Pros- Burns really efficiently with dry hardwood. Easy starting with kindling, while cracking door open to stoke. Burns exceptionally hot even on lowest setting (perhaps too hot for some but we like it warm). Fairly safe on all settings just don't forget to close the door and walk away while stroking because it gets hot fast. Easy to move. Good hot 4 hour burn. Good coals for another couple hours. Easy to assemble. The 4inch inlet vent plate is nice. We have it in the basement. The reason we got this stove is because after the fire burned out in our old wood furnace, air would try to enter at its lowest point of the house, which is the basement. Air would flow through exhaust chimney and out the inlet vent into the basement with a smell. There was no way to modify and completely seal air tight. This vent negates the pressure, if you modify and seal the seams around the base and ash pan. Problem solved and objective complete. Satisfied far more in positive direction rather than dis-satisfied. Overall on scale 1-10 I give an 8+. Which is above expectations given the affordable price.
Slight cons- the damper sticks a little. Had to take off inlet vent to loosen allen screws. Appears to be tiny iron debris jamming. Still functional with loose setting. Hopeful it will clear itself eventually. Not air tight. There is no way to completely cut off all air intake. Unless you modify by sealing off inlet vent plate, seal seams around base stand with automotive silicone (needs to be flexible) and completely shut the ash pan. The ash pan is for looks only and or used to allow air to flow into inlet after modification. The box is completely sealed and all ashust be removed manually. The pan is too small for this application and not sure you want ash to collect at bottom of the base.