WhatStove?

Review of Villager Chelsea Solo

Reaching the end of it''s life?

Simon Russell 8 years ago

We installed this around 6 years ago.

Whilst it's been a good fire - we quickly found that the baffle plate bent after two or years, the fire-bricks have been replaced and have recently just cracked again, and the glass system is appalling. It doesn't allow for easy rope replacement at all - also, one of the studs sheared when I was trying to take a nut off to get to the glass.

I doubt I'd recommend this fire frankly.

Stove expert replied: For internal parts to fail quickly is an implication that the flue draw may be too high for this stove (see the manual for the manufacturers guidelines). Cracked fire-bricks can still be used providing they are staying in place to protect the metal of the stove. The stud may be able to be drilled out to enable the glass re-fitting if you can find a local engineer to undertake the work.

Overall rating:

3.5 flames

Build Quality 3 flames (avg 3.6)
Quality of finish 5 flames (avg 3.9)
Value for money 4 flames (avg 3.9)
Ease of use 4 flames (avg 4.2)
Ease of lighting 5 flames (avg 4.4)
Firebox size 3 flames (avg 3.6)
How well does the airwash work 3 flames (avg 3.8)
Controllability 4 flames (avg 3.6)
Handle operation 4 flames (avg 3.1)
How likely are you to buy it again? 2 flames (avg 3.5)
What is your overall satisfaction? 3 flames (avg 3.7)