Our Record# 2439
Review of Vermont Castings --- Intrepid II, 1303 -- Freestanding Stove burning Wood only
Installation Type: Wood/Coal - into existing Fireplace
Date Reviewed: August 23rd, 2008

Satisfaction Ratings from 1 (best) to 5 (worst)

Satisfaction with unit=2-generally happy
Satisfaction with dealer=0-no rating/experience
Satisfaction with manufacturer=0-no rating/experience

Other Information about the Home and Stove

Room Size (Square feet): | House Size: 1400
Bought in 2005 , Price Paid: $250
Location : , MA , USA - Email of Reviewer: elmoleaf@netzero.com
Purchased from: Mail Order/Internet Retailer -


Likes: Beautiful stove, good steady heat & no smoke with catalyst engaged. Top load is convenient. Optional screen for burning with front doors open. With bottom heat shield on stove, hearth stays cool to touch. 6" flue collar is reversible for back or top piping. Top griddle can be used for cooking in a pinch. Small stove fits well in small living room and doesn't overheat the room....can be run full tilt at 600-650F without baking us.


Dislikes: Stove is small, so it can't be expected to hold a fire overnight. Max is 5-6 hours. Can be problematic fitting multiple larger or odd shaped logs in. Ashpan needs to be emptied daily.


Comments: Bought used and rebuilt it, since it was no longer airtight from being moved. Cement can fail inside firebox near rear air inlet, allowing air to bypass tubes that carry air to front glass...that requires a fix every few years. Bought to supplement oil heat by heating half the house (open floor plan living rm/dining/kitchen). Recently replaced the failing 20 year old original combustor chamber. Only cat problems I've had were when I used a mesh style cat that was prone to clogging. Just replaced with square openings oem style cat. Original enamel finish is deteriorating on top of stove only...not too bad for 20 years I suppose. Good stove for heating just a room or part of a house.
* Dates that reviews were submitted were not recorded prior to Nov. 2004