WhatStove?

Review of Scan Andersen 4-5 stove

Ridiculously noisy stove

Marc Rosenberg 5 years ago

The Scan Andersen 4-5 has proved to be an easy-to-light, controllable stove that pumps out a massive amount of heat for its size. But if you're a fan of the quiet life, steer clear of this stove, because it clanks, bangs and ‘pings’ almost constantly.

Good points first: it’s easy to get going and highly controllable. The airwash works efficiently and keeps the glass reasonably clean, as long as it’s never completely closed. Slight blackening can easily be removed from the glass with damp kitchen towel when the stove is cold the next morning. The ash pan is a decent size and can hold about five days’ worth of ash before it requires emptying.

Now for the downside: it is incredibly noisy. Despite only ever burning kiln-dried wood, with great care taken never to overload the firebox, the stove almost constantly clanks while lit. A bit of noise from expansion and contraction of hot metal is to be expected, but at times this stove is so noisy that you have to turn up the TV to drown out the racket, which can be heard throughout the house.

The stove has been inspected several times by our HETAS-registered installer, who is a highly rated trader. With no obvious fault detected, he has tried to persuade Scan Andersen to inspect the stove, but Scan has consistently argued that there is no warranty on stoves older than one year, and it is not interested in assisting. This is very poor after sales service; Very disappointed!

You can hear (and see) our Scan Andersen 4-5 in action here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vDgnUJ-lACg

Stove expert replied: Ash should not be left to mount up in an ash pan as this can lead to a shortening of the grates life, a clear space below the grate is recommended and should be maintained. Really disappointing that this stove is making a noise that is causing you distress and that you have been unable to get any assistance as this does mar the whole stove experience somewhat. Certain aspects still scoring well.

Overall rating:

3 flames

Build Quality 2 flames (avg 4.1)
Quality of finish 3 flames (avg 4.2)
Value for money 2 flames (avg 3.9)
Ease of use 4 flames (avg 4.2)
Ease of lighting 5 flames (avg 4.4)
Firebox size 4 flames (avg 4.1)
How well does the airwash work 4 flames (avg 3.8)
Controllability 4 flames (avg 4.1)
Handle operation 4 flames (avg 4.2)
How likely are you to buy it again? 1 flames (avg 3.9)
What is your overall satisfaction? 2 flames (avg 4)