What Should You Look for When Buying a Used Stove ?

ok, I was already to pull the trigger on a new Hitzer 50-93 when I decided to take a peek on craigslist..darn, just missed a smoking hot deal on used 50-93 that needed a door glass..it went for $350.. ..so I got to looking around and found this one not to far from me..it's a DS Machine circulator stove..I'm gonna go look at it Friday..here's the link..
**Broken Link(s) Removed**..so what should one look for when buying a used stove other than obvious, which I guess would be cracks or a possibly warped door??..TIA

Bud

I'd grab it! I've been to the D.S.Machine shop and received a wonderful tour of their operation by Amos. These Amish guys do great work and I would highly recommend a D.S.Machine stove from observing first hand their shop and their stoves on display in full operation. Great company, you won't go wrong with a D.S.Machine stove. Maybe it was a good thing you missed the other stove? Check the D.S.Machine stove out and keep us posted.

If it has a baffle over the top of the firebox check to make sure it has not deteriorated or is warped. Fly ash tends to lay there on some model stoves and it eats away at the baffle weakening it and making it prone to warping.

Check the grates. Do the operate freely or are they warped? If they are warped it may indicate the stove was over fired a lot. Keep in mind that grates can be replaced but having to do so should bring the cost down. What shape are the gaskets in? That may give you an idea of how the stove has been maintained. Do the doors all close completely? It's hard to really mess up a coal stove but not impossible. If everything checks out, grab it. I've only heard good things about DS Machine stove. Lisa

Look for cracks anywhere on the stove, Cracks in a steel stove can be repaired easier than cast iron. Check for cracks in the fire bricks, you may have to remove them to make the stove lighter to move it around easier. If they come out in peices they will have to be replaced. Make sure you get the right flue you need. Top or rear

..thanks to all who replied..appreciate the advice..I picked up the DS Machine today..told the seller (thanks Dave) about the forum..hopefully he'll join..for some reason, when I got out of my pick up after backing in the driveway to unload, a big smile came across my face when I heard my neighbor running his log splitter..

Even bigger smile when you are running the DSM stove...
Hopper loading and just a joy to burn...
Best stove I ever had...

Way to go. Congrats on the stove...be ready to be warm!

Thats a NICE UNIT~!...congrats!

I sell DS Machine Stoves in Perryville Md. And you guys are right Amos and the guys a DS are great, that's one of the reasons I decided to become a dealer, besides their great product.
mark At Genesis Six Stove Company
Genesissixstoves.com