Ultimately, yes it depends on how much you can spend. But there may be different circumstances. If you need to urgently replace a nonfunctional wood burner and it's your main heating/hot water you may have to settle for what the money you have in the bank right now will pay for. If you have the luxury of waiting and are able to save (or possibly if you able to utilise credit) it may be worth paying more for a more efficient one, which will last longer or save on wood (depending on where you get your wood) or own your own time. If the woodburner is such a pain to light that you switch on the heating instead, you aren't exactly benefiting from it. Or if it can't be left in overnight and you need supplementary heating in the morning, you aren't saving money. If it breaks down in considerably less time you will have to replace it, possibly spending more than you might have on a higher quality one and still having to put up with a woodburner which isn't meeting your needs in the meantime. Tis the Captain Vimes Boots Theory of Economics. Dinner parties don't come into it. I couldn't give a monkeys what anyone else thinks. I want a product that works for me with the minimum amount of inconvenience. I'll happily spend more (and save longer for) good design that works well and lasts well, and I think they save money in the long term. I only mentioned a brand because I know it worked well. I realise not everyone is in a position to, or prefers to choose to spend money to get better product, AND that a more expensive product isn't necessarily better, or better enough to justify its price difference. But in my experience, in the case of woodburners, it absolutely is. Which was the question. |
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Woo |
"Has anyone bought any of these 'cheapos' , whether it be this particular one or any other make? Any and recommendations advice will be much appreciated"
This was the question. to be fair. I am sure Bodger had already been hanging his nose over all the 'top brands' and saying 'if only i could', 'we should save up' and 'what about putting it on the never never' i was simply trying to answer the question and introduce a point of view not already expressed here many many times. |
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Mistress Rose |
I agree with WW. We have had a Clearview for years and it is still going strong. As far as cost per year is concerned, it is far cheaper than needing a couple of fires in that time, and having to replace bits, or them being difficult to control.
Another way of going about it if you have time is to go round to some of the shows where people sell their own wares. I have seen a few people who make stoves at some of them. Difficult to describe the sort of show, but woodfair heavy on the practical rather than the airy fairy or display for the townsfolk. |
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Bodger |
We're still trying to sell our property, that's why I don't want to lash out too much if I can help it. | ||||||||||||||
onemanband |
There is a warning somewhere on ebay (and I think I've linked to it here before) about cheap stoves with fake ce plates etc.
I bought a cheapy, but from a reputable shop that also sells expensive stoves. I've not used an expensive stove so I can't compare, but I've no complaints. http://www.gr8fires.co.uk/mazona-aston-5-5-kw-multi-fuel-stove It's been my only heat for 4 years - runs 24/7 over winter. Had to replace baffle plate last year - new part was in stock, no problem. |
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Ty Gwyn |
If that is your reasoning Bodger,possibly a compromise would be a 2nd hand branded make,my neighbour picked up a nice Hunter on e-bay for £150,surprising how many people take them out when they realise purchased wood is not cheap and cutting your own is hard work.
When I was looking for one I was surprised at the price of some of the branded makes,a lot on here recommended Clearview,but I ended up getting a Parkray,with all the same features at a 1/3rd of the price. I looked at loads of different makes but found the cheaper Chinese cast iron ones very light compared with other makes. |
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Bodger |
I've been going through the adds on E- bay for a couple of days now, second hand is a definite possibility.
On Monday, we intend visiting a couple of the fairly local stove showrooms. Up to St Asaph and then cross country to one in Oswestry. |
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Bodger |
There is a warning somewhere on ebay (and I think I've linked to it here before) about cheap stoves with fake ce plates etc.
I bought a cheapy, but from a reputable shop that also sells expensive stoves. I've not used an expensive stove so I can't compare, but I've no complaints. http://www.gr8fires.co.uk/mazona-aston-5-5-kw-multi-fuel-stove It's been my only heat for 4 years - runs 24/7 over winter. Had to replace baffle plate last year - new part was in stock, no problem. |