Right off the bat, it's easier to buy a used pellet stove than a new one simply because you have fewer choices. But lack of choice doesn't have to mean lack of quality. I'm sure the owner of the used pellet stove you're looking at believed it was the best possible choice at that time.
Whether you're looking for a used, or even a new pellet stove, the information that follows will make you a smarter consumer.
Visit Your Local Building Department
Installing a wood or pellet stove usually requires a building permit. While you're picking up your permit application, tell the person helping you the type of heating appliance you plan to install and ask what kind of additional documentation, if any, is required. This is especially important if you own a mobile or modular home.
When I talked to the City of Quincy building department, they said a product brochure with clearance and venting information would be helpful. You can get all this information by visiting the stove manufacturer's website, downloading the owner's manual and printing it out.
Choose Your Fuel and Stove Size
If you live in the Corn Belt, the choice of fuel is obvious. If you live in the Northeast, the fuel of choice is wood pellets. Since fuel corn is "imported" to the Northeast, the price of wood pellets is competitive with corn. Wood pellet fuel is also becoming a common commodity in home improvement stores as more home owners in this region purchase wood pellet stoves.
You don't need a big stove to save big. Most of the used corn and wood pellet stoves I've seen produce 35,000-45,000 btus - enough to heat a typical 1,200 square foot ranch or the main living areas of a two story home.
If you can get a good deal on a larger, 50-60,000 btu stove, one of these will work great too since these high output models come equipped with 5 heat settings ranging from a low of 8,000 btus for chilly days, to max power for the coldest weather.
Look for These Features and Extras:
Electronic ignition
Just because you're buying a used pellet stove doesn't mean you should return to the dark ages of pellet stove heating with gel starters. Frankly, I wouldn't buy a stove without electronic ignition.
Large hopper capacity
A standard size hopper holds 40 pounds of pellet fuel. This is enough fuel to heat your home for 20-30 hours. A larger capacity hopper, although not necessary, adds convenience by requiring less frequent fillings.
Heat output controls
During the months that transition in and out of the heating season, you won't need the full heating capacity of your pellet stove. A heat output control will ensure maximum comfort from minimal fuel. Heat output controls can take the form of a thermostat, hi/lo blower, or variable speed auger that controls the rate pellets are fed into the burn pot.
Air washing system
Believe it or not, the #1 complaint people have with pellet stoves is dirty viewing glass. An air washing system, now standard on many new pellet stoves, removes the fly ash from the viewing window and eliminates frequent cleaning.
Extras
Many sellers of used pellet stoves include the venting pipe, hearth pad, log set, and any left over pellet fuel in the purchase price. These extras can add up to hundreds of dollars in additional savings.
Where to Find a Used Pellet Stove
Start with craigslist. Since most used pellet stove sellers offer pick up only, craigslist enables you to refine your search by City or State. This is a big time saver. A recent check in the Boston area turned up 12 used stoves within a 50 mile radius of my home.
ebay has plenty of listings too, you just won't find as many local sellers as you will on craigslist. When I narrowed the ebay search results to a 50 mile radius of my zip code using the Search Option function, it returned only 1 seller.
However, ebay will conveniently notify you by email whenever a new listing pops up and it's possible to delay payment for 3 months by using their credit card.
Search tip: A search on either craigslist or ebay will turn up MORE used pellet stoves if you use the term "pellet stove" rather than the narrower "used pellet stove." Also try "pellet", "wood pellet", or the brand name.
How Much Can I Expect to Save?
Generally speaking, the higher the original retail price, the more you will save percentage wise. Stoves that sold for $3,000 new can often be purchased used at savings of 50-70%. Stoves priced new under $2,000 seem to depreciate less.
Delivery
If you choose to pay for delivery, call a shipper like Yellow Truck or a courier service to make arrangements. If you buy from an ebay seller willing to ship the stove, a freight shipping calculator is provided on the sales page.
No matter who ships your stove, make the sure the truck they send has a lift gate so you can get your 300 pound stove off the truck.
Installation
Most cities and towns require a licensed pro to complete the installation. If you're an experienced home owner, finding one shouldn't be a problem. If you're new to home ownership, I recommend a service like Need a Contractor for a list of pre-screened contractors is your area.
Contact the Seller
Don't hesitate to contact the seller with any questions you might have. He or she can be especially helpful in determining whether the used pellet stove for sale is still under warranty.
Wednesday 29 July 2009
Monday 27 July 2009
Installing A Countertop Stove In Your Kitchen
Because the kitchen is such a gathering place in the home, it is often the place that remodeling begins. The kitchen is often the heart of the house; the place where families gather and entertaining often occurs. So it's no wonder that homeowners choose to spend much of their renovation dollars in the kitchen - where small changes can affect big transformation and the value of the overall home can be dramatically increased.
