WhatStove?

Review of Stovax Riva 55 stove

Cassette fires and relative efficiency

Hugh Alexander 9 years ago

We've had our 55 for over 6 years now, but we also have another little old (1950's ?) Coalbrookdale Much Wenlock?

I don't know much about stoves in general, but I can compare the two I have.

Without doubt the big glass is a great attraction. It looks fab, even now the glass is getting a bit grey.

My observation is that the little old stove chucks out much more heat than the Stovax when you really stoke it up although is is only rated at about 2/3's output. I put this down to 6 sides radiating heat. Good old fashioned relatively thick cast iron that seems to cope with being over fired!

The Stovax however is apparently less relatively efficient when in full blast mode. And I'm sure this doesn't do the stove much good either. I put this down to much of the fire being hidden in the wall. I can only believe that the 85% efficiency has been calculated when it is throttled right down.

The moral of the story is that sizing the output to your room is so important, but the maximum output and the efficiency should not necessarily be written on the same page. Ideally, when selecting a fire, over size the output on a fire with good controls. Now and again you will need to turn it up FULL.

I have had to replace the cracked fire bricks. I don't necessarily think this is abuse we carefully put logs in, Just accept, nothing lasts forever. I would replace the glass but justify the cost.

My (limited) advice is -1) if you want occasional heat for extreme cold snaps, a free standing stove is better than cassette type. 2) quality of manufacture will cope better with extreme operating conditions 3) wood burners aren't cheap heating when you add up all the costs (but I love em) 4) spend part of your money building a really big wood store - seasoned hardwood timber is the key.

Stove expert replied: Any inset stove should be installed as per the manufacturers instructions and these normally require some back filling with insulating material - vermiculite slurry cement. This then enable to heat to come into the room and not be absorbed by the builders opening. This would be worth checking out further if the heat you are getting does not appear to be what is suggested.

Overall rating:

4.5 flames

Build Quality 4 flames (avg 3.7)
Quality of finish 5 flames (avg 4)
Value for money 3 flames (avg 3.2)
Ease of use 4 flames (avg 3.9)
Ease of lighting 5 flames (avg 3.8)
Firebox size 4 flames (avg 4)
How well does the airwash work 5 flames (avg 3.6)
Controllability 4 flames (avg 3.7)
Handle operation 5 flames (avg 3.5)
How likely are you to buy it again? 4 flames (avg 2.9)
What is your overall satisfaction? 4 flames (avg 3.3)