What to look for in a used wood stove

[stgagnon]

Hi Everybody:
We are looking to buy a used wood stove.
What should we look for and beware of?

Thanks,
Suz.

[Toads tool]

cracks in the firebox=CO2 leak
You really need to stick your head in there and look.
Take a wire brush and clean off any soot and check, very messy but very necessary.
Especially if this unit is going to be used in the living space of your home.

[MarkNH]

If it has a catalytic convertor which I think many of the new ones do - It may need to be replaced. Not sure how to tell if it needs to be changed though.

[stgagnon]

Hey thanks, y'all!

I am planning not to get a catalytic stove.. too much trouble!! I have read that the catalytics were added on by stove mfgrs when only a few states had environmental requirements on the stoves.

When all the states started caring about it, the stove mfgrs came up with non-catalytic designs that were free of all the problems & expense w/ catalytics.

I'm still listening if anyone else has any other tips!!

Thanks,
Suz.

[stanb999]

First. Look for cracks. As mentioned above.

Second and most important. Look for any buckling or bending. This happens when you over fire. It can change the temper and make the stove more likely to crack. Look down the flat sides and top. (No, it wasn't made with a bow or bulge!!! )

Third check the function of all moving parts. They should work smooth and deliberate..... Not too loose or tight.

Check the condition of the fire brick. Not a deal breaker but it can tell you if it's been maintained or abused.

Finally. Look for rust. Inside and out. If it's loose and easily comes off in your hand (dusting) Thats ok. But if the metal is pitted or rust flaks off You should pass.

As for the gasket or Kiln Glass. They are easily replaced. Just make sure you get a discount. Paint is also easy to apply.

[haypoint]

Check the back of the wood stove, near the bottom. If it says CHINA, then you don't want it. If you want to be able to hold a fire for a long while, you'll want an air-tight stove, gaskets around the door.

[comfortablynumb]

cracks
broken hinges
welded or brazed over cracks
burned out grates
burned out thin cast iron
missing parts
heat warped plates

[Cabin Fever]

It is a good idea to stay away from stoves with a catalyst. If you want a modern. efficient woodstove look for one with "secondary combustion." Secondary combustion provides the same results as a catalyst.

As far as cracks go, generally-speaking its the cast iron woodstoves that crack. Look for a plate steel woodstove and you'll likely not find any cracks.

Besides the advice already mentioned, I would recommend finding a woodstove that is UL Listed. Many homeowner insurance companies require this.

[Silvercreek Farmer]

If you like watching the fire you may want to come back to HT and ask those with the model stove you are looking at if the glass stays clean or not. Some stoves will soot up the glass in 5 minutes no matter what you do. Many manufactures claim to have the "air wash" or "air curtain" system, I would not trust their claim until I had a first hand account.