking, and I don't hold out much hope the marble will stay put.

Would definitely buy Stovax again but only a stand alone stove. If you are considering a cassette fire think very carefully about placement and surrounds. Sticking a super hot stove in a wall is inherently problematic...in my view...

Stove expert replied: There is special plaster on the market for this problem, was this used?

Overall rating:

4.5 flames

Build Quality 5 flames (avg 3.9)
Quality of finish 5 flames (avg 3.9)
Value for money 4 flames (avg 3.8)
Ease of use 5 flames (avg 4.3)
Ease of lighting 5 flames (avg 4.4)
Firebox size 5 flames (avg 4.4)
How well does the airwash work 5 flames (avg 3.9)
Controllability 4 flames (avg 4.4)
Handle operation 5 flames (avg 4)
How likely are you to buy it again? 5 flames (avg 4)
What is your overall satisfaction? 4 flames (avg 4)