Publication: Mark’s Tech Blogs
This is an update to my original hands-on review of the Morphy Richards S1 Pro. After roughly 400 hours of use in cooling mode (tracked via the Tuya app), the unit began showing unexpected behaviour: it started leaking, collecting water when it shouldn’t, and responding inconsistently to normal operation. Below I document what happened, the troubleshooting steps I performed, and the outcome of my interactions with the manufacturer’s support team.
What went wrong
Initially the unit began leaking onto the bedroom floor. In cooling mode the product is intended to remove heat without creating excess condensate inside the living space, so the leak was unexpected. After some testing and a descaling procedure the leak stopped temporarily, but the problem returned a week later and became more pronounced.
Observed faults
- Water leaking from the seam where the removable internal tank joins the unit, rather than from the tank itself.
- The internal tank filling during long-lasting mode — behaviour not present during early use or in my original review.
- Compressor behaviour suggesting an issue with the way the unit attempts to draw or handle condensate, even though cooling performance remained acceptable.
Troubleshooting I performed
I followed the manufacturer’s guidance and ran a descaling routine that flushed a notable amount of scale from the system. That fixed the leak for around a week. When the leak returned I carried out tests requested by support, including running the unit on an empty tank and listening for compressor changes. The tests suggested the compressor and drainage path were not behaving correctly.
Customer support experience
Contact was made with the manufacturer’s support team (note: Morphy Richards support routes differ by region). The support process included multiple back-and-forth requests for videos and diagnostic checks, and their technical team did engage with those logs and clips. However, when it came to remediation the options offered were limited and, in my view, unsatisfactory for a product under warranty.
Options offered by support
Partial refund — a partial refund denominated in Hong Kong Dollars with the condition that I record myself cutting the power cord. Accepting this would relinquish further support and service under warranty for the remainder of the two-year period.
Replacement via Kickstarter stock — a replacement was possible only from a final Kickstarter batch, subject to cancellations and stock availability, and could not be fulfilled out of local UK stock.
Neither option involved an in-region repair or a straightforward warranty repair service, which raises concerns about how warranty obligations are being handled for backer/retail units.
My decision and rationale
I opted to accept the partial refund. The device remains functional for cooling, but the intermittent leaks and the way the company proposed to resolve the issue (or not resolve, in terms of repair) left me uncomfortable continuing to chase a local repair. The partial refund compensates for a portion of the purchase price while allowing me to keep using the unit if I wish.
Key takeaways for prospective buyers
- Risk with crowdfunded stock: If you are buying a device via Kickstarter or other crowdfunding channels, be aware that warranty and replacement logistics may be handled differently than retail-sold products.
- Watch for water/condensate faults: Even when cooling performance is acceptable, leaks or unexpected tank filling are significant failure modes for ductless / portable systems.
- Support can vary by region: Ensure you understand the local support route and whether replacements/repairs are available through domestic stock or require international handling.
Verdict
The Morphy Richards S1 Pro still cools effectively, but the leaking and unexpected water-collection behaviour are red flags. Combined with a warranty resolution process that did not include a simple repair option, I cannot recommend buying this unit without strong caveats. If you already own one, inspect drainage seams and monitor condensate behaviour closely and keep a detailed log of hours and symptoms to assist any warranty claims.
Purchase / affiliate link
If you want to examine options or purchase the device, use this link: Morphy Richards S1 Pro.
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