Are Vermont Castings wood stoves good? (Are they catalytic?)

[@robertfree8682]

I purchased my first VC stove in 1983, my second for another building on my place in 2001. They were both Intrepid II's. Both had enamel paint fused on. Neither stove took much of a hot fire before the paint started chipping off. VC sold me some touch up paint. It went on beige and looked good until the first firing when the touchup color turned orange. My number 2 stove (a pretty red stove) chipped worse than the beige stove. I sold it to a buyer who didn't care if it looked bad and replaced it with a Drolet (black). I still have my number 1 stove in service. It was not easy but after a number of hours going over the stove with a needle scaler I successfully removed all of the remaining factory paint and put on old-fashioned stove black. My advice - skip the colors and get a much less expensive black VC stove instead.

[@embersliving]

thanks for the feedback

[@G.I.JeffsWorkbench]

We’ve had the Dauntless in classic cast iron black for over 20 years without issue. We (well, she) initially wanted a glossy color, but i’m glad we went with the classic black. Love the stove’s performance, and top load feature. Ideal for our needs and well engineered.

[@G.I.JeffsWorkbench]

Thx for the overview. We’ve had our Encore for over 20 years. No complaints with the classic cast iron finish. Glad we bought a slightly oversized model (Encore model for a 1000 sq ft family room). The oversized model lets us heat the room faster & reduces the frequency of adding more wood. It would be hard to convince me to buy a different brand stove. Solid build, great engineering. Love the top load feature. IMHO, once you have the top load feature, you’ll never want to do without it.

[@HomesteadOnThePreserve]

I know this video is 2 years old but thanks for taking the time to create it. This video led me to your company and I just ordered an Encore in Brown with Tiana's help. A big THANK YOU to the both of you!

[@billiamc1969]

I bought and rebuilt a Vermont Castings Defiant Encore Cat stove from 40 years ago...the stove has been in service for 10 years and is doing very well...we burn about 3 cords of wood every year...no regrets...these stoves are tanks and will last 100 years...we get 6-7 years out of our catalytic insert...and we burn 20 inch logs no problem

[@embersliving]

awesome!

[@xdude2x]

I have a 1975 Defiant and I absolutely love it. People don’t believe me when I tell them how old it is, it truly still looks brand new. Simple to use and and easy to maintain.

[@embersliving]

nice!

[@hosea4660]

I was given a defiant recently and I’m trying to figure out the thermostat on the side. Do you have any recommendations?

[@xdude2x]

@@hosea4660 what issue are you having?

[@hosea4660]

@@xdude2x when I shut the damper down on the left side of the stove sometimes I will see smoke coming from the stove so I have to open the damper up again and I just haven’t figured out how to use this type of stove. I’m not used to catalytic combustion stoves

[@xdude2x]

@@hosea4660 yours is different than mine. Mine isn’t catalytic. The “damper” is actually a diverter that changes the flame path from vertical to horizontal. Start your stove with “damper” open and thermostat wide open. Once your stove top reaches 4-450f with a good bed of embers close the “damper” and regulate the thermostat to desired output. Once again yours may be different than mine so keep that in mind. If you build the fire correctly to start the stove does an excellent job of producing consistent long burns. It took me some time but I’ve got it dialed in pretty good. Hope this helps

[@klu570]

Got a Defiant in 1999 and loved it and with gas prices spiking big in the early 2000's the $3K stove paid for itself in two years. (free wood). One problem I did have was it exploding!! I was overloading the wood on top of large beds of coal with the air control on low and it would explode in slow motion and lift the top up slightly blowing out smoke. After watching it for a while I concluded the wood gasified filling the top half but didn't burn because all the coals were using the Oxygen. It was back puffing and I could watch the flame move from mid center to the top in slow motion with a puff, weird but cool. The fix was 1. not overloading it with wood, 2. letting coals burn down before overloading it with wood, 3. giving it more air, or 4. cracking the bypass damper open to let gases escape. Either one worked and wasn't the stove but me pushing it to far. I rebuilt it in 2015 but the cat was still in great condition but stopped using it because gas was cheap. I'm now in the process of upgrading the stack and can't wait to get the defiant running again. The house size depends on the efficiency of the house. Mine is 1800 sq. ft. but was poorly insulated with single pane windows and did a OK job so A 2800 sq. ft home wouldn't do well. I've since upgraded the insulation from R3 (yes only 1" of insulation) to R25 in the walls adding to the wall stud thickness and R big time in the ceiling, plus new windows and doors. This changed my fire size from big as I could get it to just a small fire, very small.

[@embersliving]

thanks for your feedback

[@mic982]

So, we're in our 1st winter with this stove, the primary heat source for our home. After 2.5 months of burning wood, almost one full cord of hardwood/fir mix, I can give it an informed 'thumb's UP'. It is probably too much stove for our home, able to heat a much larger house than our 1200 sq.ft. house, but we have learned how to make it work to keep our house between 72-75 F around the clock. The colder the weather outside, the better this works for us. We love the top-load and the bottom ash cleanup, the cast iron construction and the aesthetics. This is doing the job and we are very happy with our stove.

