With a heat output averaging 9kW, the Consort 9 fits nicely in the middle of our range. But there’s nothing average about the performance of this workhorse.

Forget DIY. The Consort 9 does it all: heats your home, runs your hot water, and toasts your crumpets. Despite its smaller stature it issues an amazing 9kW of heat, which is perfect for warming up family rooms. But that’s not all it does. The Consort 9 can burn wood, charcoal or sustainable fuels – change your mind at the twist of a cool-touch handle – and maintains its ‘Cleanburn’ system throughout.

This brilliant new technology works in two ways: firstly, a ‘recouper’ and internal lining ensure that heat stays inside the stove, being directed outwards rather than upwards. Secondly, unburned gases are reignited inside the stove, so that there’s less to go up the chimney. And in return for all this hard work, the Consort 9 doesn’t even ask you to clean it.

A special ‘airwash’ creates jets of hot air between fire and door, preventing the glass from getting blackened – so you can put away that dishcloth. The Consort 9’s busy doing it for you.