A buy a second-hand pellet stove can a a wise purchase … but the price of the handset is rarely where things go wrong. Check above all, whether there is still parts are available for that model, how many operating hours check these, and the condition of the firebox, the seals and the flue gas fan.
We sell new devices. Nevertheless, we’re writing this article because, if you do decide to buy second-hand, you’re better off buying a good one. And if, after reading this, you still opt for a new one, at least you’ll know why.
What second-hand pellet stoves realistically cost
| Age | Price compared to new | Point to note |
|---|---|---|
| 1 to 3 years | 60 to 75 per cent | Often still under manufacturer’s warranty; usually a good buy |
| 4 to 7 years | 35 to 50 per cent | The spark plug and seals may need replacing |
| 8 to 12 years | 20 to 30 per cent | Flue gas fan nearing the end of its service life |
| Over 12 years old | 10 to 20 per cent | Parts availability is becoming the major risk |
Always add the cost of installation to the purchase price, the flue and an initial service. Taken together, these often cost more than the device itself, and that completely changes the calculation.
The nine checkpoints
1. Are any spare parts still available?
This is by far the most important point, and it is almost always overlooked. A pellet stove consists of wear parts that will need to be replaced sooner or later. If the brand has disappeared from the market, or if the model has been out of production for more than ten years, a faulty circuit board or flue gas fan could spell the end for the appliance.
What you’ll be doing: Make a note of the make, exact model and year of manufacture, and check with a service centre to see if the stove parts still available . It only takes a quick phone call and could save you hundreds of euros. Pellet Stove Care I can check that for the popular brands.
2. How many operating hours does it have?
Almost every pellet stove keeps a record of its operating hours in the service menu. Ask the sales assistant to check this for you, or do it yourself whilst you’re there.
| Opening hours | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Under 3,000 | Hardly used; used as supplementary heating for about two seasons |
| 3,000 to 8,000 | Normal use, approximately four to six seasons |
| 8,000 to 15,000 | Heavily used; wear-and-tear parts have probably already been replaced |
| Over 15,000 | Well into its second life; only worth considering at a very low price |
If the seller is unable or unwilling to show the hours, take that as a warning sign.
3. The condition of the brazier
Open the door and look inside the firing chamber. What you want to see: a pot with open air holes and an even surface. What you don’t want to see: burnt edges, holes clogged with hard slag, or a pot that has warped due to overheating.
A firepot is usually replaceable and costs between 60 and 200 euros, but a burnt-out firepot mainly tells you something about how the appliance has been looked after.
4. The door seal and the glazing cord
Place a sheet of paper in the door and pull on it. If the paper slides out easily, the door is not airtight. This is a minor repair in itself, but a draughty door disrupts combustion and may explain why the appliance is for sale.
Also take a look at the cord around the glass and at the glass itself: scratches are merely cosmetic, but cracks are not.
5. The flue gas fan
Start the appliance and listen. A properly functioning flue fan produces a steady hum. A squeaking, rattling or increasing noise indicates worn bearings. This part costs between 150 and 400 euros plus fitting, and it is one of the most commonly replaced parts.
6. The electronics and the display
Check that the display lights up fully, that all buttons are responsive, and whether there are any error messages stored in the memory. Ask the sales assistant to show you the error log: recurring error codes indicate an underlying problem that has not been resolved.
7. Let it run
This is non-negotiable. Never buy a pellet stove that you haven’t seen in operation. Ask for a demonstration with the appliance connected, for at least half an hour, and take note:
- Ignition within ten minutes. If it takes longer than that, the anti-inflammatory response has worn out.
- A lively, bright flame. A dull, orange flame indicates a problem with the air supply or the settings.
- A steady supply of pellets. Irregular dropping indicates a worn or dirty screw.
- There is no smell of smoke in the room. This suggests there is a leak in the casing or the door.
8. Ask for the service history
A boiler that has been serviced annually by a qualified engineer, with invoices to prove it, is worth more than one without any documentation. Also ask when the flue was last swept.
9. User manual, remote control and accessories
Missing accessories aren’t the end of the world, but they do cost money. An original remote control costs between 40 and 120 euros; a missing ash scoop or brush is a minor issue. You can usually find the user manual online.
When buying a second-hand pellet stove is not a good idea
- The brand no longer exists. A lack of spare parts means that the device is written off as soon as the first genuine fault occurs.
- You can’t see it burning. Then you’re buying a complete unknown.
- The sales assistant does not know the opening hours. For a device that’ll last you a decade, that’s basic information.
- The power rating isn’t suitable for your space. A 12 kW stove bought on the cheap for a living room that needs 6 kW is still a poor choice. This is the most common mistake when buying second-hand: people buy whatever’s on offer rather than what’s actually suitable.
- The aircraft is more than fifteen years old. As well as components, efficiency is also a factor: modern appliances achieve 85 to 92 per cent, whilst older models achieve considerably less.
Calculate the total cost, not the purchase price
| Post | Second-hand, 6 years old | New |
|---|---|---|
| Device | 800 euros | 2,200 euros |
| Flue | 1,000 euros | 1,000 euros |
| Placement | 500 euros | 500 euros |
| First service | 150 euros | included |
| Expected components over the next three years | 200 to 500 euros | 0 |
| Warranty | none | 2 to 5 years |
| Total | 2,650 to 2,950 euros | 3,700 euros |
The difference is real, but smaller than the basic unit prices suggest. For a unit that is more than eight years old, the difference often disappears entirely, especially if a major component fails.
Feel free to compare us with others full range of pellet stoves, and take a look at the narrow pellet stoves if location is a factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a second-hand pellet stove a good buy?
For a device that is between one and three years old and from a brand that still exists, this is usually the case. For devices older than eight years, the price difference compared to a new one often disappears entirely as soon as a major component needs replacing.
How much is a second-hand pellet stove worth?
Roughly 60 to 75 per cent of the original price for cars aged one to three years, 35 to 50 per cent for those aged four to seven years, and 20 to 30 per cent for those aged eight to twelve years. The availability of spare parts carries more weight than age alone.
How can I tell how many hours a pellet stove has been running?
Almost every machine keeps track of its operating hours in the service menu on the display. Ask the sales assistant to check this for you. Under 3,000 hours indicates light use; over 15,000 hours indicates heavy use.
What’s the first part of a pellet stove to break?
Resistance to ignition, usually after three to six years. Next come the door seal and the flue gas fan, the latter usually after eight to twelve years.
Can I install a second-hand pellet stove myself?
Connecting to a flue is a job for a professional, and if it is carried out incorrectly, your insurance cover will be void in the event of damage. Always have the installation and flue calculations carried out by a qualified installer.
Do I get a warranty on a second-hand device?
This is not usually the case with private sellers. Professional sellers, however, are required by law to provide a guarantee of at least one year on second-hand goods. Make sure you ask about this explicitly and have it stated on the invoice.
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