Review of Villager Esprit 7 Solo stove
reasonably good overall stove despite odd internal design.
Bought this stove at a good discounted price owing to the fact that it is no longer made by Arada. I feel the reason for this is simple. In common with the Espirit 10 (Also discontinued) it shares a ridiculous throatplate that only partially covers the top of the stove, leaving about 25% exposed to bare flames. In addition to that the throatplate has 2 large flanges either side that inhibit re-fuelling, particularly with logs. I find "What Stoves" comments on another users criticism of this point unhelpful as there is only one way to install
the plate and that it the correct one! This feature apart the stove appears well made and functions well. It is easy to keep in overnight using solid fuel and the airwash is efficient.Stove expert replied: The throat plate is designed and tested to make this an efficient product, and is designed not to cover the whole of the top of the stove, it needs to have space for the gases to leave the firebox chamber and directs them to get the best burning process and cleaner emissions. Regarding the flanges on either side of the firebox, over filling the firebox to the extent that they inhibit the amount of fuel being used is not recommended. Refueling more often or using smaller logs would solve this.