WhatStove?

Review of Esse 350 stove

Esse 350 poor manufacturing standards

Philip 11 years ago

This stove has had wintertime evenings only use for just over a year. In the first 5 months the throatplate burnt out and was replaced 3 times by esse. I have now had one made by a local metal shop as each of the plates sent by esse burnt through within at most 8 weeks. The fireproof rope that excludes air has shrunk back and consequently the stove is less controllable than it would otherwise be. It will not burn overnight on any fuel. The firebrick linings are crumbling and this process started off early on. Be aware that the throat plate and the firebrick linings are expressly excluded from the warranty. The throaat plate and linings are necessary for the stove to function so their exclusion is worrying. It's a bit like giving a warranty on the body of a car but not the engine. This suggests to me that the manufacturers are aware that the quality of these items are poor. It is also the case that replacing throatplate and linings will be an annual running cost not metioned in sales blub on the esse website. I get the impression that much of the stove's materials and manufacture have been outsourced to the far east. A throat plate made from good quality mild steel should last longer than 8 weeks of evening time burning. I would not buy from esse again.

Stopve Expert Replied: Esse are not alone in excluding these parts from the warranty provided, all manufacturers do so as they are deemed as consumeable as is the glass. Warranties generally only cover the body of the stove against splitting or cracking.

Overall rating:

2.5 flames

Build Quality 3 flames (avg 3.4)
Quality of finish 3 flames (avg 3.4)
Value for money 2 flames (avg 3.2)
Ease of use 4 flames (avg 3.9)
Ease of lighting 5 flames (avg 3.9)
Firebox size 2 flames (avg 3.5)
How well does the airwash work 4 flames (avg 3.2)
Controllability 2 flames (avg 3.3)
Handle operation 4 flames (avg 3.8)
How likely are you to buy it again? 1 flames (avg 3.2)
What is your overall satisfaction? 1 flames (avg 3.4)