WhatStove?

Review of Stovax Stockton 5 stove

Good output

Jane 14 years ago

We had always had Villager stoves before, but moving to a new area we found our local stove shop didn't stock them and would only install one if they sourced it and we paid full price. So we changed to Stovax. We have the Stockton 5 with the multi-fuel grate. It throws out good heat, is very easy to light and, thankfully this winter, is very easy to keep in overnight. The door glass does darken but that is easily cleaned with damp newspaper or for the odd stubborn bit ceramic hob cleaner (when it is cold).

The actual quality of the stove I am not so sure about. Within a year the door rope had failed, we have never experienced this before. The rope is a special soft rope and doesn't seem particularly hard wearing. Not 2 years old and our stove badly needs a repaint - will be this summers task, new rope - again! and despite never having run too hot (the description of this in the manual is alarming) the door glass has tiny bubbles in it now all along the top and it too needs replacing.

From the design point of view, it isn't easy to convert from multi-fuel to wood. Our Villager just had the grate lifted out, this is a much more complicated operation. Also while we appreciate the riddle we find that the way the sloping log/fuel bars are angled when we riddle any ash at the front works its way up through the bars on to the door and then, inevitably, onto the hearth the next time the door is opened.

So heat for output it has been great. It is currently our only form of heating. But for quality of build, plus the miserly guarantee (Villagers are 3 years, Stovax only 1) I am not completely convinced.

Stove expert replied: With the need to repaint and the glass problem it may be that the stove is being exposed to higher than normal working temperatures and would be worth further investigation to prevent further damage to the appliance. This could be due to an over-drawing flue, not all the time but on occasions. Have you noticed that the stoves performance varies in different weather conditions?

Overall rating:

3.5 flames

Build Quality 3 flames (avg 3.9)
Quality of finish 3 flames (avg 4.1)
Value for money 3 flames (avg 3.5)
Ease of use 4 flames (avg 3.7)
Ease of lighting 4 flames (avg 3.9)
Firebox size 3 flames (avg 3.3)
How well does the airwash work 3 flames (avg 3.1)
Controllability 3 flames (avg 3.2)
Handle operation 4 flames (avg 3.2)
How likely are you to buy it again? 3 flames (avg 3.1)
What is your overall satisfaction? 4 flames (avg 3.4)