WhatStove?

Review of Franco Belge Monaco stove

Happy with our Franco

Chris Thompson 9 years ago

For years we had an open fire where we burned wood, solid fuel and coal. When the fire back needed replacing, we reluctantly decided to fit a stove as we live in a smoke control area. It was definitely the best decision we have ever made - the room with an open fire was draughty when the fire was on and cold when it was not. We also were continually decorating to remove soot traces from the chimney breast. After spending weeks trawling around the stove suppliers and getting totally conflicting information, we spotted the Franco Belge range. We were impressed by the look of them and liked the large window of the Monaco. We were however put off by the reviews and the baffle plate issues. I contacted FB and was told that a recent modification (2012) has stopped any issues with the baffle plate, so we bought one off the internet (several hundred pounds cheaper than the local suppliers). The installation was completed a year ago and we have a superb stove that has burned virtually every night for 4/5 hours since (yes, even in the summer months as my wife so loves Franco). We had a chimney liner connected and pot cover to enable the stove to be controllable - I would certainly recommend this to stop the stove over burning. We have burned soft and hard wood logs and lots of old pallets, Franco is so controllable. We have the DEFRA approved version being in a smokeless zone (there is a small air vent in the back of the stove that allows a little flow of air at all times, so the stove will not stay alight all night). When Franco arrived I adjusted the weight (two nuts and bolts) on the base of the baffle plate to enable the holding pegs to be as far on the front as possible. So far we have had no issues with the baffle plate, finding it easy to remove and replace for cleaning. The glass stays very clear IF the wood burned is dry, wet wood will produce some screen blackening but the glass self cleans as the fire gets hot. Non scratching glass cleaner removes any deposits within a few minutes the following day. Overall we are extremely pleased with 'Franco', great heat, nothing dropped off as yet and a great view of the fire when burning. The detachable handle is great, meaning that we do not need an ugly glove in our lounge

Overall rating:

5 flames

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