Blaze king - KE 1102?

[ejsechler]

I am looking at buying a older blaze king KE 1102 model stove. What should i look for when buying this stove? The price is 500 bucks is that a reasonable fair price?

 

[jetsam]

Could be a great score or a waste of $500. Give us lots of pictures inside and out, and we'll tell you which one it is!

In general, look for sagging metal, splits, cracks in welds, and rust problems.

Make sure the bypass operates and the bypass closes nice and flat, making a good seal. Make sure the door closes flat and isn't warped. Make sure the door glass is in good shape (a little loose is ok, the glass gasket is fairly cheap but the glass isn't).

Expect to drop another $250 for a cat and likely more for gaskets.

 

[BKVP]

Could be a great score or a waste of $500. Give us lots of pictures inside and out, and we'll tell you which one it is!

In general, look for sagging metal, splits, cracks in welds, and rust problems.

Make sure the bypass operates and the bypass closes nice and flat, making a good seal. Make sure the door closes flat and isn't warped. Make sure the door glass is in good shape (a little loose is ok, the glass gasket is fairly cheap but the glass isn't).

Expect to drop another $250 for a cat and likely more for gaskets.

The KE1102 did not have a gasketed bypass. I ran one for 8 years and found it to be a wonderful stove. The 1102 had a single layer of brick in the bottom, which was enough and had more wood capacity. The bypass was a sliding mechanism, a 1/2" steel plate than slid back and forth over the bypass opening. There was no gasket or gasket retainers.

We last made that models many, many years ago, so $500 seems a bit high. Inside are 3 baffle plates. They sit right above the brick on left, right and rear of the stove. Check these for warping or other damage. More than likely they will be intact. Also, check out the flame shield retainers. On the 1102, there were two welded hooks for the flame shield to sit on. If they are toast, you can grind them off and upgrade the current dome guard and retainer to the model.

While checking it out, look at the combustor. Also, check doors seals and gaskets for the glass. All replaceable, just adds to cost to maintain if they need replacing.

I have an 1107 now...had it for 18 years. The 1102 was an excellent version of the King.

 

[ejsechler]

 

[jetsam]

I can't see enough to say whether or not I'd buy it in those photos.

What I do see looks pretty good- the rear baffle plate looks a little deformed though?

Read over BKVP's advice, you won't get a more knowledgeable comment than his.

 

[BKVP]

Buy it! You'll need a new cat more than likely..try to negotiate a bit.