Vermont Castings Encore Two in One Reviews for 2011

Free Monomoy said:

Now that the burning season has officially started and the rust is off, I'm looking for some honest reviews on the new 2 in 1 Encores and, more specifically, your thoughts on catalytic operation. My 1986 Encore Cat is getting tired and the refractory is in need of replacing. I'm at the point of frustration with rebuilds and repairs and considering a new stove. After years of VC ownership transfer and the overall mess, It appears as though most kinks are worked out and the mothership is back on track with VC.

For those of you that run the new 2 in 1, how are they running, what are your thoughts? It's not long enough for the true test of time, but let's hear the latest.

I plan to run in cat mode as much as possible. What's this about taking a minute to switch modes when it's always been a flip of the damper and the ensuing adjustments after the cat warms and fires?

Looking forward to hearing your input.

Thanks

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BrowningBAR said:

Free Monomoy said:

Now that the burning season has officially started and the rust is off, I'm looking for some honest reviews on the new 2 in 1 Encores and, more specifically, your thoughts on catalytic operation. My 1986 Encore Cat is getting tired and the refractory is in need of replacing. I'm at the point of frustration with rebuilds and repairs and considering a new stove. After years of VC ownership transfer and the overall mess, It appears as though most kinks are worked out and the mothership is back on track with VC.

For those of you that run the new 2 in 1, how are they running, what are your thoughts? It's not long enough for the true test of time, but let's hear the latest.

I plan to run in cat mode as much as possible. What's this about taking a minute to switch modes when it's always been a flip of the damper and the ensuing adjustments after the cat warms and fires?

Looking forward to hearing your input.

Thanks

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First, I do not run a 2-in-1 stove.

In regards to some of your questions; to go from everburn mode to cat mode you need to remove the front panel of the assembly in the firebox and insert the cat. To run in everburn mode you need to remove the cat.

From what I have read and seen, the refractory assembly will last longer and should be cheaper to replace. Also, the cats are cheaper to replace as well. As far as rebuilds go, they still have just as many gaskets. Keep that in mind if you had an issue replacing all of the gaskets. It's not an issue to me, but for some it is.

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Free Monomoy said:

Thanks, points taken. Replacing the gaskets isn't so much an issue. Thanks for the clarification on the cat mode. I assume when the cat is in place, the stove operates exactly like the older versions, ie my stove, which is what I desire. Certainly will be nice to have easy access to the cat!

Hope all you folks that have a year + on your new encores chirp in with some reviews

Thanks

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LIJack said:

BrowningBAR said:

Free Monomoy said:

Now that the burning season has officially started and the rust is off, I'm looking for some honest reviews on the new 2 in 1 Encores and, more specifically, your thoughts on catalytic operation. My 1986 Encore Cat is getting tired and the refractory is in need of replacing. I'm at the point of frustration with rebuilds and repairs and considering a new stove. After years of VC ownership transfer and the overall mess, It appears as though most kinks are worked out and the mothership is back on track with VC.

For those of you that run the new 2 in 1, how are they running, what are your thoughts? It's not long enough for the true test of time, but let's hear the latest.

I plan to run in cat mode as much as possible. What's this about taking a minute to switch modes when it's always been a flip of the damper and the ensuing adjustments after the cat warms and fires?

Looking forward to hearing your input.

Thanks

Click to expand...

First, I do not run a 2-in-1 stove.

In regards to some of your questions; to go from everburn mode to cat mode you need to remove the front panel of the assembly in the firebox and insert the cat. To run in everburn mode you need to remove the cat.

From what I have read and seen, the refractory assembly will last longer and should be cheaper to replace. Also, the cats are cheaper to replace as well. As far as rebuilds go, they still have just as many gaskets. Keep that in mind if you had an issue replacing all of the gaskets. It's not an issue to me, but for some it is.

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I'd be interested to hear any 2011-12 season reviews as well -- the 2-in-1 Defiant is (on paper) ideal for where I want to put it. Durability and maintainence costs are my concerns. Browning, how often do these gasket rebuilds need to be done, in your experience?