[@embersliving]

awesome!

[@ronalddefoe574]

May we ask which model you have....Defiant?

[@mic982]

@@ronalddefoe574 Yes, the Defiant.

[@ronalddefoe574]

Thank you. We are considering a Defiant but were unsure if VC had fixed their issues under the new ownership. Sounds like they may have.

[@mic982]

@@ronalddefoe574 Well, I'm not aware of the issues you mention. Our Defiant is a 2019 model, a 'Flex-Burn'. Not sure how they may differ from the newest models. In retrospect, an Encore' would probably have been enough stove for our 1200+ Sq.Ft. home but we've learned to make it work for us. We're very happy with ours.

[@vipleather]

My VC defiant 1975 is a smoking truck on fire. Love it and the hell with those new EPA emissions rules. Will never sell it.

[@embersliving]

Haha thanks for the feedback

[@jayyoung5423]

I have a 1975 Defiant as well, heats my 2400 sq ft with no effort... great wood burner.

[@stannelson2582]

Sporting a 1979 intrepid in 1200 square foot house in w ny. 6 face cord per winter. Avg temp is low 70 s. I cut my own wood to 14 inches. I love it and I will keep it forever. I ve restored twice in 42 years not bad.

[@kevinwilmore3604]

How many Square Feet is your "Defiant" heating Up?

[@zachary3777]

Visible smoke is free heat going out your chimney.

[@deenibeeniable]

I had a VC Intrepid II 1308 for 16 years. Beautiful stove. Loved the combustor. Never burned anything but hardwood in it--not even "firestarters" - which are IMHO just stupid. It can take logs longer than 16 inches, it might just prop the top open an inch for a bit but you would be doing that with the front door anyway to get the venturi effect. Looks like a new & improved ash drawer. I loved my stove. Vacuumed the combustor every year & checked it for cracks. Important! not to burn too hot - GET A SURFACE THERMOMETER. I replaced the combustor about 4 times in 16 years. Not cheap but TOTALLY worth it. To have a stove that small last overnight so that there are enough coals in the morning to get it going again?...priceless.

[@embersliving]

true

[@TinasCrazyLife]

We just bought the Aspen one. It was spendy at 1700 bucks but worth it. Great investment for the long run. We bought the aspen one because of the size. We use it to heat a 40 foot freightliner motorhome.

[@embersliving]

nice!

[@TrinaWhite60]

We have the red Vermont Casting, we love it. So beautiful. We installed it in our 900 sq ft cabin in 2006. Still so beautiful and functional

[@embersliving]

thats awesome!

[@craigsplace2k9]

Did you get the matching stovepipe or did you get a black stovepipe?

[@embersliving]

@@craigsplace2k9 great question

[@Christynmaine]

What a wonderful, comprehensive, clearly presented overview of the Vermont Castings wood stoves! Really helped me make a decision after months of tedious internet mining. A big, warm, fireside thanks for your help.

[@embersliving]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Lunch_Peak]

Thank you for showing the log test. With regards to the Intrepid this is the one piece of information that I couldn't determine elsewhere.

[@embersliving]

Glad it was helpful!

[@oldmillrd1506]

I have a 35 yr old Waterford Leprechaun woodstove, I use every winter, made in Ireland. Works great and I love being able to control air intake with a dial on the front of the stove and small intake on the back. Only problem now is they are no longer imported to the US so parts are hard to find. I also have have the large French made tall round Godin stove that is a top loader. Beautiful stove but hard to find parts as well. Thinking about Vermont stoves so thanks for the update on their new products.

[@embersliving]

Thanks for sharing!

[@gerrylundergaard60]

The Waterford is a superior product to VC. You would be disappointed. You can still buy some parts in US or the factory plus shipping.

[@deanfirnatine7814]

The regulations are less about the environment and more about preventing people from being self sufficient

[@embersliving]

true

[@woodspirit98]

I have a cabin thats 14x18 or 252 sq ft plus a loft. I've look around alot for the right stove. What I like about the Aspen is it isn't gonna cook us out and it takes normal size logs instead of little chunks. Not to mention that you can load it for the night and still have heat when you wake up. Win win win.

[@embersliving]

very true

[@williamgrimberg2510]

Had a 1986 Vermont casted stove in black with catalytic burner about the same size the red stove . It had a casted grate and we could burn wood and coal . We always burned wood . Great stove , sold with the house . I live in high snow country so we have about 4 months of pretty cold winter . With a 2000 sq. ft. House , we burned a cord a year . Like to see a casted stove that burns logs and or wood pellets.

[@embersliving]

good feedback

[@russelltomlinson2353]

Brother has a vigilant in his cabin for the last 30 years does awesome! I put a vigilant in my cabin and love it they were both built in the early 70s I believe!