Countertops, especially, have the ability to significantly impact the kitchen area - setting the tone for design and giving the kitchen a multi-layered functionality. Often, when choosing countertops, homeowners will opt for the traditional kitchen design that features a built-in countertop stove. But there are clear advantages and disadvantages to the countertop stove; deciding whether or not to have one depends ultimately on your personal style, functional needs, and budget.
Most busy homeowners today can appreciate the functionality of a streamlined kitchen. Our often chaotic lives leave little time to accomplish the myriad of tasks that need to be handled on a daily basis. So it's not a surprise that most of us respond positively to those kitchens that are both compact and stylish.
A countertop stove fits into this description as it integrates seamlessly into the kitchen furniture. Whether gas or electric, the countertop stove can be customized to fit your décor and blend effortlessly with your other kitchen appliances. Homeowners normally find this type of stove to be an added convenience - offering form and function; as well as a supplement to the home’s overall value.
Of course, as with anything else, there are disadvantages to this stove that should be considered before a purchase is made. The most notable of these drawbacks is that there is a higher possibility of kitchen fire than with other stove units. Because the countertop stove is integrated directly into the kitchen counter, the risk of cloth and other materials coming into contact with the stove is higher.
Obviously, the easy way to combat such a possibility is to mount a smoke detector in the kitchen area - a law that most of us already adhere to in our homes. Further, it is always important to practice constant vigilance when cooking on any stove. And, as always, children should be kept away from all stoves until they are old enough to understand and responsibly use the appliance.
The countertop stove - like any stove that you choose – can be purchased through an appliance store or large home improvement retailer. Once delivered, the stove can be installed by the company from which you purchased it or by an independent contractor.
The installation of appliances should not be tackled by a do-it-yourselfer unless they have a thorough knowledge of appliance installation. This should be adhered to especially when dealing with a gas appliance; a professional should always be involved in handling natural gas lines.
A countertop stove can be a wonderful way to streamline the decor of your kitchen and keep you cooking your best while still looking your most stylish.
Countertops, especially, have the ability to significantly impact the kitchen area - setting the tone for design and giving the kitchen a multi-layered functionality. Often, when choosing countertops, homeowners will opt for the traditional kitchen design that features a built-in countertop stove. But there are clear advantages and disadvantages to the countertop stove; deciding whether or not to have one depends ultimately on your personal style, functional needs, and budget.
Most busy homeowners today can appreciate the functionality of a streamlined kitchen. Our often chaotic lives leave little time to accomplish the myriad of tasks that need to be handled on a daily basis. So it's not a surprise that most of us respond positively to those kitchens that are both compact and stylish.
A countertop stove fits into this description as it integrates seamlessly into the kitchen furniture. Whether gas or electric, the countertop stove can be customized to fit your décor and blend effortlessly with your other kitchen appliances. Homeowners normally find this type of stove to be an added convenience - offering form and function; as well as a supplement to the home’s overall value.
Of course, as with anything else, there are disadvantages to this stove that should be considered before a purchase is made. The most notable of these drawbacks is that there is a higher possibility of kitchen fire than with other stove units. Because the countertop stove is integrated directly into the kitchen counter, the risk of cloth and other materials coming into contact with the stove is higher.
Obviously, the easy way to combat such a possibility is to mount a smoke detector in the kitchen area - a law that most of us already adhere to in our homes. Further, it is always important to practice constant vigilance when cooking on any stove. And, as always, children should be kept away from all stoves until they are old enough to understand and responsibly use the appliance.
The countertop stove - like any stove that you choose – can be purchased through an appliance store or large home improvement retailer. Once delivered, the stove can be installed by the company from which you purchased it or by an independent contractor.
The installation of appliances should not be tackled by a do-it-yourselfer unless they have a thorough knowledge of appliance installation. This should be adhered to especially when dealing with a gas appliance; a professional should always be involved in handling natural gas lines.
A countertop stove can be a wonderful way to streamline the decor of your kitchen and keep you cooking your best while still looking your most stylish.
Friday 17 July 2009
15 Camping Stove Safety Rules
Unless you are the pioneering type, a camping stove will accompany you on any camping trip. While they are very convenient and easy to operate, different stoves work on different fuels and work in different ways. So always read the owners manual. Aside from that, here are 15 rules that should be followed in regards to camping stoves for your protection and mother natures.
1 – Being as children are a big part of camping, the use, refueling and storing of a stove should only be done under a knowledgeable adult.
2 – Use only approved, undamaged fuel containers. Keep them far from open flames and any other source of heat.
