WhatStove?

Review of Franco Belge Monaco stove

Baffle Design Issue

Vincent O'dowd 10 years ago

Great stove but there is definitely a design issue with the baffle. Our Monaco has been installed for five years and the first baffle warped and was replaced at a nominal cost by the dealer after two and a half years. This week I've noticed that the baffle has warped and dropped once again which got me thinking there must be an issue so I investigated on the web and I am amazed at the number of people who have had the same problem.

I agree that the two lugs on the inner casing are pathetically too short and cannot sufficiently retain the baffle plate. I hope the dealer is equally sympathetic this time when I approach him for a replacement plate. Incidentally, we only burn well seasoned wood and have never used solid fuel so the argument that we operate the stove too hot is rubbish.

The most annoying thing about this is that two of our friends bought much, much cheaper stoves at about the same time and have not had a single issue with their supposedly "inferior" stoves. However, we are going to be faced with significant maintenance costs every few years plus having the stove out of action as we await spare parts to be delivered. Franco Belge need to pull their finger out and accept that they've dropped a clanger with this stove design and issue a retro-fit solution to the short lugs issue and re-design the baffle plate to avoid the burn-out of the bolts that retain the half moon cleat at the rear. AVOID THIS MODEL if you want trouble-free heating.

Stove expert replied: Two baffle plates in five years is not excessive, disappointing maybe. Consumable items will need replaceing on any stove.

Overall rating:

3 flames

Build Quality 1.5 flames (avg 2.7)
Quality of finish 5 flames (avg 3.6)
Value for money 1 flames (avg 2.8)
Ease of use 5 flames (avg 3.6)
Ease of lighting 5 flames (avg 3.8)
Firebox size 3 flames (avg 3.7)
How well does the airwash work 3.5 flames (avg 3.8)
Controllability 2 flames (avg 2.8)
Handle operation 4.5 flames (avg 3.8)
How likely are you to buy it again? 0.5 flames (avg 2)
What is your overall satisfaction? 1.5 flames (avg 2.6)