[@embersliving]

That is awesome!

[@billwoods2459]

Warning to those who live in coastal areas. The ash tray on our stove started rusting within 3 months of installation. The powder coat on the tray failed immediately, flaking off due to the heat. Bare metal shows where the tray rubs against cast iron. The tray should have been enameled. For $4k would have expected better quality. Also, Vermont Castings doesn’t do direct warranty inquiries; you have to go through the dealer, slowing the process down.

[@embersliving]

Thanks for watching!

[@rexpearce5657]

Thanks so much for this video. I have watched it repeatedly as I have been researching which VC woodstove I will invest in. Great side-by-side comparison and review! Excellent! Thank you!

[@embersliving]

Glad to help! Thanks for watching.

[@elizabethlenihan5626]

I have the Intrepid and it's been a very steep learning curve - the catalytic converter supposedly works at 425 - I've tried it 3 times and each time the smoke comes blowing back into the house - regardless of the wind outside, heated up flue, etc. etc. otherwise, it burns well, it holds 16" ok but on an angle- if you're chopping your own wood 12-14" is easier; it holds 325 for about 45-60" before it needs more wood - it doesn't heat for a long time but it was the right size for my little farmhouse... and it is very cute. also because it takes a lot of wood loading to keep it at 325 - it builds up creasote quite easily, so unless you're prepared to check the stove every hour to keep the heat up you should get a sweep to clean the chimney once a month....

[@embersliving]

thanks for the feedback

[@elizabethlenihan5626]

@@embersliving I should also have mentioned this stove supplements my Heat-pump; I live in Canada so I'm burning pretty much non-stop from November to about the end of March; I use about 4 cords of seasoned wood for that amount of time...No trash in my little red stove!!! ;-)

[@nosheeple2751]

Sucks

[@LemonySnicket-EUC]

Sounds like You've got issues with your stove. It should perform much better than that.

[@LemonySnicket-EUC]

@@Scott-dn1bk I don't have a new one and it's of highest quality and still kicking out heat after 25 plus years. Just now replacing the gaskets and catalyst element. Sorry for your issues.

[@genesclean1]

My vermont Castings Vigilant 1978 casting. I have used this 24/7 heating my house Seasoned hardwood..but when I damp it down for nightime burning I do get some build up of creosote. Annual cleaning is vital. It will take 20 inch logs.

[@jameter21]

Our vermont castings stove lasted 10 years before the warping of internal components made it unusable. The dealer we had said the part was no longer available and the stove wasn't designed for heating our house, just for occasional use. Had to replace it with another brand which has worked fine for over twenty years.

[@embersliving]

hmm thanks for the feedback

[@benholler1389]

I have had many many customers who didn't make it 10 years. Vermont castings stoves have had durability issues for decades

[@nosheeple2751]

What brand did you use to replace it that you have had for twenty years I'm interested and in the market thank you for your input

[@jameter21]

@@nosheeple2751 That was Napoleon.

[@LemonySnicket-EUC]

That stove was burned too hot. All cast iron stoves have limits and one should follow directions and not over heat their stove. It's a no brainer.

[@glennsenec7514]

My 1st VC stove was a 1977 Vigilant with solid cast iron doors. When they came out with the glass doors I got another Vigilant for the basement. Years later in a different house I came across a great deal for a 1975 Defiant ($100). Still years later and another different house. I purchased a Encore Defiant catalytic stove with 2 warming racks, 4 dragons, 4 mitten dryers. Which is my current VC stove.

[@embersliving]

nice!

[@timothythompson4036]

That was a great review. With Vermont Castings wood stoves you are paying for advanced technology.

[@embersliving]

You got that right! And looks in my opinion

[@debbiecraddock7204]

Up in the Wv mountain's My mom had a coal and wood burner. When it was going to be really cold . She would throw a few chunks of that Black Gold others know it as coal some wood .About 45 minutes later the old coal wood burner would be Glowing cherry red and she named it The Dragon. True Story..

[@embersliving]

haha awesome

[@garymittelstadt7821]

Having to "Jenga" my firewood into these stoves would drive me nuts. Give me a large door and burn box and I'm really happy. These are pretty stoves and have their place I'm sure, but to use all day every day they would become inconvenient and tedious to load.

[@embersliving]

glad to hear it!

[@LemonySnicket-EUC]

I use mine daily in the hard winter for up to 30 days in a row with fire. It's a lifestyle and boy is it warm and cozy plus I get my wood for free. The gas company has replaced my meter 3 times in the past 20 years because my winter use is so small.

[@valarkland7558]

My daughter 18 was not interested in my learning about the stoves until you showed the Dragons. Now she is all in....I think it's because she is a Game of Thrones fan...

[@embersliving]

they are so cool

[@jaynebuck5163]

Had a VC free standing fireplace in our MN home... Loved it !