3 – When you need to changed the compressed gas cartridges, or when you need to refill liquid fuel containers, allow the stove (or lantern) to cool completely .
4 – Refill stoves or lanterns outside away from any other flames or heat source. For liquid fuel use a funnel and then allow any spilled fuel to evaporate before attempting to ignite.
5 – Place your camping stove on a cleared, level surface. On snow, place it on a large piece of plywood. This will keep the stove warmer and reduce the tendency for it to tip over.
6 – Check stoves, hoses and tanks before each outing. Check for bent valves, cracked hoses and stripped treads that could cause leaks and possible explosions.
7 – Keep the fuel tanks as far from the actual camping stove as possible. Always keep your head and body to one side when lighting in case it creates a flare up.
8 – Never leave a lit stove or lantern unattended.
9 – Do not over load the stove. These are not made for heavy duty cooking but transportability. If anything larger then a 2 quart pot is needed, setup a second grill and place the stove under it.
10 – Do not discard empty containers. If they are not refillable, they should be disposed of properly being as the dumpster at the campsite might be disposed of by burning all refuse.
11 – Camping stoves or lanterns must never be used inside a tent or any building with poor ventilation.
12 – All canisters should be bright red or at least marked well so they don’t get confused with water bottles
13 - Carry fuel cartridges away form all foods. This may mean carrying it on the outside of a back pack.
14 - Shut off the supply valve at the tank before disconnecting hoses. Allow the extra gas in the line to bleed off.
15 – All ways read the manufactures guide lines and follow them.
1 – Being as children are a big part of camping, the use, refueling and storing of a stove should only be done under a knowledgeable adult.
2 – Use only approved, undamaged fuel containers. Keep them far from open flames and any other source of heat.
3 – When you need to changed the compressed gas cartridges, or when you need to refill liquid fuel containers, allow the stove (or lantern) to cool completely .
4 – Refill stoves or lanterns outside away from any other flames or heat source. For liquid fuel use a funnel and then allow any spilled fuel to evaporate before attempting to ignite.
5 – Place your camping stove on a cleared, level surface. On snow, place it on a large piece of plywood. This will keep the stove warmer and reduce the tendency for it to tip over.
6 – Check stoves, hoses and tanks before each outing. Check for bent valves, cracked hoses and stripped treads that could cause leaks and possible explosions.
7 – Keep the fuel tanks as far from the actual camping stove as possible. Always keep your head and body to one side when lighting in case it creates a flare up.
8 – Never leave a lit stove or lantern unattended.
9 – Do not over load the stove. These are not made for heavy duty cooking but transportability. If anything larger then a 2 quart pot is needed, setup a second grill and place the stove under it.
10 – Do not discard empty containers. If they are not refillable, they should be disposed of properly being as the dumpster at the campsite might be disposed of by burning all refuse.
11 – Camping stoves or lanterns must never be used inside a tent or any building with poor ventilation.
12 – All canisters should be bright red or at least marked well so they don’t get confused with water bottles
13 - Carry fuel cartridges away form all foods. This may mean carrying it on the outside of a back pack.
14 - Shut off the supply valve at the tank before disconnecting hoses. Allow the extra gas in the line to bleed off.
15 – All ways read the manufactures guide lines and follow them.
Monday 13 July 2009
Harman PC 45 Corn Stove
Continuing on from Harman Pellet stove is the Harman PC 45 Corn Stove the state of art corn burning stove, the PC 45 stove has been designed to burn shelled corn but with a quick change of a burn pot can be used to burn pellet fuel too, all without tools.
After careful research the Harman team found that some form of agitator was required if there corn stove was to break the magic 40,000 BTU. Typically corn melt and fuses and forms partly burnt clinkers, but if the burning corn is agitated these 'clinkes' will be broken up and allowed to burn further. The corn ash ejected into the ash pan of the Harman Corn Stove is more completely burned than others stoves in the market.
The PC 45 Corn Stove is designed to be one of the longest between cleaning interval around, where other stoves need to be cleaned every few days at best , the PC 45 corn stove can last upto 2 weeks before the ash pan needs to be cleaned. The PC 45 is the first practical auto-ignition corn stove available. The igniter is designed to light corn in less than five minutes.
Harman's automatic temperature control eliminates "hot/cold" cycles. The real advantage of this system is efficiency by means of eliminating the 3 degree "overshooting" of a set temperature, fuel is not wasted by making the room warmer than is actually desired.
The Harman PC 45 has a large swing open ash door which is great for removing the over sized ash pan and includes carrying handles for easy transportation.