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BeGreen said:

BrowningBAR said:

Free Monomoy said:

Thanks, points taken. Replacing the gaskets isn't so much an issue. Thanks for the clarification on the cat mode. I assume when the cat is in place, the stove operates exactly like the older versions, ie my stove, which is what I desire. Certainly will be nice to have easy access to the cat!

Hope all you folks that have a year + on your new encores chirp in with some reviews

Thanks

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I have heard through my local dealer, which I have spoken with many times and is actually a really good and honest dealer, that owners of the new 2-in-1 stoves that also owned previous Encore/Defiant models are reporting less wood consumption. Which means burn times should be longer. How much longer is up in the air.

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Did the dealer indicate how most folks are burning - cat or downdraft?

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BigE8817 said:

I have a 2010 2in1. I love it! Much cleaner and more efficient than my old Timberline smoke dragon. The stove goes between Cat and Non-Cat with the flip of a lever on the left side of the stove. Doing that flips the Cat in front of the smoke path. Cleaning it takes a few minutes and no tools. My only complaint would that the ash door lever is hard to turn. I plan to put a little grease on it. The stove came with a 6" round flue collar and it wasn't very clear in the manual. I had to buy a new collar that was 8" oval. The delay was a little frustrating. I got the blower kit and it really pumps out the heat. I definitely recommend this stove. My house is 1700 sf. and it does a good job heating it.
Eric

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BigE8817 said:

Bill,
I have the Encore and I have only used it in Cat mode. The house is 1700 square feet built in 1907. Most walls have been insulated and all the windows have been replaced. It is a 2 level with bedrooms upstairs. The stove is in the corner of my living room. There is a large archway leading to the foyer and stairway. Last year I came home from work and would light the stove and in about 30 min it was nice and warm in the room. I used a ceiling fan to spread the heat. It was usually about 80 degrees upstairs when I went to bed (around 11). I was able to relight at 8 am using the coals. I would load it up and set it to high for about 10 min then turn it down to low for the night. No problems with smoke on the glass. Ash removal is nice and easy. I love the top-load and it makes the stove much safer for me since I am almost blind.
Eric

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defiant3 said:

All very interesting but the problem has often been with 0028's and other Encores themaintainence costs. Non-cat Encores and Defiants were no better. Does the 2-in-1 thing have a fountain assembly, refractory assembly , or other equally expensive stuff in there which will require replacement periodically and muck up a perfectly good burning season? How long before iron firebox parts wear out?

Might be a few seasons before we have some idea, so do as you will. Saving wood is cool, but a $300.00 plus labor bill can sort of be a wet blanket. Come to think of it, so can I!

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defiant3 said:

....... Does the 2-in-1 thing have a fountain assembly, refractory assembly , or other equally expensive stuff in there which will require replacement periodically and muck up a perfectly good burning season? How long before iron firebox parts wear out?

Might be a few seasons before we have some idea, so do as you will. Saving wood is cool, but a $300.00 plus labor bill can sort of be a wet blanket. Come to think of it, so can I!

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Gadget said:

defiant3 said:

....... Does the 2-in-1 thing have a fountain assembly, refractory assembly , or other equally expensive stuff in there which will require replacement periodically and muck up a perfectly good burning season? How long before iron firebox parts wear out?

Might be a few seasons before we have some idea, so do as you will. Saving wood is cool, but a $300.00 plus labor bill can sort of be a wet blanket. Come to think of it, so can I!

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From the Vermont Castings Webpage:

Limited Lifetime Warranty
Guaranteed to last — Vermont Castings boasts the most comprehensive warranty in the industry with a Limited Lifetime Warranty on all castings, combustion systems and door glass.


http://s40.photobucket.com/albums/e212/sharkology/HEATING/?action=view&current=VIDEO0068-1.mp4

http://s40.photobucket.com/albums/e212/sharkology/HEATING/?action=view&current=VIDEO0069.mp4

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BrowningBAR said:

Gadget said:

defiant3 said:

....... Does the 2-in-1 thing have a fountain assembly, refractory assembly , or other equally expensive stuff in there which will require replacement periodically and muck up a perfectly good burning season? How long before iron firebox parts wear out?