[@embersliving]

So cool!

[@thomaslynch8912]

@@embersliving mui kip Koi

[@hughburton9021]

We just purchased a 2024 Encore to replace an early 90’s Encore. I think new stove emissions update has created a problem for VC. At least our new Encore doesn’t burn nearly as well as the older version. More soot on the glass, the air control is finicky. We’ve had techs out 3x to serve it and it still doesn’t work well . We have to open the ash drawer to get a good initial burn. Pretty disappointed.

[@StevenSmith-x8g]

Are all new stoves using firebrick in the bottom of the stoves instead of grating?

[@embersliving]

yeha thats what is seems like

[@jacobridgedell2096]

15:40 Great advice, exactly the reason we went with the defiant even though someone else told us its too much stove for a 2000 sg ft house in south Louisiana. For us, its just as much about how it looks as it is about function. I could not imagine having anything smaller. It would just look weird ha ha.

[@jacobridgedell2096]

All that and dragons...

[@embersliving]

Exactly!

[@embersliving]

awesome

[@dennism9059]

I'm going with the defiant for pretty much the same reason. In North Carolina we don't get snow but it's still cold enough to justify plus will look great in the open space of the house.

[@sbrown6862]

But no optional screen anymore--correct?

[@auntiepam5649]

I have an Aspen, I love it ! I had a flu damper added a few weeks ago because I was not able to hold a fire overnight. The house was never cold but the fire would be pretty much out in the morning, it seems to have improved the burn time. I understand they are not making them at this time.

[@embersliving]

thats correct

[@royatkin161]

I had the defiant for over 10 years awesome , now I have the encore and is also awesome .

[@embersliving]

Thats awesome. We love VC

[@edandchristina617]

I was hoping to install inside existing fireplace, but the top load feature may become an issue.. how easy/ hard is it to load from front if it becomes necessary? The double doors with only one handle probably requires the use of gloves to open to load? And the andirons seem like they might be hard to work around. What has been your experience?

[@royatkin161]

@@edandchristina617 hi i mainly used top loader which was awesome, just drop them in you might be better of looking at a door opener with mainly a glass front , it can be done but might be a pain

[@extraart1]

Very, very enjoyable sales presentation- salesperson was knowledgeable and down to earth. Retiring and starting a homestead in 2024 and would like to buy my wood stove from Embers.

[@embersliving]

Our pleasure!

[@tomsawyer247]

I like the idea of a removable catalytic converter. That way you can leave it in the box, because they only last 5 years if your lucky.

[@embersliving]

depending on how well they are maintained

[@loganmartin8613]

We have the encore and it is by far the best stove I have found

[@embersliving]

the encore is pretty sweet!

[@JeepArmyUSA]

I’m new to wood stoves. Can you cook on the defiant? Can you place a pan on top to fry a steak?

[@bwiseok]

I wonder why they don’t have it in cobalt blue. You mention the catalytic converter on here and how unreliable they seem to have been. Some years back I would say in the early 1980s I purchased a stove from fan and flame in Oklahoma and it came standard Catalytic converter and that thing worked for almost 20 years. I hauled it to Missouri and finally I sold it. The only thing that was wrong with it I had a few broken bricks. I still think about that stove from time to time and that is why I’m looking for something to replace it. So I’m wondering if the unreliability of the Catalytic converter is due to the quality that it’s made from now at versus the 1980s models

[@embersliving]

That would be cool

[@johnm1672]

ASPEN C3 installed 9/2020: My cabin is 660 sf (22 x 30) plus a (14 x 22) loft. I'm not yet fully insulated. With a good burn it keeps the chill off and the loft at about 68 -70. Outside temps around 30. Have to stoke it every 2 to 3 hrs though. Will never get the "up to 10 hour burn time".

[@embersliving]

that is good feedback! Thanks

[@nealk6387]

Do the stoves come with blowers to move the heat?

[@embersliving]

no

[@the-bu3lb]

Flex burn mean when your not using the cat everything is going straight out the pipe like an old 1970’s stove correct ? Do any of these stoves have an air wash system to keep the glass clean ?

[@celticamerican8767]

Great video! I'm interested in these stoves, especially the Encore and was wondering what you think would be a realistic lifespan for it if you maintain it well and are careful with what you burn. Thanks and Merry Christmas!

[@embersliving]

I would say about 20 years

[@Michael-xz1nk]

My red Defiant Encore will be 25 years old in July. Should last another 25 years with great care. Looks and burns like new. Key is to always burn between 500 - 650 degrees. Overheating will definitely shorten their life.

[@philwarner6604]

I am using two Defiant Encore stoves in forest green, one 28 and one 29 years old. Both are still working well.

[@jtrcknoregon1922]

I've got two 79 Resolutes... use one continuously for several days straight until I have to remove the ash. Primary heat for 2200 ft house in damp NW burning Doug Fir and white oak, total about 3.5-4 cords a year. Zero problems. It's over 40 years old, I've burned 27 years. I think with gasket replacements it could go until I die.

