Hello, what do you look for when buying a woodstove? I saw some good deal at marketplace but I’m afraid there might be something wrong with it. Any advice is much appreciated. Thank you
Buying a used woodstove
- Thread starter koodjack
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Ashful
Minister of Fire
Even experienced operators of wood stoves can easily miss damage that would make the stove unusable, so there's always some risk involved. If you're new to wood stoves, I'd seriously consider buying new.
That said, you want to look for warped metal, discolored metal, anything which would be a sign the thing was severely over-fired. If you find a crack or an opened weld seam, that's obviously a no-go situation. Make sure door is plumb and square, and closes evenly, and if there's a bypass damper, make sure that operates properly and isn't warped (common).
Knowing the stove model(s) you're looking at can give more targeted advice, as different models have different known weaknesses / fail points.
You'll probably also get endless advice about checking gaskets, "dollar bill" tests, and other BS. None of that matters, as gaskets and door adjustments are regular wear-and-tear maintenance. Don't judge a used car by the condition of its windshield wiper blades.
That said, you want to look for warped metal, discolored metal, anything which would be a sign the thing was severely over-fired. If you find a crack or an opened weld seam, that's obviously a no-go situation. Make sure door is plumb and square, and closes evenly, and if there's a bypass damper, make sure that operates properly and isn't warped (common).
Knowing the stove model(s) you're looking at can give more targeted advice, as different models have different known weaknesses / fail points.
You'll probably also get endless advice about checking gaskets, "dollar bill" tests, and other BS. None of that matters, as gaskets and door adjustments are regular wear-and-tear maintenance. Don't judge a used car by the condition of its windshield wiper blades.
Look for white or greyed paint. Take a straight edge to check the top and face for flatness.
Obviously check inside closely for cracked welds.
Like ashful said don't get hung up on gaskets or brick they are normal wear items. Even baffles are not a big deal but do cost more
Obviously check inside closely for cracked welds.
Like ashful said don't get hung up on gaskets or brick they are normal wear items. Even baffles are not a big deal but do cost more
Most of what is sold used is 40+ yr old technology. A good, modern stove is less common. If the budget is low, consider a new Drolet, Englander, or Century stove. Depending on the size needed they sell for $1000-1500 and you will know what you are getting.
Ashful, hit all the points, well said. I think most good quality stoves stay where they were installed new, until they have an issue. The best stoves can be torn up real quickly by a un-knowledgeable operator. A wood stove project is pricey. The chimney can be more than the stove. Hopefully your going to be in the house for a long time to recover the cost.
That said, If you have to get something used, learn what to look for and shop around. The used ones are sitting there taking up space.
That said, If you have to get something used, learn what to look for and shop around. The used ones are sitting there taking up space.
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