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Review of Stovax Riva 55 stove

Stovax Riva 55

Callum Birrell 4 years ago

We have had ours for 3 years now.

We also have smoke coming back into the room, when loading. We spent a lot of money on our chimney, with various cowls, and eventually getting a chimney liner fitted, which did improve things, however, the problem still exists.

The glass air wash system isnt the best either. We get blackening of the glass in front of the fuel retaining grill, where presumably, the air doesn't circulate properly.

We also have a little corrision recurring, around the door area, where condensation occurs when lighting. It is the mediocre paint finish, which is showing the moisture to react with the steel casing.

I would always have a wood burner, but i wouldn't purchase this model again.

We used a stovax certified installer, who we also wouldn't use again either.

Reading the other reviews, there is a common theme here, where the typical defence is to blame the installer, but, if you'll pardon the pun, " there's no smoke without fire" !!

There must be an issue with this stove's air wash system, for there to be so many negative reviews.

Stove expert replied: Was the flue draw test carried out when this was installed as this is critical to insure that the stove can function effectively and efficiently?

Overall rating:

3 flames

Build Quality 2 flames (avg 3.7)
Quality of finish 3 flames (avg 4)
Value for money 2 flames (avg 3.2)
Ease of use 4 flames (avg 3.9)
Ease of lighting 4 flames (avg 3.8)
Firebox size 5 flames (avg 4)
How well does the airwash work 1 flames (avg 3.6)
Controllability 2 flames (avg 3.7)
Handle operation 5 flames (avg 3.5)
How likely are you to buy it again? 1 flames (avg 2.9)
What is your overall satisfaction? 2 flames (avg 3.3)