[@margiedenavarre7919]

What do you think of Quadra Fire? I’m in the market and the salesman lives it but I have no idea if he’s just trying to sell me something. Thanks so much.

[@robertwilson5615]

My Dad's Defiant worked like a champ. However, his Reliant and my 2 Vigilants are disasters. The internal baffling is way too tight and even with a great drafting chimney, they still gasped for air. I wound up taking all that crap out of my stoves - just running them as simple box stoves. That, plus the enamel keeps chipping off and the windows just will not stay clean. My Woodstock stove is head and shoulders better than my VCs. I would never ever buy another VC. Get a Hearthstone or Woodstock instead.

[@embersliving]

thanks for the feedback

[@charger7022]

How does the outside air kit work on the defiant? Is it just a 3” fresh air kit through the wall behind the stove? I can’t seem to find much info on it. Thanks

[@embersliving]

Please call us

[@tsdelaney]

Thank you very much for this video: clearly explained and nicely displayed!

[@embersliving]

Glad it was helpful!

[@mobilewintercamp7515]

I have the red Intrepid at my snowmobile house in Maine. It’s fantastic. If you pack it and close the damper you can get 8 hours overnight on the catalytic. I’ll wake up to warm house and a coal base ready for repack. I’m wondering, if the stove gets real hot does self clean the catalyst at all? Also do you run the damper closed with the air intake open at all? Thanks

[@embersliving]

you can but you dont want to over fire the stove too much, you could start overheating some of the components

[@garyduran1]

Where can I buy parts for a 1990 Vermont Castings wood stove? Thanks

[@embersliving]

Not sure about that you might have to call VC

[@desert4seat]

bro, I love your videos. Stoked I found your channel. best stove reviews on youtube

[@embersliving]

I appreciate that!

[@wkw4095]

I will probably buy the 1975 defiant to replace my 1910 model. Sad to see its catalytic system is inferior on the new design . I guess like everything lately it's about going cheap and charging more. With the 1910 you can see the catalytic block glowing and its protected by steel and thick bricks. The 1975 has a cheap ceramic refractory plate ready to crack with the first hit from a log.

[@embersliving]

Why not a newer one ??

[@wkw4095]

@@embersliving what's the newest defiant? Model number?

[@paultaylor8179]

Awesome video here, really appreciate the time you put in to these. I have a request from across the pond. We are desperate to have either the dauntless or encore here in the UK, but we can see them in show rooms yet. Any chance You could show some pictures of the back as I understand that with the flue the dauntless is deeper than the encore?

[@embersliving]

not that I can see?

[@paultaylor8179]

Excellent thanks for checking for me - any chance you could measure the depth of both of them please. - Many thanks and awesome video's!

[@John-wr6yo]

In my opinion the v.c.aspen has the best design. To bad that wasn't made a lot bigger and have the ability to take twenty six inch logs

[@embersliving]

dang

[@markreading6377]

Log testing is a good idea

[@embersliving]

We have a video burning on a vermont casting here - kzbin.info/www/bejne/rYC6iXmnqbqmrMk

[@belindaleslie5357]

Very helpful to choose which one I want. Thank you for posting this.

[@embersliving]

Glad it was helpful!

[@sixgunsue8]

Can a Vermont Castings radiance gas stove be converted to propane?

[@embersliving]

Usually how old is it

[@teerexness]

I grew up in an old farmhouse with a wood burning stove. "The Defiant" is not huge. Compared to the stoves of yesteryear, these are all tiny!

[@embersliving]

haha! Good to know!

[@spencerwilton5831]

teerexness Yes, but the huge old stoves from decades ago were way less efficient, sending upto half the heat straight up the flue, not to mention the incredible quantity of particulate matter they spewed out. A modern, clean burning wood stove can reach 90 percent efficiency, and burns so cleanly that no visible smoke is produced.

[@teerexness]

@@spencerwilton5831 I was only speaking to the size. And they were much bigger. And they did everything that a current stove does. The ones I grew up around would easily run you out of a large house (on the coldest flyover country days) if you added too much wood, corn cobs, etc.. And if they smoked in the house, something was wrong. Just like it is now. They were great.

[@bucky5356]

You should lift a defiant.

[@bostaph-maverix5836]

THIS IS A GIANT DEFECT in these for any real use ever loading day and night ever 90 minutes in the smaller and the medium every 2 1/2 hours. One can not stay up all day and night to be warm

[@stefangeernaert1970]

I used to have a Vermont....I'd left the valve open and had a chimney fire like that with dry kindling. Now I see with the latest models that you can also open that valve and suck the fire to the fireplace .... That's why I would not buy this brand / model anymore. It is a very good source of heat, but not safe for fireplace fire, if you ever forget to close your lid, There should be a flame plate in between, Meanwhile I have a Tulikivi.

