Stovax stoves review

Pitted against each other, how were well-known wood-burning stove brands, including Stovax, Clearview, Charnwood and Morso, rated by their customers? 

Having asked a number of customers how satisfied they were with their stove and whether they would recommend it, two brands broke away from the pack, leading with high scores of 94% and 90%.

In comparison, the brand in last place got just 70%. But that's not all we asked stove owners. We also asked them to rate their stove on five different areas – read on below for more.

Only logged-in Which? members can access the ratings for Stovax and all the other brands. If you're not already a member, get instant access by joining Which? today.

Stovax multi-fuel and wood-burning stoves ratings

Find out how Stovax stoves were rated for the following individual attributes: ease of using and controlling, value for money, quality and finish, durability and ease of cleaning.

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For a full round-up of the scores for all of the brands we've rated, visit our page on the best wood-burning stove brands.

Stovax log burners and multi-fuel stoves

You can flick through the image gallery below to see a selection of the wood-burning stoves (also called log burners and wood burners) and multi-fuel stoves that Stovax sells.

Stovax wood burner and multi-fuel stoves

Stovax sells an extensive range of both traditional and modern stoves. Some of the models can be built-in or inset, which means they can be mounted within a wall or closed hearth. They vary widely in size, with many space-saving and large eye-catching models.

A few also come in a wide range of colours, including cream, grey, green, brown and blue. Stovax also owns a few other stove brands, such as Dovre and Yeoman. The ratings on this page are for Stovax stoves only. 

Log burner and multi-fuel stoves: Both types are available through Stovax.

Because fuels burn differently, if you're planning on only burning wood, we'd suggest choosing a dedicated log burner as opposed to a multi-fuel stove that can also burn other fuels, such as coal. You can find out more on our wood-burning vs multi-fuel stoves. 

Other types of stove: Stovax has two stoves that you can cook on, thanks to a wider than normal top (see image below).

One of Stovax's models is also a boiler, while others come with a boiler option. Both enable you to heat your entire home, rather than just one room. You can find out more about heating your whole house using a stove by visiting our page on biomass heating systems.

It also sells gas stoves under the brand of Gazco and electric stoves – visit our full guide to gas and electric stoves to help you decide which type of stove is best for your home.

Stove wattages: Around 4kW to 11kW.

Efficiency, Ecodesign and Defra-exempt stoves: Ranging from around 70% to 88% efficient, most of Stovax's stoves also use convection and cleanburn systems (also referred to by Stovax as triple air) to make the stoves more efficient. 

These essentially mean that additional cool and hot air (sometimes called secondary or tertiary) are introduced to the stove, helping to burn off more of the smoke and gases. An airwash system should help to keep the glass clean, too..

As of 2022, EU regulations will stipulate that all newly manufactured stoves must meet higher efficiency levels. Some manufacturers, including Stovax, are already making stoves to fit this criteria. These are labelled Ecodesign Ready.

A number of its stoves are also Defra-exempt. If you live in a smoke-controlled area (you can check this on the Defra website) you will need to either only burn smokeless fuel or, if you want to burn wood, buy a Defra-exempt stove.

Find out more about Defra-exempt and Ecodesign Ready stoves, as well as the effects of stoves on pollution and what you can do to minimise them, by visiting our page on stoves and pollution.

Stove features: Features on Stovax stoves include:

• built-in log store
• airwash system to help keep the glass clearer
• integral electric fan to push warm air around the room
• externally-controlled riddling grate to make cleaning ash easier
• stainless steel heat exchanger said to help it heat up quicker
• cleanburn and convection technology to make it more efficient (mentioned above).

You can find out from stove owners what features they really value and are worth spending out on by visiting our page on how to buy a wood-burning stove.

Stove accessories, fuel storage and fuel: From fire baskets and grates to hearth gates and log holders, Stovax sells a wide range of stove accessories and small-scale indoor storage options. It doesn't sell fuel.

Where to buy Stovax stoves: You can purchase Stovax's stove through a high number of independent stove shops. Some are approved by Stovax and are part of what it calls its Expert Retailer Network.

After sales care and spares: When you buy a Stovax stove through one of its recognised retailers, you automatically get a two year warranty. This can be extended to five years by registering your stove on its website within one month of the purchase or installation. 

Registering any safety appliance with the manufacturer is also useful if there is ever a recall or issue identified with the model. You'll need to service the appliance yearly for the warranty to be valid, which is something we would recommend doing anyway. 

You can find out more about looking after your stove on our using a stove page.

Before you buy a stove, it's important to remember that a stove isn't something you can install yourself. It needs to meet regulations and be installed safely.

Make sure you visit our page on installing a log burner or multi-fuel stove for everything you need to know.