WhatStove?

Review of Stovax Riva 40 multi fuel

Top stove!

Trevor Mills 11 years ago

Stumbled across this site while looking for spares. We had a Riva 40 inset fitted in Nov 2007 and have loved it. The reason we chose it was: two babies - so wife didn't want free standing for safety, plus it fitted in our standard chimney without needing any brickwork or making good at all. It looks fantastic in our sized room (24x10ft) and once up and burning we can turn the central heating very low in the whole bungalow. I reckon it saves about £300 per year off the gas bill.

I use good seasoned wood that I collect and cut myself, and we burn pretty much continually (including overnight) from Dec to Feb/Mar each year.

It's not the hottest stove going, but for our sized bungalow is perfect - uses much less wood than a bigger stove (obviously).

I don't know what all the fuss about cleaning is, it's very easy and never been a problem - I use the vacuum cleaner (why not?)

The air-wash is brilliant - bush-telly we call it, certainly better viewing with a glass of red than what's on the telly most nights.

After 5 years of heavy use, a couple of the bricks are cracked - so I'm getting the spares and then we'll be all set for this winter.

Stove expert replied: Great feedback and stove performing well and saving on alternative fuel use.

Overall rating:

4.5 flames

Build Quality 4 flames (avg 4.1)
Quality of finish 4 flames (avg 3.9)
Value for money 4 flames (avg 3.4)
Ease of use 5 flames (avg 4.1)
Ease of lighting 5 flames (avg 4.1)
Firebox size 5 flames (avg 3.2)
How well does the airwash work 5 flames (avg 3.7)
Controllability 5 flames (avg 3.9)
Handle operation 4 flames (avg 4)
How likely are you to buy it again? 5 flames (avg 3.2)
What is your overall satisfaction? 5 flames (avg 3.4)