Stovax Brunel 2CB: Traditional Style with Cleanburn Efficiency

The Stovax Brunel 2CB delivers 6kW of dependable heat in a compact cast-iron body, with Cleanburn efficiency, multifuel capability, and classic enamel finishes.

August 27, 2015
By Reece Toscani
Leave a Comment

Stove Spotlights

The Brunel Range

The Stovax Brunel 2CB sits at the heart of the Brunel range, offering a reliable 6 kW output in a cast-iron body designed for medium-sized rooms. Compact, efficient, and built with traditional styling, it combines Stovax’s long heritage of cast stove manufacturing with practical updates that improve ease of use and durability. The “CB” in its name stands for Clean Burn, a feature that sets this stove apart with a dedicated air supply channelled into the stainless-steel baffle to improve combustion efficiency.

The Brunel collection consists of three models, each designed to suit different requirements:

Brunel 1A – the smallest stove, a 4 kW multifuel option for compact rooms.
Brunel 2CB – the mid-sized model, delivering 6 kW of heat with multifuel flexibility and Cleanburn technology.
Brunel 3CB – the largest, a 7 kW wood-only stove for larger spaces.

This places the 2CB firmly in the middle, ideal for those who want more output than the 1A can provide, but without the space demands of the 3CB.

Specifications at a Glance

Fuel type: Multifuel (wood and approved smokeless fuels)
Heat output: 6 kW nominal (range approx. 3–8 kW)
Efficiency: ~78–79%
Flue outlet: 5″ (125–127 mm), top or rear connection
Dimensions: 437 mm (W) × 640 mm (H) × 335 mm (D)
Weight: ~90 kg
Maximum log length: 330 mm (13″)
Finishes available: Matt Black, Ivory enamel, Laurel Green enamel, Midnight Blue enamel
Optional features: 175 mm long-leg set, boiler version for domestic hot water

Clean Burn Technology

The “CB” designation highlights the stove’s Clean Burn system. A push/pull rod located beneath the stove channels pre-heated air up the back of the firebox and into the stainless-steel baffle. This promotes better secondary combustion of gases, improving both efficiency and flame quality. It was a clever addition for its time, making the 2CB more advanced than many traditional stoves still on the market.

The Stainless Steel Baffle & Air Controls

The stainless-steel baffle plate is one of the Brunel 2CB’s standout design elements. It heats up faster than a cast-iron equivalent, aiding combustion and allowing the stove to reach operating temperature more quickly. However, the design was not without drawbacks. The baffle was secured in place with multiple screws that often seized after a few years of use. For servicing or sweeping, the baffle had to be removed unless the installer had fitted a flue access hatch, making chimney maintenance a potential frustration if not considered at installation.

The Brunel 2CB keeps things simple with three separate air controls:

Primary air: A rotary wheel on the front of the stove, feeding air beneath the fuel bed.
Secondary/airwash: A slider located on the top-right, directing air down across the glass to help keep it clear.
Clean Burn control: The push/pull rod beneath the stove, channelling pre-heated air through the baffle for improved secondary combustion.

This system is straightforward and robust. While not the most responsive compared to modern precision controls, it provides enough flexibility for both wood and smokeless fuels. The cast-iron body ensures excellent heat retention, continuing to radiate warmth long after the fire has died down.

Looking for a new woodburner?
Take a look at the full range available now on Redefining Woodburners

Grate, Ashpan, and Safety Features

Although marketed as a Cleanburn wood stove, the 2CB is a true multifuel model, fitted with a grate and ashpan. Ash removal is straightforward thanks to the separate ashpan door. The grate itself is externally riddling, operated by the supplied tool via a small ring outside the stove, allowing ash to drop cleanly into the pan without opening the firebox.

Importantly, Stovax addressed a long-standing problem with older stoves: users boosting airflow by leaving the ashpan door ajar during lighting. While this helped fires catch quickly, if left open too long it caused over-firing, dramatically shortening the life of grates and firebricks. The Brunel 2CB solved this with a safety stop mechanism — the ashpan door cannot be opened with the main glass door closed. This small but clever design tweak goes a long way towards ensuring the stove stands the test of time.

Handle and Day-to-Day Use

The stove’s ring-style handle adds to its traditional charm, but in use it becomes too hot to touch without protection. Stovax supplied a dedicated tool, which hooked into the handle to operate it safely. While effective, the hook design could feel fiddly in daily operation compared to more ergonomic handles on newer stoves.

Real-World Performance

Owners of the Brunel 2CB report a solid and dependable stove, with several notable strengths:

Reliable 6 kW output makes it well suited to medium-sized rooms.
Compact footprint with classic proportions.
Cleanburn system provides a bright flame pattern and improved efficiency.
Airwash system is generally effective when burning well-seasoned wood.
Cast-iron body retains heat for hours, providing background warmth even after the fire has gone out.
Choice of enamel finishes offered decorative appeal beyond the standard matt black.

That said, there are some practical drawbacks worth considering:

Firebricks often need replacing within 2–3 years of steady use.
The ashpan is on the small side, requiring frequent emptying.
Riddling mechanism can jam over time.
Some enamel finishes have been known to crack or flake with age.
On chimneys with strong draw, the stove can over-fire unless fitted with a stabiliser or damper.
Baffle removal for sweeping remains a servicing challenge unless a flue access door is included at installation.

The Stovax Brunel 2CB remains a solid choice for those seeking a traditional cast-iron multifuel stove with proven Cleanburn technology. Positioned neatly between the smaller 1A and the larger 3CB, it delivers a practical 6 kW output ideal for most medium-sized living spaces. Its combination of classic design, enamel finish options, and sensible engineering tweaks — such as the ashpan safety stop and externally riddling grate — give it broad appeal.

While not without quirks, particularly around the stainless-steel baffle and hot-to-touch handle, the Brunel 2CB is a dependable, well-built stove that rewards owners with reliable heat and longevity when installed and operated correctly. For households looking for a traditional stove with modern cleanburn efficiency, the 2CB represents a well-balanced middle ground in the Stovax Brunel range.

About This Spotlight

This Stove Spotlight was originally published on the Fireplace Products blog back in 2014. As part of our acquisition of the Fireplace Products YouTube Channel, we also gained access to these historic posts, which were written by myself and my team. To preserve the archive and maintain continuity with the videos, we’ve re-formatted and re-uploaded them here using their original post dates.

If you’d like to explore our latest reviews and features, you can find all of our most recent Stove Spotlights here.

Have you ever owned a Stovax Brunel 2CB, or do you still run one today?
Share your experience in the comments below — we’d love to hear how yours has performed over the years.

See related stories to this one:

Old Woodburners

Reece Toscani

Reece has over two decades in the fireplace and stove world — testing, reviewing, and occasionally getting covered in soot, all in the name of wood-fired home heating. He cuts through the nonsense, busts the myths, and shares straight-talking advice to help you enjoy your stove without the confusion. From Fireplace Products to Redefining Woodburners, if it burns wood, he’s probably tested it, fixed it, or argued about it. Now, through Woodburner Insights, he shares that experience with the world — both here and on YouTube.