Sunday, September 20, 2009


The hunt for a good used pellet stove.


Tis the season it’s the dog days of summer and autumn is in the air

Today I bought a used stove from a private party. I thought many of my readers might find it useful to have a list to take with them when they are out on the hunt for that perfect stove


1. Look for brands that have lasted the test of time

Harmon, Quadrifire, Lopi, Avalon, Beckwell, Austroflamm and my favorite Whitfield.


2., Ask other people how their stove has preformed

Are parts readily available, most of the brands I mention above, having readily available parts. The exception is that almost all of them had a model that didn’t do well in the market and you can no longer get parts. A good example of a stove that might be twenty years old would be a Whitfield Advantage 2T they made over 100,000 and you can find any part or a new replacement. However the beautiful Whitfield Renaissance you can no longer get control boards for.


3. When you find that stove you want to buy have them plug it in and run it.

Does it have?

  1. Quiet fans , do they still adjust up and down ( fans run in the $150 range)
  2. Does the auger feed pellets? Is it quiet? ( these run about $130)
  3. The condition of the burn pot ( depending on type $65 to $180)
  4. Condition of the circuit board ( I have a big box of bad control boards at my shop beware these can run from $200 to $3000
  5. What shape is the fire brick in?( runs about $110 to $150)
  6. Auto ignitors, if it has one be sure and check the condition ( $130) . manual stove uses starter gel $8


Happy Hunting

Robin

pelletstoveguys.com

Please be sure and add your questions and comments we want to hear from you.

Monday, June 22, 2009


I am looking for a used pellet stove insert...I would like to stay under a $1000..what information should I get and is it possible?
David

Pellet Stove Guys:

1. Simple is better

The more components a stove has the less user friendly they become. Really evaluate if you need a stove with a ignitor, thermostat, self cleaning mechanical burn pot, exhaust sensor, and remote control.

2. Stick with a product that has a long track record. When I got started in the pellet stove industry in 1988 there was over a hundred different units 95% are no longer around.

3. Have you stove installed by a professional. I don't just mean someone who calls themselves a professional but some who shows up at your house with the right tools and materials. Especially high temperature silicone, screws, insulation, stainless steel tee and metal tape. If they don't have those things You can bet that they will do half the job.

You didn't mention where you live, if you are in my area I do have couple of reconditioned Whitfield Advantages insert available give me a call @ 916-705-8609 and I can go over the details with you.