Is this a Vermont Castings Defiant Replica, or is it real?

  • Active since 1995, Hearth.com is THE place on the internet for free information and advice about wood stoves, pellet stoves and other energy saving equipment.

    We strive to provide opinions, articles, discussions and history related to Hearth Products and in a more general sense, energy issues.

    We promote the EFFICIENT, RESPONSIBLE, CLEAN and SAFE use of all fuels, whether renewable or fossil.
Status
Not open for further replies.

chrys

New Member
May 26, 2016
2
Alexander NC
I am buying a house with a wood stove which I thought was a Vermont Castings Defiant, but upon closer inspection it seems to have some different details, such as the shape of the "spider webs" around the windows, which make me wonder if it is a fake. Anyone have an idea what this stove is? Thanks in advance for your help!
IMG_5076.JPG
 
What does the tag on the back say? If it was me I would be wishing for anything but a vc. I agree it does not really look like a Vermont casting stove. I am sure there will be someone along who knows stoves by look better than me. I can tell you for a fact you need way more hearth protection though. And check for a liner in the chimney as well
 
It's a Lopi Leyden.
It shares the same secondary burn technology as a non-catalytic Vermont Casting. It can be very expensive to operate and finicky. I wouldn't really consider it too much of an asset. This stove has been discontinued, but parts are available. You can easily spend $500-$1000 to repair these stoves.

I notice that the Ashpan door is not shut, that typically means it was ran that way the last time it was used. That's common to see when people have no patience and no seasoned wood. It wrecks the combustion parts in the back of the stove.
 
Last edited:
Wow! Thank you both for sharing your knowledge with me. I will check into those things (btw, what do you mean by hearth protection? I have never had a fireplace before) Are there any really good wood burning stoves/inserts that you might recommend to replace this one?
 
Hearth protection means a non-flammable material in front of the stove in your instance. Not positive but think it is 18" in front of the stove.
Manual for the leyden: http://www.lopistoves.com/TravisDocs/100-01177_005.pdf
page 8
Floor protection must extend 6" to the sides and rear of the stove and 16" to the front of the stove 39.25” wide by 44.875" deep - see Figure 2 and Figure 3). • Floor protection must be non-combustible and at least .018" thick (26 guage).

16" in front per the manual so you would have to extend the ceramics out another 16" Not a legal install as it sits ... check on the chimney as bholler suggests.
 
  • Like
Reactions: chrys
Not positive but think it is 18" in front of the stove.
It is 16" in the us 18" in Canada but I always try to get at least 18 on my installs.

Wow! Thank you both for sharing your knowledge with me. I will check into those things (btw, what do you mean by hearth protection? I have never had a fireplace before) Are there any really good wood burning stoves/inserts that you might recommend to replace this one?
The stove manual will tell you exactly what you need for hearth protection as I said above you need at least 16" in front of the stove but what that needs to be made of will vary from stove to stove some only require a noncombustible surface while others have a minimum r value that you need to meet. As far as stoves there are many good stoves out do a little research here or shop around and check reviews here of ones you like.
 
  • Like
Reactions: chrys
Welcome to the Forums!
+1 on getting the stove checked as well as the liner & getting some more protection around the stove. If you are thinking about replacing it, there are a lot of good brands out there to choose and the forums are full of folks that can help with the decision. There are a couple of things to think about:
1) Do you have dry wood [and if not you will need to work on getting some quick]? Dry is 15%-20% moisture content.
2) Is the stove going to be a primary heat source or a secondary heat source? That will really influence the size and/or kind of stove to replace it with, if you choose to go that route.
3) Do you want a free standing stove like what is in the picture or do you want a insert? That is more of a personal preference but will also influence the stove you get.
Once you know that, it can be easier to get advice...and i am sure folks will add stuff for you to think about as well.
Alexander? Burnsville guy here.
 
  • Like
Reactions: chrys
Wow! Thank you both for sharing your knowledge with me. I will check into those things (btw, what do you mean by hearth protection? I have never had a fireplace before) Are there any really good wood burning stoves/inserts that you might recommend to replace this one?
There are a lot of stoves and inserts that will do awesome! Feel free to ask about any specifics.
 
It is 16" in the us 18" in Canada but I always try to get at least 18 on my installs.
That's a good policy. I installed my stove using the 16" rule, but I already have a couple of melt spots in my carpet (and I'm a careful user). I think 18" should be a minimum on any install.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.