WhatStove?

Review of Esse Ironheart cooking range

esse ironheart

Peter Crocker 16 years ago

This is a stove that is great for heating a good sized kitchen. Maximum output into the room is 11 Kw, with 2.5 Kw into the water if you buy the back boiler version. It would be too much for a small room. I have the back boiler plumbed to a heat accumulator as it is best not to run the stove on "idle". Not for the purists, but just a few lumps of good quality coal in with the logs makes a big difference. Cooking on it is different from anything else, but very satisfying. Buy an oven thermometer and learn the effects of the different controls. The stove is efficient and there is no need to empty the ash every day. I haven't had to clean the internal flues yet so can not comment on that.

Overall rating:

3.5 flames

Build Quality 4 flames (avg 3.4)
Quality of finish 3 flames (avg 3.6)
Value for money 4 flames (avg 3.6)
Ease of use 4 flames (avg 3.8)
Ease of lighting 5 flames (avg 3.7)
Firebox size 4 flames (avg 4.3)
How well does the airwash work 4 flames (avg 3.5)
Controllability 3 flames (avg 3.6)
Handle operation 4 flames (avg 3.6)
How likely are you to buy it again? 4 flames (avg 3.5)
What is your overall satisfaction? 4 flames (avg 3.6)