WhatStove?

Review of Esse 200 stove

A good stove

Gavin Collinson 10 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)