WhatStove?

Review of Whisperdale stove

Maintenance and customer service

John Hirons 13 years ago

I bought this stove over the internet after looking at many others. It worked ok until I had to have the chimney swept. The chimney sweep could not remove the flue and struggled with it for a good half hour before giving up. I tried to sort it out and then phoned the manufacturer. I was asked by the woman who answered the phone where I had bought it and |I told her over the internet. She said that they did not sell over the internet - only through their dealer network and therefore was reluctant to help me. I wonder how the stove got to an internet dealer in the first place???? And how was I to know what there outdated rules and regulations are all about??? After some discussion she told me that it was best to remove the side fire bricks and then try to shift the flue. I am an engineer and it took me some time to shift the flue far enough to allow the chimney to be swept. Even though I was careful I could not replace the bricks without breaking one of them.

This is a poor design and made by people whose sales philosophy is to favour the dealer before the customer. I wish I had bought another Woodwarm stove.

Stove expert replied: Many companies have concerns regarding internet sales but these are changing ensuring that customer support is maintained to a high standard wherever the stove is purchased. The liners are normally removed along with the baffle to enable sweeping through the stove if applicable, this does not usually cause any problems.

Overall rating:

3 flames

Build Quality 3 flames (avg 4.3)
Quality of finish 4 flames (avg 4.3)
Value for money 3 flames (avg 3.7)
Ease of use 3 flames (avg 4)
Ease of lighting 3 flames (avg 4)
Firebox size 4 flames (avg 3.7)
How well does the airwash work 3 flames (avg 3.7)
Controllability 3 flames (avg 3.7)
Handle operation 4 flames (avg 4.3)
How likely are you to buy it again? 1 flames (avg 3.3)
What is your overall satisfaction? 2 flames (avg 3.7)