WhatStove?

Review of Stratford EB 25 HE

Disappointed with Raking control

Karen Morris 3 years ago

Can you advise me how you are meant to rake this fire when the raker (riddle) control on the side of the fire only moves a small amount, and the bars are so close together that the ash from the coal ends up being pushed to the back of the fire. It gets stuck there as there is no gap at the back for the ash to fall down- so you end up not being able to rake the fire by the control. You end up having to use a poker to move the ash from the back of the fire and try and get it to fall between the bars which is hard work, and the dust from the fire ends up everywhere in the room as I have to have the door open to rake the fire .

Stove expert replied: Please try an alternative smokeless fuel as the ash content varies greatly between the products on the market. The grate bars are designed to be more open for smokeless fuel and closed more for wood burning so do make sure you know which setting is which. When you riddle the stove the ash will be shaken and if not compacted will fall through the gaps in the bars, perhaps more frequent riddling could be tried but ideally leaving a small bed of ash on the bars which will protect them and elongate their lifetime.

Overall rating:

5 flames

Build Quality 5 flames (avg 3.9)
Quality of finish 5 flames (avg 4.3)
Value for money 5 flames (avg 3)
Ease of use 5 flames (avg 3.4)
Ease of lighting 5 flames (avg 4.2)
Firebox size 5 flames (avg 4.3)
How well does the airwash work 3 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? 5 flames (avg 3.3)
What is your overall satisfaction? 5 flames (avg 3.6)