Might be a few seasons before we have some idea, so do as you will. Saving wood is cool, but a $300.00 plus labor bill can sort of be a wet blanket. Come to think of it, so can I!

Click to expand...

From the Vermont Castings Webpage:

Limited Lifetime Warranty
Guaranteed to last — Vermont Castings boasts the most comprehensive warranty in the industry with a Limited Lifetime Warranty on all castings, combustion systems and door glass.


http://s40.photobucket.com/albums/e212/sharkology/HEATING/?action=view&current=VIDEO0068-1.mp4

http://s40.photobucket.com/albums/e212/sharkology/HEATING/?action=view&current=VIDEO0069.mp4

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I think the key term in that phrase is 'limited'.

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Gadget said:

BrowningBAR said:

Gadget said:

defiant3 said:

....... Does the 2-in-1 thing have a fountain assembly, refractory assembly , or other equally expensive stuff in there which will require replacement periodically and muck up a perfectly good burning season? How long before iron firebox parts wear out?

Might be a few seasons before we have some idea, so do as you will. Saving wood is cool, but a $300.00 plus labor bill can sort of be a wet blanket. Come to think of it, so can I!

Click to expand...

From the Vermont Castings Webpage:

Limited Lifetime Warranty
Guaranteed to last — Vermont Castings boasts the most comprehensive warranty in the industry with a Limited Lifetime Warranty on all castings, combustion systems and door glass.


http://s40.photobucket.com/albums/e212/sharkology/HEATING/?action=view&current=VIDEO0068-1.mp4

http://s40.photobucket.com/albums/e212/sharkology/HEATING/?action=view&current=VIDEO0069.mp4

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I think the key term in that phrase is 'limited'.

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Based on the info in the 2nd video link above, it looks lie they have eliminated some gaskets and done away with the soft refractory material. Both seem like substantial steps toward reduced maintenance cost and hassle.

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nekit said:

I've been burn the Encore 2 in 1 for almost a year now. I'm very happy with it. It replace a 0028 cat Encore that I had used for about 5 years, but was much older than that.

The new 2 in 1 has a much better refectory box, cast stone like material. Switching between cat and just 2nd air burn takes only about 30 seconds to remove the cat. Also very easy to inspect and clean cat. Build quality is quite nice.

I have had it back puff on me once, my old Encore did this too. Have a good healthy burn going and shut the air down too much to go to bed. Started back puffing after about 1/2 hour.

The glass seems to get smokey a little more than my old Encore. I usually clean it every or every other day. Cleans really easy if you do it when it's warm, not hot, with Windex.

I burn without the cat when it's 30 degrees and warmer. Burn easier and put out less heat.

I can't seem to get the advertised burn times, but that seems to be the case with most wood stoves. Seem to get about 7-8 hours of burn with the cat. I could probably get more if I loaded it all the way up, but that would warm my house too much. I usually have 3 splits med/lrg in when I go to bed at 10 and it's burned up by 5 or 6 am. Burning Black Oak mostly.

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Gadget said:

Thanks for the feedback Nekit.

All of it makes sense except the part about not loading it all the way up because it would warm the house too much. What keeps you from controlling the burn / output by reducing the incoming air and thereby maintaining the heat level and extending burn time?

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nekit said:

Gadget said:

Thanks for the feedback Nekit.

All of it makes sense except the part about not loading it all the way up because it would warm the house too much. What keeps you from controlling the burn / output by reducing the incoming air and thereby maintaining the heat level and extending burn time?

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My house isn't that big 1300 sq ft. If I load it all the way up. Even with the air down low. It gets pretty warm about midnight.

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