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Review of Vermont Castings --- Defiant Encore -- Freestanding Stove burning Wood only

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Harman Stoves
Review of Vermont Castings --- Defiant Encore -- Freestanding Stove burning Wood only
Installation Type: Wood/Coal - Freestanding into metal Chimney
Date Reviewed: prior to Nov. 2004*)

Satisfaction Ratings from 5 stars (best) to 1 star (worst)
Satisfaction with unit = ✰
Satisfaction with dealer = ✰✰✰✰✰
Satisfaction with manufacturer = ✰✰

Other Information about the Home and Stove
Room Size (Sq ft): ~500 | House Size (Sq feet): 2000
Bought in 1995 , Price Paid: ~$1200
Location : Grand Lake, CO 80447,
Purchased from: Fireplace Retail Store - Friendly Fire

Quadrafire Stoves
Likes: great dealer, beautiful appearance

Dislikes: It appears that after Majestic bought out Vermont Castings, quality went way down. On my stove, the fireback warped and crushed the catalytic element. The stove was NOT overfired (and with proper design, it should be almost impossible to overfire a stove). I replaced the fireback and it has warped again. I'm now running the stove without the catalytic element.

Comments: I am going to replace this miserable excuse for a stove within the month! I live at 8500' and have heated with wood for 20+ years. I will never own a stove with a catalytic element again.....be forewarned!

* Dates that reviews were submitted were not recorded prior to Nov. 2004