WhatStove?

Review of Stovax Riva 55 stove

Stovax Riva 55

Richard Dalton 3 years ago

Four years ago, we replaced our open fire with a Stovax Riva 55. Starting six months ago small amounts of vermiculite started to fall out, coming from behind the orange frame. Now it is a fist full of vermiculite falling out every day. We are very worried. What can we do. When the Stovax was installed should the vermiculite have been mixed with cement. With covid lockdown all Sovax dealers are closed, so is this a job a non-expert can do ?

Stove expert replied: Inset stoves can be back filled with vermiculite to ensure that the heat the stove produces is not lost through the surrounding brickwork etc, ideally it would be worth getting your installer back if possible (work can be undertaken in a property even during the Covid restrictions following the guidelines that are in place). If you are DIY competent then you need to expose the area of concern and replace the vermiculite and make good.

Overall rating:

2 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 2 flames (avg 3.9)
Ease of lighting 3 flames (avg 3.8)
Firebox size 4 flames (avg 4)
How well does the airwash work 1 flames (avg 3.6)
Controllability 1 flames (avg 3.7)
Handle operation 1 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)