Coalpail.com Forum

I am thinking of buying a used Chubby. There are many on Craigs List in my area. In looking at them, is there anything in particular to look out for? Weak areas? What is the difference between a good one and a bad one, other than general appearance?

When talkin about chubbies , size matters and the longer you can make it last the better. I generally come up short on both.........

Damn waldo, that's what she said--B-itch As for the chubby--my limited knowledge would be--doors close snuggly (no warpage) no cracks in stove body & grates work smoothly & fire pot is there/in decent shape--wsherrick, what the hell, you sleepin in this AM?

I would stear clear of the Jr. chubby's as they disappoint most for burn times, the blower version of the chubby was more for public marketing then function, the standard large chubby is great!!! and the things to look at when inspecting are the grate (look for cracks and warpage), the hinge pins on the doors (make sure they are intack and the doors swing nice without to much play or wobble and look to make sure the cast iron were the hinge pins go through is not cracked or damaged), make sure the cast iron firepot is not warped or cracked. everything else is pretty bullet proof and can be repaired with some door gaskets or re cementing of the cast top to the steel cylinder. Its a great design, a great coal burner and cracked cast iron is the only severe damage to watch for (everything else is easy peazy).

Where are you I have a totally refurbished Chubby Senior by the Man Larry, with the new shaker system, at a great price! (Just too many stoves.)

Actually - there are a few subtle things to watch out for - assuming you don't take advantage of Lobstah man's offer.
First thing - there are differences in the looks department.
1) some have the decorative inlay all around the top of the unit - some just have it scribbled near the front.
2) some have a larger viewing area in the door - some have a tiny little hole to see whats going on inside
3) some have a internal shaker grate and others have the external
4) some have a modified shaker grate that makes it easier to shake
5) here's one I'll get slammed for sure - there was a copycat stove out there that may be of interest - called Penn Coal Stove - it has features that quite honestly were worthy of note.

I believe my points above are correct - but if you think I'm off base then chime in - no worries!

Also - I can't help but mention yet another stove of mention here is the Crane Coal Stove - where the inventors son lurks on this forum as DCrane.

Honestly I think the round firepot tends to work real nice for a coal fire.

PS I got lucky when I bought my Chubby stove - since I had no idea what to look for but I believe I got a real nice unit - with the choice options of 1,2 and 3. I also own the Penn Coal Stove which is a fine unit albeit a near clone to the Chubby.

pa30b wrote:I am thinking of buying a used Chubby. There are many on Craigs List in my area. In looking at them, is there anything in particular to look out for? Weak areas? What is the difference between a good one and a bad one, other than general appearance?

Welcome!

If you are in the N.Shore area of MA you are welcome to come by and see my JR Chubby in action. You can get 12 to 14 hour burns with a Jr. Or at least I do with no problems. Chubby's are GREAT stoves and are very easy to operate. Parts are always available as well should you need them. I know Larry at Chubby Stoves has some 100% rehabed units that are lierally "LIKE NEW". If you go that route you won't have any worries about the shape the stove is in.

A simple suggestion to you is with any used stove you might buy is to replace all the gaskets on the doors. Air leaking in can shorten burn times.

Don't be afraid to ask questions around here either. This forum has some of the best salt of the earth people on it who are always ready to help.

Many thanks for your kind replies and the info on Chubbys.

I was wondering, the Chubby in the picture below appears to have a couple of cutouts in the upper part of the barrel, but others do not have that. Is this an owner modification or are some like this? What is it for?
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pa30b.... that is where the air comes out from the blower. (newer model)

pa30b wrote:Many thanks for your kind replies and the info on Chubbys.

I was wondering, the Chubby in the picture below appears to have a couple of cutouts in the upper part of the barrel, but others do not have that. Is this an owner modification or are some like this? What is it for?
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Blower Version of the Chubby, I wouldent pay extra for it but if its their its fine.