Should Newbie Buy Used or New Stove?

Driven by rising oil prices to research a heating alternative, I am ready to take the plunge. I have decided on a hearth model, specifically the Alaska Kast Console II. When I called up a dealer, he said that he would be getting in a used stove that had been only used one season and is two years old. It is expected to cost about $600 less than a new stove. Should I buy this as my first or should I get a new one with the manufacturer's warranty , etc.? What should I be looking for to determine if the stove is ok? TIA for your help.

When you go to buy the stove have the dealer explain to you what all the parts are and what maintenance is required. Any defects should show up during that "education" inspection. I would buy the used one and 3 ton of coal.

Hi Flamingo, welcome to the forum.

I agree with Ed, buy the used stove and save the money. If the stove is rusty on the inside and has ash residue, use that as a negotiating basis for a lower price. Make sure the grate has no cracks or fire erosion on the sides, if it does ask for a replacement as part of the deal. If it truly has been used only one season and cleaned after use it should look almost new, if it was left with fly ash on the inside it will probably be quite rusty. This can be cleaned with a wire wheel and then neutralized with a solution of baking soda and water, but again I would ask for money off if you are going to have to do this.

Good luck with your purchase and welcome to the wonderful world of coal burning.

Hmmmmm.... I vote for the new one. If the used one was half price, sure, but only $600 off? Especially if you're not totally familiar with what looks OK rusty, or too bad rusty, I'd spring the extra and have total peace of mind.

Everybody has differing ideas about buying new VS used... for me I hate paying the extra money.. Ihave to work too hard for my cash, so I'd rather buy used, and do a bit of clean-up and save the money

These stove are pretty hard to damage.. like Matthaus stated above,, if the stove was taken care of, it should only have light surface rust on the ashpan and interior of the stove, the grate should look almost new,, and there should not be any heat/flame errosion on the 'fences' or guides on each side of the grate.

For only $600 off full retail, I'd get the dealer to stand behind [warantee] the stove for the first season or one year. He's making plenty on it, and if it is a good stove, he will have ZERO warantee costs in a year...

Are you going to have the dealer install the stove?? If so, even more reason for a one year warantee.

Greg L

So far the dealer has only offered a 90 day warranty (during burning season) and has, IMO, inflated the cost of installation to deter it. He wants (can you guess how much?) $600 to deliver and install and he is only 49 miles from my house. He also states that installation will take no time at all as he wouldn't be installing a full chimney liner. I really don't know what kind of deal he has made to take back this stove into his shop as he shared with me that he sold it to the original owner.

My instincts tell me to buy new and have piece of mind, but the devil on my shoulder is asking how much could have happened to the stove in two yrs. for me to spend the extra $$?

Keep an eye on http://www.craigslist.com for your area, and http://papershop.com/. Also watch Ebay. Many of those Alaska models com available for $5-800. Most only need some cleaning and paint to look new.

The few parts that can be damaged or wear out are quickly available. If you are the least bit 'handy' you can learn a lot about your stove, and save some serious cash..

Another option for education: most forum members have their location in their forum signature, I'd PM a couple of members near you, and ask if you could come look at their stove and instalation.. If you are near Matthaus,, wear work clothes, and he'll 'let you' partially rebuild a stove while you visit !!

You have the whole summer, I wouldn't rush into anything unless it's a steal.

Greg L

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Excellent suggestions, Lsfarm. I have been checking out member's locations and stoves. There aren't many people near me here in Central MA. Most folks are far out, but if there is someone reading this post that can help further my education, please make yourself known. I am game. Thanks.

LsFarm wrote:Keep an eye on http://www.craigslist.com for your area, and http://papershop.com/. Also watch Ebay. Many of those Alaska models com available for $5-800. Most only need some cleaning and paint to look new.

The few parts that can be damaged or wear out are quickly available. If you are the least bit 'handy' you can learn a lot about your stove, and save some serious cash..

Another option for education: most forum members have their location in their forum signature, I'd PM a couple of members near you, and ask if you could come look at their stove and instalation.. If you are near Matthaus,, wear work clothes, and he'll 'let you' partially rebuild a stove while you visit !!

You have the whole summer, I wouldn't rush into anything unless it's a steal.

Greg L

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Just called about an EFM 520 on the papershop.

SOLD.

Damn I'm always a day late and a dollar short.

When I bought my stove several years ago, I was trying to by used (see Greg's reason why above), but I could not find a used one so I ended up buying a new stove instead(Harman Magnum Stoker). These things are built like TANKS! I would have no problem buying a used one.

I'm selling mine now to get a coal boiler, but I don't see myself needing to replace any parts on this stove for years!

that's my 2 cents worth.

cArNaGe wrote:

LsFarm wrote:Keep an eye on http://www.craigslist.com for your area, and http://papershop.com/. Also watch Ebay. Many of those Alaska models com available for $5-800. Most only need some cleaning and paint to look new.

The few parts that can be damaged or wear out are quickly available. If you are the least bit 'handy' you can learn a lot about your stove, and save some serious cash..

Another option for education: most forum members have their location in their forum signature, I'd PM a couple of members near you, and ask if you could come look at their stove and instalation.. If you are near Matthaus,, wear work clothes, and he'll 'let you' partially rebuild a stove while you visit !!

You have the whole summer, I wouldn't rush into anything unless it's a steal.

Greg L

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Just called about an EFM 520 on the papershop.

SOLD.

Damn I'm always a day late and a dollar short.

You got to be fast like the first 5 min when it is posted check your PM's