Any changes made to Resolute Acclaims over the years?

[JDfromRI]

Hey Folks,

With the help of many of you, I was able to get my stove installed year and enjoyed a winter of burning wood. This year, I've got a lot more wood and am absolutely itching to fire up my little Century stove!

There was a downside, though - I found on those 20degree days that the stove could not keep up. I've been thinking about increasing hte stove size to something more like 40-50k btu. I think that'd do the trick. I have fallen in love with the lines of the VC Resolute Acclaim but definitely don't want to spend a couple grand on a new one unless I have to. I have found several around used and I enjoy reconditioning so I may consider that route. Question for hte stove experts - has there been any changes made to the design of the Acclaim over the years? Or, is one from the 80's going to be the same as 2008 model?

Thanks All!
-JD

 

[begreen]

The first Resolute Acclaim was a low period for VC. Parts would warp in a few years of burning. They have fixed the worst issues, but the refractory is still fragile. The stove is ok, but I'd sooner go for the original Resolute.

There are lots of nice stoves that can accomplish your goal. I'd also look at the Quadrafire Cumberland Gap, Hearthstone Shelburne, Pacific Energy T5, Morso 2110, and the Jotul F400 or F500.

 

[webbie]

I'd stay away from used Acclaims as BG mentions......UNLESS (and this is always possible), you can find one with:
1. Newer build date - say after 1996
2. Very lightly used

Otherwise, you could end up spending a LOT of money for parts to rebuild.

 

[JDfromRI]

Thanks for the input. What are differences between the older Resolutes and the Acclaims?

 

[webbie]

Older units might not satisfy you because they have dirtier combustion and the glass gets dirty also.
http://www.discountstove.com/partsvcwbfreestanding.htm#Resolute
will give you some idea of the differences.

First resi had one door which dropped down
2nd was the same but two doors opened side to side
Acclaim has one big door- totally new clean burn design.

 

[JDfromRI]

Great link - perfect clarification! Thanks!

-JD