The Harman PC 45 is easily converted to burning pellets. An optional grate kit can be purchased if the customer desires to alternate between fuels. The corn igniter can ignite pellets in less than one minute after the initial feed stops.
After careful research the Harman team found that some form of agitator was required if there corn stove was to break the magic 40,000 BTU. Typically corn melt and fuses and forms partly burnt clinkers, but if the burning corn is agitated these 'clinkes' will be broken up and allowed to burn further. The corn ash ejected into the ash pan of the Harman Corn Stove is more completely burned than others stoves in the market.
The PC 45 Corn Stove is designed to be one of the longest between cleaning interval around, where other stoves need to be cleaned every few days at best , the PC 45 corn stove can last upto 2 weeks before the ash pan needs to be cleaned. The PC 45 is the first practical auto-ignition corn stove available. The igniter is designed to light corn in less than five minutes.
Harman's automatic temperature control eliminates "hot/cold" cycles. The real advantage of this system is efficiency by means of eliminating the 3 degree "overshooting" of a set temperature, fuel is not wasted by making the room warmer than is actually desired.
The Harman PC 45 has a large swing open ash door which is great for removing the over sized ash pan and includes carrying handles for easy transportation.
The Harman PC 45 is easily converted to burning pellets. An optional grate kit can be purchased if the customer desires to alternate between fuels. The corn igniter can ignite pellets in less than one minute after the initial feed stops.
Wednesday 8 July 2009
Family Camping Stoves - Five Features to Look For
The classic two-burner camping stove has not changed a great deal, since Coleman® introduced their model 425 stove in 1948; a version of which is still available from the company today. Gone is the white gas and the sometimes finicky hand-pump, but today's crop of two-burner propane camping stoves are immediately identifiable to anyone who is familiar with the older white gas models. Here are five important features to look for, when shopping for a dual-burner camping stove:
* Stable cooking surface. A single grate over the top of both burners provides much more flexibility for cooking with different sized pots, pans, griddles and dutch ovens, than smaller grates over each burner.
* Plenty of distance between burners. A two-burner camping stove is not very useful if you can only fit one pot or frying pan on the stove, at a time. Look for stoves that offer plenty of space between the burners, so that you can scramble eggs and cook a pot of coffee at the same time.
* Ease of cleaning. Like every piece of camping gear, the family camping stove is going to be used, abused and generally flogged. Smooth, wipe-down surfaces that are easy to access are best. Stainless steel is always a real plus, when it comes to the cooking grate and the drip-tray around the burners.
* BTU's -- the more, the better. The old white-gas model 425 could put out 11,000-plus BTU's on the main burner, and it could maintain that temperature at high altitudes. The newer propane stoves have a bad reputation for their performance dropping-off at altitude but, honestly, we regularly camp at 9,000 feet in the Sierras and have not experienced any problems.
* Wind screen. An integral wind screen around the cooking surface, like the classic Coleman 425 design, is most important when trying to light the burners, whether the stove has an integral ignition system, or not. However, a wind screen also helps to contain the heat around the burners, greatly aiding the cooking process in windy weather.
The two-burner family camping stove is a rugged and reliable piece of gear that will serve your family for many years to come. The newer propane models are easy to light and provide ample heat for just about any kind of stovetop cooking.
Happy camping!
* Stable cooking surface. A single grate over the top of both burners provides much more flexibility for cooking with different sized pots, pans, griddles and dutch ovens, than smaller grates over each burner.
* Plenty of distance between burners. A two-burner camping stove is not very useful if you can only fit one pot or frying pan on the stove, at a time. Look for stoves that offer plenty of space between the burners, so that you can scramble eggs and cook a pot of coffee at the same time.
* Ease of cleaning. Like every piece of camping gear, the family camping stove is going to be used, abused and generally flogged. Smooth, wipe-down surfaces that are easy to access are best. Stainless steel is always a real plus, when it comes to the cooking grate and the drip-tray around the burners.
* BTU's -- the more, the better. The old white-gas model 425 could put out 11,000-plus BTU's on the main burner, and it could maintain that temperature at high altitudes. The newer propane stoves have a bad reputation for their performance dropping-off at altitude but, honestly, we regularly camp at 9,000 feet in the Sierras and have not experienced any problems.
* Wind screen. An integral wind screen around the cooking surface, like the classic Coleman 425 design, is most important when trying to light the burners, whether the stove has an integral ignition system, or not. However, a wind screen also helps to contain the heat around the burners, greatly aiding the cooking process in windy weather.
The two-burner family camping stove is a rugged and reliable piece of gear that will serve your family for many years to come. The newer propane models are easy to light and provide ample heat for just about any kind of stovetop cooking.
Happy camping!
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