[@embersliving]

wow

[@jayschuon8330]

You say that the defiant has an 8" oval outlet collar. Then you say that it can be reduced to six inches stove pipe. Is this correct? My understanding was that that would be a code violation and that the diameter of the stove pipe has to match to collar diameter ? I ask because I would love to get a Defiant , but don't really want to replace the chimney pipe I have

[@embersliving]

no thats not accurate, Vermont sells the reducer for you

[@MrRM-kb5lh]

I had the verymont castings on the right. Huge mistake. Replacemet parts cost a fortune, plus labor. Touch up the porcelain. Good luck with that! Hands down the best wood stove in my opinion on the market is the lopi steel stove with the brass door and legs. The air wash on the huge glass door is fantastic. I had it for 20 years now and the only part I had to replace was the gasket around the door after every several years. I don't know the price now but about 20 years ago it was around 3k. Worth every penny and zero regrets. No, I don't own the company or get any kickbacks for saying it. My honest opioin about about Vermont casting is that is is a royal screw'n!

[@embersliving]

thanks for the feedback

[@mamabear9389]

We have been considering the Lopi Endeavor. Do you know if that is a good stove?

[@helenfisler-parker9005]

Really nice video. Very informative. Great job.

[@embersliving]

Thanks for watching!

[@smartazz61]

That red one really does it for me. What is that about 4k?

[@embersliving]

yes around there

[@Volhunteer]

I plan to build a 2000 square foot house. the living room where I plan to put a Vermont castings is only 255 square feet would the Defiant be way to much overkill? I love the look of it but I don’t won’t to turn the house into a sweat box. From what I understand in the video it sounds like what I should do is go with the dauntless or the encore. Am I correct in this assumption?

[@embersliving]

yes that is correct. the defiant can do 3,000 sq ft

[@johnniemacnaughton6993]

Excellent review, thanks! Having four dragons does matter.

[@embersliving]

Yes they do

[@the-bu3lb]

Any way the white can be purchased still since the color is discontinued u have any in stock still ?

[@embersliving]

no, unfortunately

[@laura2842]

Thank you. I just purchased the Encore in March, I don't see the catalytic combustion unless it is behind that white piece. Also how do I remove the front handle. Most importantly will an 18/20 inch log make it thru the top? I am a newbie and anxious!! Thank you

[@embersliving]

it should yes

[@Zeekstuff]

Great looking stoves just not the friendliest when they need to be repaired/serviced. Long lead times for parts and it will take a full day for a pro to service the damper/bypass among other parts. In fact, good luck finding a pro who will service them.

[@embersliving]

great feedback

[@Zeekstuff]

@@embersliving No problem. I just used to do installs and servicing and VC was one of the hardest brands to deal with. It was even difficult that they use their own custom formed firebrick. You couldn't use the standard brick like most wood burning manufacturers use. Just something to think about when buying this product. You don't want it to be your only/main source of heat encase it needs to be serviced.

[@JanColdwater]

Would have loved to hear the prices

[@embersliving]

It’s all on our website. Prices change so often we don’t want to obsolete the video

[@Seriouslydave]

No, you wouldn't

[@JanColdwater]

@@Seriouslydave lol yeah, I found out.

[@deborahpinkey1264]

@@JanColdwater And that does not include the price of the pipes and other accessories.

[@charleswhite3299]

on Aspen C3 on the fresh air intake be vented from the outside if the unit is next to a exterior wall ?? and does it have the air wash to keep the class clear ?

[@embersliving]

they currently have production paused

[@riccardoballiano6771]

Hello sir, what do you recommend between a Regency 5100 and a Vermont Castings? Thank you very much

[@embersliving]

Vermont

[@riccardoballiano6771]

@@embersliving Thank you for the answer. Regency promises up to 40 hours of autonomy, I don't find any info on the Vermount website

[@milodillio6258]

I recently bought a log home that is 2,200sqft that is lofted. The red brick chimney goes up thru the middle of the house from the basement clean up. The chimney is not on an outside wall and you can walk all the way around it. I have a pellwt stove in the basement. So my question would be witch of the two bigger stoves would make more sense? This is a full log home with notty pine panels on the inside. Very well insulated. I dont want to overspend and cook us out but at the same time I want the stove to not underperform. (????) Any advise?

[@embersliving]

milo dillio I think the encore would do just fine

[@smartazz61]

These are absolutely beautiful!

[@embersliving]

I agree!

[@athroop1321]

About to pick up a used resolute acclaim. Why did VC drop that line? Any issues I should look for?

[@embersliving]

no, they were bought out several years ago, and they just simplified the line

[@7CitesChic757]

Can the Encore accommodate the same optional grill option that the Defiant has?

[@embersliving]

I dont think so

[@firstactress]

can you use the gas stoves as wood stoves? could I drop a wood log in there?

