Scandia Helix

Reliable, lower priced heater for last 8yrs – As with the other reviews I have had my share of problems, but none insurmountable.- I live in a cold area of Victoria, our coldest has been -8 and we usually get a -5 or -4 once or twice a winter. Yes the air tube to keep the glass clean failed pretty quickly, I never replaced it as I felt it was a gimmick anyway. And yes the fire bricks… Read more ·  1

break, including the top one but I hold it up with a 10mm diameter steel rod placed where the air tube used to be. Other fire bricks I just leave them where they are, despite the cracks they still do the job. All wood heaters produce dust and ash and this one is no different, just remember to crack the door open and let the air rush in, a lot of dust will be taken up the chimney. You'll still get dust just not the copious amounts as if you swing the door wide open. They say hardwood only but to be honest I have burnt all sorts of rubbish in mine, cedar, cypress, wattle, radiata, banksia, eucalypt even old pallets. Completed 8 winters of service and before the 9th I will replace the bricks with new ones; they're not cheap and not the 'general' ones in Bunnings - you have to order them ~$400 including the cast iron grate - I'll replace that too. It warped badly so I turned it upside down and got longer out of it but it is now broken so I'll replace it. Replacing the bricks every 3yrs and the ash grate every 8 or so is pretty normal with wood heaters like this I think. I typically don't buy a lot of wood, just collect it myself from wherever so this expense never worries me.

Looks good, however doesn't last – Have to replace the fire bricks every 12 months as they crack in the middle, and you have to buy the whole set. I've had to replace the bottom plate, it has a 12 month warranty however burnt out after 2 years (Scandia replaced it free of charge though). Does look good, however next time will look at a more robust item. Show details