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Review of Villager Bayswater stove

Villager Bayswater

Ken Rice 15 years ago

We have this unit in our house in France burning wood only with a metal conversion plate fitted to the burner grate. On reflection we would have been better with the unit designed specifically for wood which some friends of ours have. They get a better performance from theirs because the air vents over the top off the wood rather than from underneath.

Stove expert replied: absolutely right - wood burns best on a bed of ash with it's supply of air from above. If you are only going to burn wood then opt for a dedicated woodburner as this reviewer suggests. The firebox will be bigger too as there will be no grate which means you can fit bigger lengths in.

Overall rating:

3 flames

Build Quality 3 flames (avg 3.8)
Quality of finish 4 flames (avg 3.9)
Value for money 3 flames (avg 4)
Ease of use 3 flames (avg 4)
Ease of lighting 3 flames (avg 4.2)
Firebox size 2 flames (avg 3.6)
How well does the airwash work 5 flames (avg 4.3)
Controllability 4 flames (avg 3.9)
Handle operation 3 flames (avg 4.1)
How likely are you to buy it again? 2 flames (avg 3.8)
What is your overall satisfaction? 3 flames (avg 3.9)