Anyone know about multi fuel stoves? Help please!

[PiafPilaf]

We inherited a multi fuel stove when we moved in and it's looking a bit odd. I've never had one before so don't know what normal is. Is the cracking an issue? If so are these things repairable? I have no idea who even to call in to have a look at it. We've had the chimney swept and the guy didn't mention anything. Rather not replace it if we can help it and it seems to work fine but I don't want to keep it if it's dangerous! Thank you. (Excuse the half-burnt stuff - I've not cleaned it since we used it last!)

My first question is do you have a carbon monoxide alarm? I would be very wary about any cracks as they could be allowing fumes to escape. You can get stoves refurbished; the fire bricks definitely need replacing.

Yes we have an alarm. Was first on my list!

In my non expert opinion that's fine. I have a two year old very expensive multi fuel and the lining thing which is cracked in yours doesn't go all the way to the top in mine (by design). So I don't think it's vital. Afaik sweeps are generally good at telling you if something needs replacing/repairing.

If it works well and doesn't smoke and there's no carbon monoxide leaks then it's fine. And yes to a carbon monoxide alarm if you don't have one.

The fire bricks need replacing, a few fires won't hurt but don't burn too hot incase the oven warps.

Got a thermometer for it? Easiest way to learn it's quirks and get the air flow right is stick a flu thermometer on and make sure.

I never got the hang of DPs aga in Scotland because no temp.

I wouldn't use it. As well as the CO risk if the stove is not sound and is allowing air in then there is a risk of over firing as you have no control over air inlet and this can easily lead to a chimney fire. I would ring a stove showroom retailer who also do fittings and ask them if they can recommend someone who services stoves, all frequently used stoves should have a regular service anyway to keep them in good condition. The stove looks to me as though it has been over fired a lot. Possibly also a sulphur build up which has caused corrosion.

Ignore my last post just saw the hole in pic 4.

Is that in the oven itself or ash pan?

Disclaimer about services, mine does all my hot water and heating so an end of summer service before the winter is a must! I can do most of it myself now in terms of stripping it down and cleaning but the sevice guy sweeps the chimney at the same time and he is hetas registered so in terms of house insurance it is important.

Hole looks like it is in the throat plate Lego which is what suggests repeated over firing and corrosion to me

Thanks for all the responses. I had it looked at today and it has indeed been over fired. In fact he told us not to use because the previous owners clearly put it in themselves so it's actually dangerous - wrong size flue, chimney not lined, wrong type of flue, wooden beam (mantelpiece) too close to the stove so it could catch fire, wrong type of bricks in the hearth, and the stove itself isn't wonderful. So he's quoting for a new one...!

Oh dear, hope it won't be too long until you are enjoying fires in a lovely new and less lethal stove.