WhatStove?

Review of Stratford EB 25 HE

Uncontrollable

Michaelgray Morsetaper 5 years ago

Poorly designed overall. Its impossible to shutdown the stove enough for it to stay lit overnight. So it burns too high most of the time, which means the pipe stat kicks in a lot to pump extra heat to the radiators. It also spills smoke easily out the door when it is opened, and as there is no bar along the base front it also easily spills out burning wood. I''m amazed that stove design seems to have gone backwards since the last Stratford Boiler model that we had previously.

Stove expert replied: If the stove is not controllable it may be due to an over-drawing flue system which although may have suited previous stoves may not suit this model without remedial work, this should be investigated further. These are normally very controllable stoves when installed correctly and if using smokeless fuel should easily keep in for overnight burning, unlikely if only wood being used to have a lot left in the firebox but the hot ash should be able to be re-kindled if the air controls are set effectively. The thermostat on the stove itself, can be regulated to control the water temperature and do check that the damper flap has not become jammed open with ash, which can also lead to poor control overall. There is a fuel retaining bar that fits at the front of the firebox, so this should keep the fuel away from the front edge if the fuel is pushed to the back when loaded, if you are over-loading the stove then ash can spill onto the hearth when the door is open. This is a high output model so please make sure that you have either an airbrick in the room or use the direct air feed that is optional, this should help to overcome smoke coming back into the room when the door is opened. These models have gone through a complete design change since previous Stratford models to give greater efficiency, quicker heating up times and have a more modern appearance. Do also check that the door seals and intact and are forming a good seal and that the glass gasket is in place.

Overall rating:

3.5 flames

Build Quality 3 flames (avg 3.9)
Quality of finish 4 flames (avg 4.3)
Value for money 2 flames (avg 3)
Ease of use 2 flames (avg 3.4)
Ease of lighting 3 flames (avg 4.2)
Firebox size 4 flames (avg 4.3)
How well does the airwash work 4 flames (avg 3.7)
Controllability 5 flames (avg 3.7)
Handle operation 5 flames (avg 3.6)
How likely are you to buy it again? 2 flames (avg 3.3)
What is your overall satisfaction? 2 flames (avg 3.6)