OEM vs. aftermarket Ignitor - life expectancy

[md2002]

I haven't had to replace many parts on my Enviro Milan but when I have I've gotten OEM parts. My ignitor died last year at the end of the winter so I'm looking to buy a new one. The OEM is about $150 more than an aftermarket ignitor so I was going to purchase an aftermarket for this particular part. As I was reading reviews on the aftermarket ignitors they don't seem to last more than a couple of year. The ignitor I'm replacing is the original and has lasted 11 years, is this normal life expectancy for an ignitor or did I get incredibly lucky? I'm asking because if the next OEM will also last 11 years it's worth getting the OEM rather than replacing an aftermarket every 2 years.

It's worth noting that I don't use a thermostat so the ignitor is only used once a day for 11 years to light the stove in the morning.

 

[Tonyray]

Once a day ignitors should last very long time. That said, in your case i would skip the exspensive OEM and get aftermarket.just stay away from those 30.00 asian knockoffs. I usually pay around 75.00 for ignitors.. burn 24/7 so got about 7 yrs and also got a spare. I skip amazon and get from pellet stove parts web dealers.

 

[johneh]

The Orignal Enviro igniter is still going strong in my EF 3 it will
start its 21 season. At your prices you could buy 3 aftermarket ones but
what are their life spans and how long are you keeping the stove?

 

[md2002]

Thanks for the advice, the ones I'm seeing are the $30 knockoffs on ebay and Amazon. I'll look for pellet stove dealers and take my chances. As I said, the reviews on the Amazon and Ebay ones say they last about 2 years but the original at $180 seems really high.

 

[Tonyray]

Thanks for the advice, the ones I'm seeing are the $30 knockoffs on ebay and Amazon. I'll look for pellet stove dealers and take my chances. As I said, the reviews on the Amazon and Ebay ones say they last about 2 years but the original at $180 seems really high.https://pellet-stove-parts-4less.com/

 

[Tonyray]

Wow.. went couple web parts dealers that i use and seeing 180.00 for OEM..damn thats exspensive for your model!.. also see 30.00 for aftermarket for same stove.. might end up going for the pricy one but u know it will last many yrs.

 

[md2002]

Ya, that's what I though. $180 seems a lot for what it is.

 

[Tonyray]

Ya, that's what I though. $180 seems a lot for what it is.

looks like the standard going price... I actually went to 3 places that i have bought pellet stove parts from over the yrs and never got a bad electronic part..same price..[MY DAY OFF AND I'M BORED]... I would stick with what has worked for you all these yrs and buy it or, buy half dozen aftermarkets at 30 bucks and keep them close by lol..btw: my Harman ignitor price is about 89.00 for best one.. I also notice that your Milan takes a 400 watt ignitor while my 61K BTU harman takes a 300 watt.. could be why exspensive maybe.???.. pulls more juice and needs better components?..could also be why aftermarket only good for couple yrs...

 

[SidecarFlip]

The Orignal Enviro igniter is still going strong in my EF 3 it will
start its 21 season. At your prices you could buy 3 aftermarket ones but
what are their life spans and how long are you keeping the stove?

How I look at cordless tools, sort of like ignitors.. I could buy the DeWalt or the Milwaukee cordless tools for big bucks, or buy the HF Bauer cordless tools for about 1/3 the price. I buy the Bauer because if they poop out, I can buy 2 more and still be even Steven.

Honestly, I have not had a Bauer cordless tool poop out yet. I'm amazed and I use them pretty hard too.

Having never owned a unit with an ignitor, I guess that would be luxury for me...

 

[tlc1976]

Don’t know about all stoves, but on mine an igniter is another name for a cartridge heater. Just looked up the specs and got a couple on Zoro Tools as spares for I think $20 each. Haven’t had to use them yet, as during the dead of winter I only start my stove once every week or two. Might have to crimp a couple ends on it but no big deal.

 

[Washed-Up]

Enviro Igniter (400W): 50-619-AMP

Replacement Enviro Hot Rod Igniter. Part Number 50-619. Fits Models EF5, Empress, Windsor, and More. Stove & Grill Parts For Less Carries A Large Selection of in Stock Ready To Ship Enviro Pellet Stove Parts. Included Warranty and Technical Support!

pellet-stove-parts-4less.com

 

[Tonyray]

Enviro Igniter (400W): 50-619-AMP

Replacement Enviro Hot Rod Igniter. Part Number 50-619. Fits Models EF5, Empress, Windsor, and More. Stove & Grill Parts For Less Carries A Large Selection of in Stock Ready To Ship Enviro Pellet Stove Parts. Included Warranty and Technical Support!

pellet-stove-parts-4less.com

read all the reviews which pretty much said worked after install..[new buyers]. but no one has had it long enough to comment about longevity which the OP was concerned about... but i guess for the price he can buy a few of them.