Cheap cast iron Kresnik stove comments please

P-J-D_2

Hi Folks my landlord has commissioned a builder to install a multifuel stove and liner in the property I'm renting.

I was not consulted in the process and the stove that has been chosen is a "Kresnik" make, and I'm concerned because it's SO much cheaper than other stoves, and unlike other brands, I can't find useful information about it.

It's made of cast iron, which is fine, but I am aware that super-budget cast iron stoves have potential problems.

This is the product link. I am suspicious of the reviews - I've not seen ANY reviews of the product elsewhere - and these are all positive - on the retailers site.

http://www.toolbox.co.uk/kresnik-cast-iron-multifuel-5165-401467

I just NEED a working stove and cosmetics aren't a concern, and the stove is being fitted tomorrow so it's too late to stop it (I shall express my concerns to the builder in the morning) but I would very much appreciate some comments/feedback...

Greenfires

Looks like a generic Chinese import. Some importers are paying around £30 a chuck for these things. Wouldn't be something I'd buy, and unlikely to be a patch on a quality model, but if it's going in for free, then go with it I guess. Presumably the builder will be fitting a CO alarm and having the installation signed off by building control if he's not HETAS registered?

P-J-D_2

Thanks for the comments!

Stove is installed now.

Fitter was recently qualified HETAS, so signed off himself... CO detector fitted.. smoke tested etc. Hes a very competent builder and has done everything he should have.

It wasn't 'free' exactly, but thats a long story I wont bore you with..

Will give an update, instructions say to run small fires for 3-4 days.

beelzebomb

Hi, I'm wondering how you're finding the stove now as I've seen these advertised?

P-J-D_2

Hi it's OK, but the parts (door handle, grate and grate mechanism, glass retainers) do not feel built to last and I wonder how easy it is to get replacements. It's a chinese import.

The vents do not completely shut off the air. I haven't used other stoves but I believe they should more or less seal off the air 100% when closed ??

Bought a thermometer and I find the stove a bit tricky to control. Might just be due to the size. I'm using slices of fuel logs (the compressed wood tubes) and hard wood pieces maybe 8"x3".

The glass will blacken up if you don't keep the draw strong.

Other than that I think it looks pretty cool I like the industrial look of it and it doesn't look obviously cheap. The hinges are pretty beefy on the door and it kicks out some heat.

However I'm have had a problem with some weird odour. Stove has been in for a few weeks now so can't imagine the paint is still curing. Until this problem is resolved I can't recommend the stove. It might be some other part of the installation - I've been unable to pinpoint the source of the smell. When I have further information I will post. I would like to recommend it as the price is good, but now I'm starting to wonder why they don't charge a bit more for it.

I've posted another thread about the smell with some pictures of the stove if you click on my ID and look at other posts you will see that. I need to write again on that thread..

I wish I could find more information or other owners of this stove.. all I can find are the supplier on the net.

Anthony_snh

Hi, be careful, the price does indicate of a low quality stove. There is nothing wrong with an imported stove from China, but rule of thumb is the lower the price the less material is used to build. So the unit will be thinner and wont last as long. I would recommend to pay at least £300 for a stove as a starting price, this will insure that it is made well and will last. Try searching for the firefox 5 stove !