From gaskets to circulation blowers, a typical wood stove is made up of tons of components that would prove a headache if you were to buy each part separately.
Once in a while, however, that’s exactly what will happen – you will need to shop for a few broken manufactured home wood stove parts at some point during the lifetime of your stove.
However, it isn’t all gloom as it may sound, you actually can shop for components quite easily in one of the many accessory stores on the internet.
You just need to understand what you need and the properties it must possess to meet your needs.
Five Manufactured Home Wood Stove Components
This shopping guide lists a nearly exhaustive list of all the essential components and how to choose each.
But first, what are they?
- stove door
- gasket kit
- fan & blower kit
- grates and log holders
- baffle plates
1. The Stove Door
There’s a lot to look in stove doors:
- hinges
- handles
- whether it has glass parts or not
- among other factors.
Buy a tough and heat-resistant door that can withstand the searing heat for a reasonable period until the next replacement.
Examine the door in these areas:
Brand
Manufacturers design their products differently, so there’s a strong chance your Whirlpool wood stove will not accept a door made by Frigidaire.
And if it does, the two may not work together in harmony as you would want them to.
For this reason, it only makes sense you buy a replacement door from the same brand that made the stove – it might save you a second trip back to the store and a whole lot of money.
The Construction Material
The material used to make the door can influence its lifespan and functionality.
The most preferred material is cast iron.
Other materials are glass and ceramic, sometimes used together in varying quantities.
Glass Doors
The downside of cast iron doors is that they don’t give you a view of the events taking place in the oven.
That’s why some buyers opt for glass doors instead. However, not just any kind of glass would do.
Most of the ovens sold in North America features tempered glass or glass/ceramic combo on their doors.
However tough they may be, glass doors come with the classic weakness of glass – shattering and breakage.
You know you need a replacement when you see a crack. Sometimes it boils down to good care if you want the doors to the last longer.
Glass/ceramic combo can be a better alternative to tempered glass doors.
Glass/Ceramic combination doors from SCHOTT ROBAX have a good reputation in the industry.
The biggest drawback with glass/ceramic doors is that they are expensive compared to their tempered gas rivals. But they can withstand insane temperatures, up to 1400F.
Insulation Kit
Remember to ask whether the door comes with an insulation kit or not.
Some stores offer their doors complete with insulation.
Choosing a door with an insulation kit can save you some money compared to buying the two separately.
But first, you need to determine if your oven would work with the insulator kit of your liking.
Dimensions
Start by measuring the size of the opening slot and then proceed to buy a door that fits the space.
Most wood stoves come with square doors between 8” X 8” to about 12”X 12”.
2. Gasket Kit
The job of the gasket is to seal the door to keep all the heat inside your oven.
How do you even know if your oven requires gasket replacement?
- You may notice that the unit is heating unevenly.
- Sometimes the oven doesn’t heat to the desired temperature.
- Or, you might feel heat escaping out of the closed door while the oven is running, especially when you adjust its high temperatures.
Evaluate the gasket in these areas before buying:
Construction Material
There are two primary types of door gaskets:
- fiberglass
- silicone.
Silicone can withstand great temperatures, but not the highest temperatures possible.
To accommodate some extreme temperatures, fiberglass is used in gaskets meant for ovens that burn for a long time.
Maximum Temperature
As aforementioned, not just any gasket can withstand just any temperature.
Manufacturers will ship their gaskets with a maximum temperature inscribed on them.
While it is good to always go for one with the highest maximum temperature, it’s prudent you understand the requirements of your oven when choosing the right temperature.
Most of the gaskets in the market come with maximum temperature ratings between 800F to 2000F, but others can be higher.
Type of Sealer
The gasket doesn’t hold into position all by itself – you need a sealer to keep it in place.
Wood oven gaskets work well with cement sealers, but you can choose silicone options for cost reasons.
Graphite Impregnated Fiberglass
If you settle for a fiberglass gasket, it is recommendable that you go for a product impregnated with graphite.
