Unfortunately, in many ways we live in a world today where cost is everything and the quality of materials and products is not as prominent in the mind of consumers as it should be. The wood-burning and multifuel stove industry is a prime example where unscrupulous parties offer extremely cheap spare parts for a variety of different stoves. In the back of our minds there has to be a nagging doubt about the quality of the spare parts, whether branded or not, but it is easy to assume that unsafe fake stove spare parts would never make their way into the market today. Oh how wrong that is!
Fake stove spare parts
Whether imported from overseas, or manufactured in the UK, the amount of fake stove spare parts available on websites such as eBay is staggering. These parts are packaged like the real deal, often have the correct signage and branding, and look the part. It is only when you compare fake stove spare parts with the bona fide parts that you can see the difference. The difference in weight, the difference in quality and in some cases the difference in size.
Comparable spare parts
There is also an array of comparable spare parts which are not branded under any particular stove name but are comparable with various branded spare parts and marketed as “just as good”. While there are substandard, potentially unsafe comparable spare parts, this is not always the case. We have seen many situations where well manufactured, durable and excellent value for money is available with comparable parts to fit specific machines. However, you should still be aware of the fakes and the substandard products!
Stick with branded spare parts where possible
The only way you can guarantee the quality, durability and more importantly the safety of any spare part for your stove is to ensure that you only use branded spare parts supplied by the manufacturer – to various official retail outlets. In some cases you may pay a premium for the branded spare parts but for this premium you get exceptional value for money and peace of mind.
However, when you are looking towards the larger spare parts such as stove glass this can sometimes run into hundreds of pounds when using the branded products. Where replacement stove glass is involved, as long as the design and curve is uncomplicated, many retailers can arrange for this to be cut to order by skilled glass suppliers. We have seen situations where potential savings run into the hundreds of pounds when using this type of glass as opposed to the manufacturer supplied branded products – with no compromise on safety or quality. It is advisable to ask your stove retailer for advice about items such as replacement glass.
Safety must be paramount
Aside from the fact that fake stove spare parts are unlikely to be durable and long-lasting, there is the safety element to consider. Some of these products are made from the cheapest of materials and the size of the part will not always fit perfectly into your stove. Let’s not forget that an ill kept stove can release potentially fatal carbon monoxide into your home let alone a machine where substandard fake spare parts have been fitted. This is before we even look at the issue of efficiency and the need to continuously replace substandard stove spare parts.
There are certain areas of life where it is possible to trim costs but where issues such as the safety of yourself and your family are at stake there must be no room for compromise. As quickly as the fake spare part companies and online accounts are closed down, others emerge offering exactly the same products. The only way to be certain of the quality, durability and safety of any stove spare part is to buy them from licensed dealers using products supplied by the manufacturer.