Is there an argument for buying second-hand stoves?

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We all know that the modern day wood-burning and multifuel stove is manufactured to last and is extremely durable. It is unlikely that you will have to replace any parts due to wear and tear in the early days and even further down the line the cost of maintenance will be minimal. However, more and more people are now looking towards second-hand stoves but do they really make sense from an economic standpoint? Is there better value towards the lower end of the new purchase market?

General wear and tear

It will obviously depend upon what type of stove you are looking to acquire but some second-hand stoves might not be in production anymore and it could be difficult to obtain spare parts. Stove companies will do their best to ensure a constant line of spare parts/replacement parts but if a particular stove is for example 10 to 15 years old it is difficult to justify manufacturing spare parts as the size of the market falls.

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Lower priced stoves offer excellent value for money today

Therefore, if you were to acquire a second-hand stove which required various replacement parts you may have to research these on the Internet and contact third parties direct. However, you are banking on the fact that some people will have spare parts for sale and, if they do, at what cost?

Safety

Obviously safety is a vital element of any woodburning or multifuel stove and you need to ensure whatever you buy is fully tested and in good working order. You could obviously test the machine yourself but for peace of mind it may be worth getting a qualified HETAS engineer to take a look. They would obviously need to get involved in installing the stove and fitting the flue but perhaps it is best for them to give the once over to a second-hand stove before you start with any more added expense.

We are not suggesting that older stoves are not safe but there is no doubt that progress has been made regarding stove technology and the stoves of today are extremely safe and secure. Lessons have been learned from the past, the experience of the leading stove companies shines through which is perhaps why the market continues to grow.

cautionary note

Are second-hand stoves economic?

As we touched on above, you may find various issues with a second-hand stove or you may be lucky and get one which is in prime condition. From an economic point of view you need to consider whether the stove is able to create sufficient heat for your room. It may be that the nominal heat rating has fallen over the years as the machine has aged which would likely lead to the requirement for greater fuel loads and more expense.

The obvious issue to consider, as discussed above, is the potential cost of replacement parts and maintenance of the stove going forward. Is it not worthwhile buying a brand-new wood-burning/multifuel stove at the lower end of the market where prices are within reach of more people while the style and safety aspects are still maintained?

Conclusion

In years gone by it was perhaps a more straightforward argument in favour of a good quality, durable and fully functioning second-hand stove because the price of even the stoves at the lower end of the market was not always affordable. The situation has changed dramatically over the last few years and you can literally buy a brand-new, fully functioning, safe and eye-catching stove for less than £500.

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When you bear in mind the balance between safety, value for money and styling, it does rather seem that risking the purchase of a second-hand stove today is not as economically sound as it once was.