After selling it’s products for 10 years to over one million people across Netherlands, Germany, and the United Kingdom, the Dutch brand Stoov is selling a variety of infrared wireless heating gadgets in Australia.
All Stoov heating products are cordless and are powered by a Li-ion battery that can be removed to be recharged.
The Australian Stoov infrared heating range includes cushions, seat warmers, seat covers, and a even one shaped like a hot water bottle:
- Ploov: Heated cushions in sizes 45×45 cm and 45×60 cm, suitable for a sofa back rest
- Homey: Electric replacement for a hot water bottle.
- Big Hug: Heated blanket for camping, sitting outside in the garden or on your office chair
- One: heated seat cushion
As a certified B Corporation (a for-profit corporation certified by B Lab for its social impact), Stoov’s products are produced sustainably, made from quality materials that have a long-lasting life cycle. The products are mostly made from recycled and recyclable materials, using recycled polyester (rPET) for the inners and filling of cushions.
The infrared technology heats the cushion or blanket to heat level of your choosing (1, 2, or 3) immediately after it is switched on, up to a maximum of 42 degrees celsius for safety.
Pricing starts at $159 for a Homey with the other products varying in price depending on your choice of fabric, size and whether you buy an extra battery.
At time of writing you can get $20 off by signing up to to the Stoov newsletter (wait for the popup at right corner of the site) and $30 off if you get a second Stoov product.
Unboxing & Heating Stats
| Ploov Cushion – Heating level | O | O O | O O O |
| Temperature | 28/32°C | 35/39°C | 38/42°C |
| Standard battery | 5h | 3,5h | 2,5h |
| Big battery | 9h | 6h | 4,5h |
| Homey – Heating level | O | O O | O O O |
| Temperature | 28/32°C | 35/39°C | 38/42°C |
| Standard battery | 4h | 3h | 2h |
Test Results
I’ve been testing a Homey hot water bottle replacement ($159+) and Ploov cushion ($174+) for the last few weeks in the middle of Winter and found that both provide a steady comfortable low/medium level of heat for roughly the promised level of hours.
In most respects Stoov products are superior to microwavable heat bags, except that heat bags are usually flexible so can wrap around areas a Stoov cannot eg: sore shoulder or neck.
Although Stoov products are tested as being safe, they do not recommend Stoov products be used by people with pacemakers and women during pregnancy.
Children under the age of 3 should not use Stoov products as they cannot respond to overheating. The company says their products may be used by children between 3 and 8 years old under supervision, always at the minimum temperature.
The standard Stoov 2600mAh battery ($74) takes roughly 2 hours to recharge vs the 4500mAh battery ($114) which takes roughly 4 hours to recharge. Extra batteries and covers can be purchased.
It is a shame that Stoov batteries are recharged via a proprietary power adaptor not USB-C PD, so don’t lose this power adaptor otherwise your Stoov will remain cold until you spend $39 for a new power adaptor.
It would also be useful if there was an easier visual indicator about how much battery life was left. To find out the battery status you have to press and hold the power button on your Stoov for 2 seconds and the label indicator will change to battery status, either 1 light for 33%ish, 2 lights for 67%ish or 3 lights for fully charged.
They don’t replace having to heat a room but a Stoov infrared wireless heating gadget will help you feel warmer so you could potentially heat your room to a lower temperature.
If I had to choose between the two I’d opt for the larger Ploov because it works well as a warm sofa cushion or chair backrest while I’m working but I’m guessing women are more likely to favour the Homey.
Are these Stoov products more expensive than a heat bag or hot water bottle? Definitely but they also last much longer than either of those before the heat runs out and are safer to use.
