WhatStove?

Review of Esse W35 range cooker

Esse-- Very disappointed

David Loneragan 9 years ago

I am writing from Australia, and the Esse stove we bought has been a HUGE disappointment. I have operated wood burning stoves before (the wonderful local stove "Everhot"which we used to heat water and bake bread), and also various wood fired heaters. The Esse runs our 4 radiators well enough, but we have NEVER been able to use the oven. We use what we think is probably properly seasoned wood, but the stove seems to need cleaning every 3 weeks. Every time you open the door, a lot of smoke does come out. The fire has no draught/draw to the firebox at all. After only one year, one oven door spring failed, and the hinge covers for the hot plate covers came loose. Very disappointed.

Overall rating:

1.5 flames

Build Quality 1 flames (avg 3.4)
Quality of finish 3 flames (avg 3.6)
Value for money 1 flames (avg 2.6)
Ease of use 1 flames (avg 2.5)
Ease of lighting 2 flames (avg 2.8)
Firebox size not yet rated (avg 3.3)
How well does the airwash work 1 flames (avg 2.2)
Controllability 3 flames (avg 2.7)
Handle operation 3 flames (avg 3.1)
How likely are you to buy it again? 1 flames (avg 2.2)
What is your overall satisfaction? 1 flames (avg 2.5)