WhatStove?

Review of Morso 04 stove

Morso 04 December10

Richard Taylor 13 years ago

This is the second year we have had our Morso 04 stove. It was bought partly because it was the right size and output, but also it looks great and seemed to have been reviewed well on this site. I'm returning to share some comments as I found this comprehensive site to be so helpful when trying to chose a stove with no real past experience.

As you can see the ratings I've given this stove are generally excellent, but some further explaination may prove helpful:

- The main body is thick steel plate and the door is a high quality casting; both are well finished with no nasty sharp edges.

- If you like, and are prepared to pay a slight premium for well made products, then this stove is good value.

- It is difficult to think how the 04 could be made any simpler to operate. Lighting is totally drama free and the single push/pull control provides uncomplicated adjustment to the relatively sophisticated air flow options.

- The manufacturer does not recommend burning overnight because it is inefficient, but I have found (without aiming to achieve this) on more than one occasion sufficient hot embers remaining next day to just add more logs.

- The firebox is small and logs need to be cut to suit, but if you need a stove with relatively small exterior dimensions then this one fares quite well compared with others.

- The airwash works well, but in reality if you expect permanently spotless glass you are likely to be dissapointed with any stove. The main area needing fairly regular cleaning (rubbing with a screwed up piece of the lighting paper is often enough) is a narrow band of blackening across the bottom of the glass. Dark patches can inevitably be caused if a log falls forward or a particularly powerful jet of flame spurts out towards the front.

- The handle is a plain, solid, stainless steel lever that works well. Unlike on some larger stoves it is not removable and therefore it gets hot and a glove is needed.

- Having spent many hours inspecting stoves, reading reviews and talking to sales staff before buying the Morso 04, I became convinced that it was the best small stove around. Nothing has changed that view, and if like me you are drawn to the clean understated style, great view of the fire, high efficiency, easy operation and quality build, then I'm sure you would love it as much as I do.

Stove expert replied: Good quality at a reasonable price, easy to operate. Great review, and Defra approved for Smoke Control Areas what more can anyone expect?

Overall rating:

5 flames

Build Quality 5 flames (avg 4.4)
Quality of finish 5 flames (avg 4.6)
Value for money 5 flames (avg 4.2)
Ease of use 5 flames (avg 4.7)
Ease of lighting 5 flames (avg 4.5)
Firebox size 4 flames (avg 2.9)
How well does the airwash work 5 flames (avg 3.9)
Controllability 5 flames (avg 4.3)
Handle operation 5 flames (avg 3.8)
How likely are you to buy it again? 5 flames (avg 4)
What is your overall satisfaction? 5 flames (avg 4.3)