Review of Stovax Riva 55 stove
Riva Just Right
We used to have a large open fire with a dog grate that just swallowed up bags of timber and coal like the firebox of a steam train, but at the same time produced very little heat for the cost of running it. The room is large with a high ceiling and, in winter, even with the fire blazing we would need the central heating on to warm the room. And then came the Riva 55. After years of debate about losing our open fire and the cost of installing a stove, we bit the bullet and had a Riva 55 fitted.
It did not take very long to learn how to get the best out of this stove. Once lit, stoke it up well to bring it up to temperature, and then it is almost just like controlling a gas fire. The combination of the main air intake and the airwash give a level of control that I did not think was possible with a solid fuel burner. The secret lies in getting the fire up to working temperature as soon as possible.Once you have done that it is easy to regulate the output from as low as a couple of kilowatts to a roaring 8kw. We have found that not only does the Riva 55 provide ample heat for the room it is in, but that it also manages to take the chill out of the rest of the house. We have not had the stove for very long but we can already see how much more economical it can be. We are using a fraction of the timber and coal the open fire used to consume. For example: this evening I lit the fire and then shortly afterwards I threw on a couple of small shovels of coal. I did not have to put another piece of firing on for the night. It was just a matter of turning the heat output up or down as needed. It is now 3am and what is left of the coal is just smouldering and still managing to keep the room warm. Which is what prompted me to write this review so late. Never thought I could get so excited about a stove!!!! Have not had the stove long enough to comment on reliability and longevity of parts but in all other respects this stove is five star. Highly recommended. The only question we have left to as ourselves is: "Why did we wait so long to get one?" PS: Have to agree with previous reviewers about missing TV because of watching the fire dance instead.Stove expert replied: Comments good and customer happy with not only warmth but viewing picture. Good marks for this stove.
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