Replace Vermont Castings Dutchwest

djblech · Apr 26, 2009

I usually check out the boiler forum but after ending up here I realized that I have a question. I have a VC dutchwest medium catalytic wood stove that I have been using since 1992. This is the backup for my gas and wood boiler and for really cold days. I usually fire this stove daily in the winter. I was reading this forum and realized that there is probably a more efficient stove out there. My question is, what would be a good replacement for the dutchwest and is the catalytic option still important? It seems to make my Dutchwest burn very clean. I rarely have more than 2 cups of ash/creosote after a season of burning. I am really not familiar with the current wood stove market because I have been focused on my wood boiler.
Thanks

begreen · Apr 26, 2009

If the DW is still in good condition, inside and out, I'd consider hanging on to it. As long as the cat is maintained and there is no warpage in the bypass or interior plates, the stove should still have some good years in it. If not, and you want a new, medium-sized cat stove, look at the Blaze King Princess or maybe a Woodstock Fireview. A cat is nice for evening out the temperature swing during the burn cycle, but some stoves with a lot of mass do this fairly well too.

don_faithful · Apr 27, 2009

Based on your post, to me it sounds like you know more about solid-fuel appliances than most people. But if you're looking for an opinion to help you decide, I like catalytic units. It sounds like you are an ideal candidate to continue using catalytic because you are an experienced user who can handle one.

I'm not familiar with a Dutchwest Medium Catalytic, so I'm going to assume its efficiency is similar to the Dutchwest Large Catalytic of about 75%. There's a big catalytic Defiant that can do 82.4%. Strictly based on the lower ambient temperature in the combustion chamber, personally I would expect less metal fatigue on a catalytic unit. Since the ash content you are experiencing is so low, it sounds like you are burning the unit really nicely. If a sweep considers the chimney in good condition, then it seems the acidic condensate is also not an problem. If you move up on the efficiency level, by definition there is less heat exhausted from the venting system. So whether or not the venting would behave the same way on a more efficient unit is a bit of an educated guess.

Non-catalytic units are pretty efficient these days - 60 to 70%. For some people they are just better off not going catalytic. But because of your success and advanced knowledge, I think you should stick to catalytics if all other factors remain the same.

djblech · Apr 27, 2009

My Dutchwest is in very good condition. I have only had to replace the door gaskets once. I completely clean it about 2 times a year and it just works. I haven't noticed any warpage or cracks. I really have no complaints about this stove. I wish I was as happy with my Greenwood Boiler.
Thanks

BrotherBart · Apr 27, 2009

If that puppy is getting the job done then just keep on keeping on. As to Quickstart's comment about higher temps in a non-cat firebox, I don't buy it. That 1100 to 1400 degree burn in the cat combustion chamber is just as stressful on something, somewhere in the stove. At least a non-cat is distributing the heat over the entire firebox. Not a small cat chamber and spreading from there to the rest of the stove body.

fossil · Apr 27, 2009

Keep the stove, it's doing its job and you're doing yours. Spend your time & money & effort on your boiler. Rick

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