WhatStove?

Review of Esse 200 stove

A good stove

Gavin Collinson 9 years ago

We had this fitted about 15 months ago. The room is large and not well insulated. We have been impressed by the heat output and have added a fan to get the heat to the far end of a long room. I particularly like that the window remains clean and rarely needs cleaning. My other woodburner needs cleaning every couple of days (same wood).

I am irritated that on opening the door a small amount of hot ash falls onto the hearth. My other (cheaper) woodburner has a small metal grid to prevent this. Equally the handle gets very hot and you need the supplied glove to open the door.

I find that you need to get the chimney warm before it will draw effectively and now as a matter of routine, burn 2 pages of newspaper before attempting to lay a fire. Previously, we would get smoke coming into the room.

So in summary, I would recommend it. There are a couple of niggles, but you get used to it. It is a good value stove which produces good heat and is attractive.

Overall rating:

4 flames

Build Quality 4 flames (avg 4.6)
Quality of finish 4 flames (avg 4.3)
Value for money 5 flames (avg 4.7)
Ease of use 4 flames (avg 4.7)
Ease of lighting 3 flames (avg 4.7)
Firebox size 4 flames (avg 4.7)
How well does the airwash work 5 flames (avg 4.8)
Controllability 5 flames (avg 4.4)
Handle operation 3 flames (avg 4)
How likely are you to buy it again? 4 flames (avg 4.5)
What is your overall satisfaction? 4 flames (avg 4.7)