[@embersliving]

no has to be one or the other

[@jimmieburleigh9549]

Top loads period just doesn't make sense except for that initial load and start. Other than that your burning your self or kicking embers when you drop it. And what's the deal with the handles pulling out.

[@embersliving]

im not sure why they have designed the handles that way?

[@Terri_Stauffer]

The handle gets hot. My parents have a vigilant installed In 1985 that has non-removable handles. Had VC coal stove in different home with the removable handles. They would break when putting down. Forget the stupid place to put handle in leg cats kept knocking off. Love the Vigilant with the handle, no issues with it breaking, gets hot but just use gloves no issues.

[@jimmieburleigh9549]

@@embersliving I was curious because most other stoves dont don't do that

[@jimmieburleigh9549]

@@Terri_Stauffer 👍

[@boatbuilder1954]

Can the Dauntless also vent through the rear?

[@embersliving]

yes

[@mountainfunguy5657]

Is the post 2020 model number 1910 on the Defiant?

[@embersliving]

yes it is

[@mountainfunguy5657]

@@embersliving I am getting a new VC Defiant to replace my giant friend, my old Fire-View that I have used for 30 yr. Need better efficiency but do not like catalytic combustion due to wood moist and contaminations from pitch and bark, always love burning bark!

[@embersliving]

@@mountainfunguy5657 Sounds like a good stove!! Burn season woooo!

[@mister1king]

What happened to the Resolute Acclaim? I loved that stove!

[@embersliving]

I know! The dauntless is the closest

[@josephalessandro9897]

Good Video, Thank you ! Gonna pull the trigger on a new Dauntless. Seeing some bad reviews on VC stoves...quality,cust service. any truth? anything to look out for ? Thanks again.

[@embersliving]

joseph alessandro like anything you can find bad reviews on just about everything. I personally think they are great, and your warranty is only as good as the place you buy it from usually. We have in stock if your interested?

[@josephalessandro9897]

@@embersliving Im in NY. Do you deliver ? lol.. seriously i would buy from you if you were local.

[@javeluke]

@@josephalessandro9897 Three years later would you buy the Dauntless again?

[@josephalessandro9897]

100% no way in hell ! RUN AWAY FROM IT.@@javeluke

[@amandawilson8935]

I'm so glad we ordered a Defiant! love the dragons!

[@embersliving]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@dneu1574]

Why the second layer of fire brick in the bottom of the Aspen?

[@embersliving]

Actually no reason haha. It was just holding some extra fire bricks we had. Sorry about the confusion.

[@madihalateef2807]

very helpful thanks...i have a raised ranch home.which one is better Encore or Defiant? im in Connecticut

[@embersliving]

Madiha Lateef I would go defiant

[@Rescue-mt7fl]

I have seen several review identifying problems with overheating the converters and having issues with creosote buildup on the converters making an expensive converter useless. Can the larger stoves such as the defiant run without the converter? Do the stoves function well on pine vs hardwood? In Montana we have very little hardwood and burn almost exclusively pine out of necessity.

[@embersliving]

we burn pine here in colorado too. Pine works well, but of course not quite as good as a good hardwood

[@LemonySnicket-EUC]

Don't overheat the converter. It's simple. It's a very specific process but it's simple.

[@johnfrederikson2002]

Vermont Casting are the very best on the market!!! J.

[@embersliving]

they are hard to beat!

[@janegoodman4913]

Can these stoves be ordered with a rear mounted stovepipe?

[@embersliving]

all of them except the aspen

[@terlee4497]

Very informative. I am torn between the 2 larger stoves...

[@embersliving]

Hmm, how much space do you need to heat?

[@mr.redneck2715]

Does the aspen meet the epa? What control do you have over the temperature of the aspen?

[@mr.redneck2715]

Thought so!

[@embersliving]

they currently are paused

[@mr.redneck2715]

@@embersliving Have you talk to the manufacture to see what their plan is?

[@Jim1alaska]

Hum, I rather like my Defiant, which will easily take 24 inch logs, by the way, bought back in the seventies, better than this new models.

[@embersliving]

thats awesome!

[@ByMyRecords]

how much you want for it!

[@Jim1alaska]

@@ByMyRecords Let's see... -32° outside right now, sorry not for sale. :-)

[@671967]

I have a 1st gen Defiant in my living room about 12' from me as I write this. I replaced the upper and lower firebacks last Jan as well as the inner right side. The thing about our stoves is that they are dirty inefficient burners. They are running at about 30% efficiency at best. The new ones are in the mid to upper 70s (that's money if you buy your firewood). More heat IN the house, less particulates out. Less creosote. I've been selling and installing wood stoves for over 20 years (Including VC's). Getting ready to finally let it go and put in a pre-2020 Jotul Oslo. The Defiant was too big anyway. My partner drove up to the factory in Randolph in the 70's and chose it right off the factory line as a graduation gift from her father. So the sentimental attachment has finally wore off. We're also typically firm believers in using things till they drop, but finally are ready to move on from the oversized beast. So I do understand your affection for your stove. Happy burning from Vermont!

