Name: charnwood.com
Telephone: 01983537780
Rating: 4.7

Fleic Guest

Charnwood Arc 7 stove

I purchased a new Charnwood Arc 7 stove as a replacement last Autumn, and I could not be more pleased with it. Buying British was important to me.I chose the taller model with the log store as I like to heat water on top of the stove or use a pressure cooker, and that makes it a good working height (though a lot heavier - see “things to be aware of” below).It was fairly easy to install and its heat output is simply superb (though amazingly enough not too hot for our beagle whose coat must be woven with asbestos, though even she has to clear out occasionally!!!). I have it in an open plan kitchen/dining room, and once it is up to temperature it heats the whole area, plus the sitting room, and eventually the rest of the house if the doors are left open.This is one of the new eco-friendly stoves which can be used in a smokeless zone (though I don’t live in one) so it is very efficient. The air control is simply tremendous, and once you get it burning well you will swear it has its own gas supply as the flames flare out of the air holes in the back vermiculite panels. The large glass door makes this effect all the more spectacular!! Despite all this heat output it can be situated quite close to flammables, as it has a very clever built-in heatshield construction.Compared to the cheapo stove I had previously this is made to last, and I don’t expect to need to buy another one in my lifetime.The stove arrived with several extras free of charge including a free tin of spray paint (quite expensive) and a pair of very long thick gloves (which I thought were rather overkill). However once it was going at full power I realised why - you almost need a full body suit to add sticks when it gets to the glowing embers stage.Things to be aware of:-As mentioned this model is heavy. I took it almost completely apart to install it, but it was still quite a strain for me and my mate to get it into place. Re-assembly was straightforward as exploded diagrams are available on the website, and in the instruction booklet. It obviously needs a strong enough floor to stand on, and thick enough tiles beneath it.The giant glass door mentioned above can get a little blackened in use as I burn a lot of Pine and Larch, but so far has been easily cleaned. The more stubborn marks can be removed with ceramic hob cleaner. Although the inside panels blacken when the fire is getting established, once full heat output is achieved they end up completely clean, and look like they will be very long lasting.I burn chunky, blocky wood, and sometimes when it crumbles with the heat the fragments can fall forward within the stove and end up resting over the edge of the front grate. They can then tumble out of the door when it is opened. This means you need good fireproof flooring in front of the door which swings quite wide when open. However not a major issue.As the heat is so intense the wood is reduced to charcoal and light fluffy ash, and this ash floats on the hot air very easily. Therefore when opening the door to add wood it should be opened as gently as possible and the air allowed to escape up the chimney for a little while, otherwise the ash can be drawn out as you open the door.Finally I would advise the purchase of an ash vacuum cleaner (I bought the Lidl one which has been quite satisfactory so far) as when it comes time to clean out the ash it drifts about quite a bit.In summary expensive – relatively, recommended - absolutely (my wife is simply astounded by it).

Date of experience: Feb 18, 2020

sunnysun9514 Guest

7 years ago

To be fair....

After my previous post, Matt at Vlaze returned from paternity leave and made the bespoke (size and fixing holes) hearth and heatshield a reality. Colour is from a limited number of non-standard whites. They were delivered today. FANTASTIC! Exact dimensions ordered and the colour is perfect Can't wait to fit them. Very happy customer!

Date of experience: Aug 13, 2018

Clinton Cook Guest

8 years ago

Fantastic Customer Service

we bought a Charnwood C5 through a 3rd party and ended up having some issues with the installation so contacted Charnwood directly. I have to say they were just brilliant by phone and went above and beyond to help us ensure that the Stove was working as it should. Great product too. Thanks Charnwood!