Products enriched with graphite are more abrasion-resistant, comes with a longer lifespan, are more flexible, and provides superior sealing.
3. Fan & Blower Kit
The best way to add efficiency to the wood stove is to add fans and blowers.
When used together with wood stoves, blowers and fans circulate fresh air throughout the unit to ensure even distribution of heat even if the stove is situated in a congested place or distant room.
The fan/blower is the most important part of your wood oven:
- It helps you reduce the amount of fuel used by the unit
- Part of the warm air circulated around ends up radiating in close proximity while some of it is pushed outside, thus helping distribute heat in the room
- Lowers possible hot spots by moving the heat away from the chassis – this can add a few years to the stove’s lifespan
- It allows the unit to keep radiating heat long after the fire has died out
Consider these factors when shopping for oven fans and blowers:
Noise level
You want to add the efficiency without trading it off with peace and tranquility.
- Choose a quiet fan or blower that can run quietly anywhere – home, storefronts, and offices, etc.
- Any fan or blower with a noise level between 36 and 82 decibels would be perfect.
- Fans and blowers that operate on your household voltage tend to generate higher noise levels; self-powered options almost silent.
- If you were to choose between the two, you’d certainly go for the self-powered variety.
- However, you must also take into consideration the fact that 120-V fans also blow more air compared to self-powered models.
CFM rating
Airflow quantifies the total amount of air the oven fan/blower delivers and is normally measured in CFM (cubic feet per minute).
Measurements are taken when the blower/fan is running at high speeds, then the obtained value is divided by all the watts used to run the unit.
Basically, high CFM means the fan/blower is more efficient and moves a larger amount of air.
Temperature Range
What is the temperature range of the product of your liking?
When it comes to the modern self-powering fans/blowers, the expected temperature of the stove is essential when selecting the correct model because if temperatures get too hot, the blower/fan will be damaged, sending you back to the store in the process.
However, if the wood stove does not get hot enough, the fan will not switch on. Stove fans and blowers are rated for the temperature range they can withstand comfortably.
So, when shopping for one, consider determining the average surface temperatures of your wood stove before buying the fan unit. You can easily do this using a magnetic or infrared thermometer.
Automatic Control
There is a class of fans you never need to turn on/off when the oven is running or inactive.
Such fans tend to run on the heat produced by the stove. We’ll talk more about how that works in a minute.
When choosing the right fan/blower for your oven, ask yourself whether you want to have total control on the on/off control or whether you’d rather let it turn on and off automatically.
Type, Source of Power & Lifespan:
What type of fan/blower would be perfect for your oven?
What’s the source of the power of the fan?
How long will it function flawlessly before requiring a replacement?
There are three types of fans based on the source of power –
- Conventional
- Thermoelectric
- Stirling engine fans.
Conventional Wood Stove Fan
This type of fan relies on a wall power outlet for operations and usually come with speed controls plus a thermal switch, all untended for controlling the device.
They are particular to the specific model of the wood stove and will readily fit into the cutout made into the body of your stove.
Once installed the cutout, the unit will draw the much-needed cool air from underneath the stove before forcing it around the topmost part of the oven and then through an outlet leading to the room.
It is typical for conventional fans to use rotary cages to move the cool air around. While they are powered by electricity, they are actually the most effective movers of cool air in modern wood ovens.
With good care and close maintenance, a typical conventional rotary fan will keep delivering service for 10 – 15 years.
Thermoelectric Power Generator Fan
Also called TEG fans, this category of wood oven fans draw heat from your stove and uses it to generate an electric current.
There are several methods to generating current this way, but most models simply transfer the heat from your stove to a handy cold metal (which is part of the fan) and the process of electricity generation begins from there.
The fan is often made up of normally made up of two parts, with the thermal generator in the middle of the two parts.
The disproportionate rate of expansion creates a tiny voltage that is drawn by the motor in the fan and ends up being used to blow the air.