[@scottcoleman7304]

Most things made back then were built different. You won't see barn find 2005 Saturns in the year 2100. They'll literally disintegrate by then. Stuff isnt built as well anymore, on purpose. The strong something is built, the less likely the consumer is to buy another in the future. So, manufacturers build things to last a certain amount of time to keep the consumer coming back and spending money.

[@mikecondoluci53]

THE 16" LOG WILL FIT IF YOU CUT 2" OFF

[@embersliving]

haha

[@mare6419]

Thanks for the tip.

[@thegrantdanielsband]

You forgot a couple of things LOL What is the Burn Time? Oh and the Emission ratings ? To me this is the most important things we need to know when buying a stove :-) Blaze King and i have been looking is one of the most efficient and up to a 40Hr burn time? How does Vermont casting stack up to that?

[@embersliving]

I will have to check cause each model is different. It’s hard to go wrong with blaze king though. I think I would rate them the highest of all, when it comes to performance

[@thegrantdanielsband]

@@embersliving Yes thanks for your honest reply if there is a better stove than Blaze King i would like to know about it before i purchase my next stove :-)

[@beastgirl43]

What’s the encore max burn time?

[@embersliving]

I think 8 hours

[@df6580]

Where is the white one?

[@embersliving]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/epeQpImDYs2rqKc In this video Trevor goes through the Vermont Castings family. They are Embers #1 top 5 wood stove.

[@ccadelli]

What are the 4 metal rods hanging from the Intrepid model for?

[@embersliving]

fire pokers

[@UteTrac]

I have a Vigilant in black can I put a catalytic in it?

[@embersliving]

Possibly an aftermarket one. But Vermont doesn’t make one anymore for that

[@smartazz61]

I love the porcelain. I'm clumsy though. I'd probably chip it real good at one point.

[@embersliving]

true

[@wobdeehomestead]

VC had a bad rep on the wood burning forums for years. Many problems with refactory and catalyst. Hopefully these new models will bring VC back, they are beautiful stoves. Whats retail on the Dauntless?

[@embersliving]

it depends on the color you want. Yes they were bought out by a large fireplace company that has kept the quality high!

[@benholler1389]

@@embersliving the problem isn't quality. It is durability and they havnt had that for a long time

[@LemonySnicket-EUC]

@@benholler1389 mine is 25 years old. Zero issues. Most people do not know how to use a catalytic version. It's a people problem not a stove problem. Forums are full negativity on just about anything. People that have positive experiences don't go to forums to let everyone know.

[@benholler1389]

@@LemonySnicket-EUC I am a chimney sweep who works on hundreds of stoves of many brands every year. VC stoves absolutely can work. But compared to most other stoves on the market they take more maintenance to keep the combustion system working. That being said the cat versions are definitely better than the noncat. Talk to the people who work on stoves like me. Very few have a good opinion of VC

[@LemonySnicket-EUC]

@@benholler1389I hear you and understand what you are saying. I'm sorry you don't understand your business and statistics. If there are statistically more of a certain brand of stove sold then you will be doing more repairs on that brand. The rarest of stoves will likely yield you with the least amount of repair calls. So, you need to know the percentage of each brand sold vs repaired. Otherwise you have anecdotal findings as a chimney sweep.

[@adamholmes3008]

I like this guy. "They're gonna notice the dragons!"

[@embersliving]

they are so cool!

[@RVBob]

Can anyone tell me if they still make the white enamel?

[@embersliving]

They should. You can always call the store and see if we have some in stock .

[@RVBob]

@@embersliving My local dealer told me they can't get an Encore in the white.

[@embersliving]

@@RVBob I asked the salesman and he said that color has been discontinued.

[@johnbennett9149]

I have the Encore sole heat source for 4 bedroom 2 bath home I live in hardboard country only have to load it about every 6 hours only thing I've ever done it was when I first got it I took that damn Catalyst out chunk it as far as I could keep the ashes cleaned out of it and go could not ask for a better heater

[@embersliving]

That’s awesome!

[@johnbennett9149]

Oh forgot to add one more thing I've been doing this with this stove for 17 years

[@dawnw.479]

I just bought a used one and plan to install in my new home when we remodel. I am in the 805 area and am going to need a certified installer and some parts. Do you have any suggestions ? I have the Intrepid 2, 2070 what can you tell me abut this one? I have a picture but dont know how to load it here

[@embersliving]

where you at in the 805

[@dawnw.479]

@@embersliving Buellton California

[@jonackroyd4759]

Your Insurance and / or inspector may not allow your used unit. Because it is not new there is no way to ascertain its condition for insurance and safety. Happened to me.

[@dawnw.479]

@@embersliving Near Santa Barbara

[@dawnw.479]

@@embersliving buellton