Review of Stovax Riva 40 multi fuel
Stovax Riva 40
Installed this great little stove 3 years ago. Chosen to fit perfectly into existing fireplace as room isn't large and a freestanding stove would have encroached too much. The heat from the Riva is fantastic, it's very easy to light and maintain. Cassette stoves for me every time.
I've read all the previous comments and have a few comments that might be relevant; IHMO only use hardwood logs that are seasoned or kiln dried and between 10% and 20% moisture. Rejecting logs above 20% is a no brainer but rejecting logs under 10% is just as equally important. Invest in a moisture meter! I had a patch that required plastering, about 1.5cm deep and 10cm x 10cm directly above the fire where the heat is greatest. Researched all the heat resistant and specialised plaster and was about to order. Had some bog standard polyfilla left over from another job and fired it in to see what happened. Several weeks later and fire on every night and no sign of cracks whatsoever. Give the cheap option a bash first, what's to lose! I read a review about ash removal. Remember that removing all ash between fires is a definite no no. With good quality logs I only remove 1 or maybe 2 scoops of ash per week. Always leave ash in the fire, move it to the side to allow the air up the middle. Lots of heat comes from the old ash once the fire is up and running. Don't be too clean! I hope this has been helpful. Regards Stuart