WhatStove?

Review of Stovax Brunel 2cb stove

First Winter with 2CB

William Fraser 10 years ago

First winter with the 2CB. We burn smokeless fuel and seasoned logs. Because it is a multifuel stove it has a riddling mechanism which does not riddle the whole firebed.We have found that this mechanism can be easily jammed requiring intervention with a poker or letting the fire go out in order to clear the obstruction. Manufacturer's instructions give good general guidance but effective control is a matter of trial and error. It's performance is quite weather dependent. Airwash works well. Ash box is small and twenty four burning requires it to be emptied once or twice which is not so easy with the fire going. The fire door is interlocked with the ash compartment door so you have to open both to access the ash pan.This I was told is a safety feature so I guess it has to be like that. Fuel efficiency and economy is excellent. We love having a multifuel stove but based on what we know now I'm not sure that we go for the 2cb.

Stove expert replied: You say the stove control is affected by weather conditions, it is draws too well in windy conditions then it is advisable to have either a flue damper or stabilizer added so that you maintain control, if left unchecked there is a possibility that the stove will over-draw which can lead to problems of components as they will be exposed to higher than normal working temperatures during these situations. Perhaps try a different smokeless fuel as they do vary greatly and an alternative one may be better in this unit. I would always recommend emptying the ash pan twice in every 24hrs if the stove is being operated 24/7 as if the ash is left to build up in the pan it can lead to overheating of the grate and again this can lead to problems in the future.

Overall rating:

3 flames

Build Quality 4 flames (avg 3.6)
Quality of finish 4 flames (avg 3.4)
Value for money 4 flames (avg 2.7)
Ease of use 2.5 flames (avg 4.1)
Ease of lighting 2 flames (avg 4)
Firebox size 2.5 flames (avg 3.9)
How well does the airwash work 3.5 flames (avg 3.7)
Controllability 2 flames (avg 3.7)
Handle operation 4 flames (avg 3.7)
How likely are you to buy it again? 1 flames (avg 2.1)
What is your overall satisfaction? 3 flames (avg 2.6)