WhatStove?

Review of Esse Ironheart cooking range

A PROBLEM WITH THE IRONHEART

BRENDAN BRUCE 9 years ago

The Esse Ironheart is a good choice if you are looking for something which not only heats your kitchen, but which can also be used for cooking (both hob and oven). Unfortunately, there is a problem with the current build quality that only reveals itself over time. If you choose the enamelled stove top option you will find that the enamel flakes off over time leaving the (rusting) iron surface exposed in a very unsightly manner. Worse still, there is no remedy for this except to pay for the enamelling to be re-done as Esse won't do it under warranty, they claim the pitting and flaking is due to 'mishandling' of the top i.e. putting pans on it. In other words, it's the customer's fault for using the hobs for cooking.

So, my advice is to choose the UN-enamelled finish option. Not as good looking perhaps, but better in the long run. Esse may make reasonably good stoves, but seem lacking when it comes to customer service.

Overall rating:

2.5 flames

Build Quality 3 flames (avg 3.4)
Quality of finish 1 flames (avg 3.6)
Value for money 3 flames (avg 3.6)
Ease of use 3 flames (avg 3.8)
Ease of lighting 3 flames (avg 3.7)
Firebox size 3 flames (avg 4.3)
How well does the airwash work 3 flames (avg 3.5)
Controllability 3 flames (avg 3.6)
Handle operation 1 flames (avg 3.6)
How likely are you to buy it again? 2 flames (avg 3.5)
What is your overall satisfaction? 3 flames (avg 3.6)