Whether looking at an ex-showroom wood-burning or multifuel stove, many people seem to be concerned about safety. It is obviously a valid question because where wood-burning and multifuel stoves are concerned there is an obvious need to be as safe as possible. So, what are the main worries with regards to ex-showroom stoves?
The appearance
While some ex-showroom stoves will have the odd bump and scrape, in the vast majority of cases these will not be visible from a distance. It is also worth reminding ourselves, once you install your wood-burning/multifuel stove it becomes part of the furniture and it is unlikely to remain in perfect working order for very long! Where there may be some visual damage there are an array of products available to “touch up” the stove to make it look like new. So, in reality there are very rarely any major issues with the appearance of an ex-showroom stove – after all, these are showroom examples of what customers can buy, they need to be perfect.
The durability
When people question the durability of ex-showroom stoves this does sound a little bizarre when you think consider this subject from a distance. These stoves would have been installed from new and in many cases they are simply being sold to make way for newer products. We regularly hear stories of stoves lasting 20, 30, 40 and more years. So, if at worst a showroom stove has been on show for two years this is but a fraction of its full working life. Durability is therefore not an issue.
Wear and tear on parts
While there will be parts of any wood-burning/multifuel stove which will need replaced from time to time, the durability of manufacturers parts tends to be extremely good. Much of the possible wear and tear, which would in no way impact the safety of the product, is already factored into the price which can often be but a fraction of the retail price. The likelihood is that you could negotiate a deal for relatively cheap parts if you felt some elements of the ex-showroom stove did need replaced. Therefore, general wear and tear is already factored into the price and unlikely to be a major problem.
Safety
Now we’re getting to the crux of the matter, potential questions regarding the safety of ex-showroom stoves in the short, medium and longer term. This is a valid question because there are potential safety issues associated with any stove in relation to fumes and the danger of fires. However, if you look at this argument from a distance, no self-respecting stove retail would fire up an un-safe stove in their showroom. First of all the probable victims of any safety issues would be the owner and the employees; not going to happen. All stoves will also undergo a safety check before they are sold at what can be a knockdown price that often seems too good to be true.
Conclusion
The majority of ex-showroom stoves will have been used no more than any stove in its traditional environment. Constant use of a stove might lead some to question the durability but let’s not forget these are machines designed to last decades not just years. There are some exceptional deals available when looking at ex-showroom stoves and while sometimes these deals may look too good to be true, many retailers are simply making space for their new stock. So, on balance as long as the stove retail is reputable, and they are willing to answer a few questions on their ex-showroom stock, there is no reason to be concerned. Enjoy the significant cost savings!