The Riva 66 multi fuel stove has a riddling grate and separate ash door. The firebox has a maximum log length of 450mm. There is an optional fan - assisted convection kit which increases warm air to circulate into the room, and an extra ducting system which can divert the warm air into alternative areas.
This is the freestanding F66.
Is really easy to light, having the vented base means it draws very well (can roar if needed by opening the primary air adjuster fully). Had for 6 years now
and would buy another Stovax with the bottom venting if I ever needed to buy another. Can''t really fault any of the construction or features
After a winter of running the stove I wanted to update my review. My concerns about the flimsy handle proved unfounded - It's still working just fine. Ducting system working well and we haven
't used the gas central heating at all. I get up at 5am and the house is still warm from the previous evening despite sub zero outside temperatures. Stove still looks excellent. I can't get it to stay alight overnight using only wood but a few coals do the trick. We have a good supply of wood and since investing in a Fiskars x 27 splitting axe, we're having no trouble keeping it fuelled. I cannot fault the stove.
I have dad the Riva 66 fitted works ok but I am discussted and worried with the heat above the fire on the wall. You cannot actually touch the wall for the first 600mm or more above without
burning yourself, his doesn’t seem right or safe as I have 800 m x 600mm space inside brickwork for the flue to be installed. This must be a manufacturing fault regarding insulation etc, please can you help advise me on this as it’s only been used approximately 15 times
This is the first winter since we had the Riva 66 with flexible flue lining system installed replacing our Jetmaster open fire.
The Riva is easy to light, works really well, looks great and
keeps us warm.
Three niggles.
The glass gets blackened and needs cleaning on almost every use.
Often opening the door to add another log causes a waft of smoke to enter the room.
It is difficult to adjust the airwash control accurately because there are no markings stops.
We have had this stove fitted over 2 years and have been impressed with the heat output compared to our previous 5kw stand alone stove we had in our previous home. Only regret is not having
the two accessories fitted at same time of installation, that's the fan and hot air ducting to another room. I've just asked my stove fitter if he can return to fit the fan as I'm hopping it could help distribute some of the heat away from the stove as the heat build up above is causing the plaster to crack on the chimney breast. We are now thinking of putting Split Face tiling on the breast rather than the heat resistant plaster as a more permanent fix.
Stove running for five years now with no problems. Stove outer looks as good as new. The grate is now a little warped and a couple of the firebricks are cracked so we will need spare parts this
year for the first time. Both of us are working full time and we can split enough logs to feed it.
If I bought this stove again I would have a single duct outlet instead of two outlets so heat is pushed into all the upper rooms (instead of some vents acting as a return path making those rooms slightly cooler (though still quite warm) otherwise it is perfect for our needs
Had this fire 5 years, love it. Only problem I have is the trim has gotten discolored with the smoke. How can I clean this effectively or can it be repainted?
Stove expert replied:
You can buy paint to respray the trim if the discolouration does not clean off. Is it where you open the door to refuel the stove (Just top centre)? Have you an air brick in the room to ensure there is enough free air for complete combustion?
We have had our stove for 6 years and have never had to replace a part. I do find that we need to keep the door open slightly to get the draw and stop smoke build up whilst lighting and in the
morning the glass is quite black usually- occasionally with tar which is harder to remove with kitchen roll water and fine ash.Our biggest problem is cracks in the plaster work- the worst in the centre above the fire surround. We had the wall plastered originally with the heat proof plaster and we still had this cracking. This last autumn we had the wall redone as it looked a mess and much too our dismay the same problem has occurred. The wall does get very hot just above the fire which is possibly the major issue. Would appreciate suggestions. We have considered tiling the wall.
We have had this cassette fire for more than 8 years. We only burn dry, well seasoned logs.
The fire itself is amazing - gives out loads of heat, starts easily and looks wonderful.
The major
problem we have found is with the metal on the door and the main frame. After just one year it had rusted badly and needed treatment and repainting. We reported this to Stovax and were told that it was rusting because it was operating at a high temperature (well it is a fire!) This has become an annual maintenance chore of de-rusting and repainting.
I would recommend the fire for its function and looks but not for the amount of maintenance it requires to keep it looking good.
Have had the stove 4 years and its great. Massive savings on heating bills. No fault with stove and no replacement parts needed, I do however burn only seasoned firewood and burn modest sized
fires. Two family members have since installed the same and appear to be suitably satisfied. I think many people over fire their stoves and burn the wrong / wet fuel.
We've had this stove for around 8 years, and its been very hot and burns very well.No problems with the baffles. However its always been a bit smokey when opening the door to refuel. We don'
t have a flue liner which may contribute to this; the smoke goes straight into the chimney. So I'm looking at either fitting a full flue liner, or small length of rigid flue off the stove which should heat and help draw better. Any thoughts?
Stove expert replied:
A flue liner should help with the smoke issue and is recommended in older flues or ones that are larger than 12 inch square 9incs diam.
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