Depending on the number of hours it’s left to run, a typical TEG fan can last between 5 to 10 years.
Most of the time, the TEG fan goes out due to an aged motor that has worn out with time.
Fortunately, the replacement motors are easy to find, they are low cost, and can be easily replaced without any special skills
Stirling Engine Fan
This type of wood oven fan is very much like the TEG type especially in the way they use the heat drawn from your stove to generate the electrical power that’s used to power them.
The distinction lies in the way they get to move their blades which is a whole lot different from that one involved in TEG fans.
Stirling Engines functions by alternating a specific amount of air ‘bubble’ between a hot plate in contact with your stove and a cold plate at the upper part of the engine.
In the gap between the bottom and the top sections is a metal piston that moves as hot air pushes upwards and the cold air pushes down.
This bubble of air is cooled and heated many times per second, resulting in the generation of power that is in turn used to move the blades.
Stirling Engine Fans can last for up to about 15 years. You know you need a replacement when your Stirling Engine fan breaks down for the first time – they aren’t as easy to fix as their TEG counterparts, but caring for one can be as easy as ABC.
For a longer lifespan, you will need to follow the instructions that come with the manual regarding the maintenance and care for the Stirling Engine fan.
Brands to Check Out
- Caframo
This fan maker is based in Canada and has been in the industry for over 50 years, manufacturing nothing but some of the best oven fans you could ever acquire. - Warpfive
This British brand burst on the stage in 1994 and has been producing some of the industry’s cherished equipment since then. While 1994 may not seem a long time ago, they back their quality products with lifetime guarantees. - VODA
VODA is a Chinese brand dealing almost exclusively in fireplace accessories. VODA products are some of the best-reviewed in the market.
4. Grates & Log Holders
Grates and log holders do exactly what you can guess from their names – they hold the logs in place to ensure orderly burning and allowing you to concentrate on things that really matter, like adjusting the temperatures.
Choose grates and log holders that make it easier to pack the compartment with wood. Also, choose a model that will give you an easier time when lighting the wood.
A good product should permit better quality burning, promote complete burning, and protect your floor from extreme heat.
Consider these factors when purchasing a grate or log holder
The Material of Construction
The material used to make the grate or log holder can influence their lifespan as well as their functionality. The most preferred material is cast iron.
Cast iron is heavy and tough, a feature that makes it competent enough to withstand great temperatures without weakening.
Those made from steel aren’t bad either, but they are best suited for occasional burning. If you are a frequent burner, choose a cast iron grate/log holder.
The Number of Grates/Log Holders Required
Depending on the size of the compartment or even the type of the oven, you may need to use one, two, or even three grates/log holders.
At times, manufacturers make grates for a specific amount of load.
5. Baffle Plates
The baffle plate is a heavy-duty part positioned at the top chamber of the firebox compartment.
Typically made from such metals as cast iron to cope with insane temperatures.
Baffle plates help to keep much of the waste gasses and heated air inside the firebox. The longer the waste gases and heated air are kept in the firebox, the more the stove produces a stronger fire.
Material of construction & Maximum Temperatures
Baffle Plates are some of the oven components the manufacturer doesn’t provide the maximum operating temperature.
Remember that flames will keep leaping all the way to the top where the baffle plate will be located, exposing it to high temperatures.
It is recommended that you choose a baffle plate made from temperature-resistant materials like steel and cast iron.
Conclusion
A functional wood oven is its components – the door, gasket kit, fan & blower kit, grates & log holders, baffle plates.
This means that if you choose high-quality replacement parts, you will end up with top quality and more functional units.
While all the components are integral to the proper running of the system, fans and blowers are the most important part. They help you reduce the amount of fuel used by the unit.
They also ensure that the warm air circulated in the unit ends up radiating in close proximity areas in front of the unit, thus helping distribute heat in the room.
Better yet, they lower possible hot spots by moving the heat away from the chassis – this can add a few years to the stove’s lifespan. It also allows the unit to keep radiating heat long after the fire has died out
