- Nov 27, 2012
- 0
Question:
Looking for experiences w the Vermont Castings Resolute Acclaim; good or not. Majestic says that past difficulties have been "solved." It appears that they have just replaced cast liners with firebrick. 2 dealers in 2 states(unnamed) are not happy w the quality control and recent past design and operation of the Resolute Acclaim as well as other VC stoves. Anyone own one-- recent or past-- experienced w wood heat as a major part of their home heat? The Res. Acclaim is the only medium-sized top-loading cast iron wood stove out there. Or is it? THANKS.
Answer:
Having worked at Vermont Castings for 14+ years, and been a part of the redesign group that tested several designs, materials, and "abuse" conditions, I can say with full confidence that the "new" interior design brought out in 1994 really works.
The interior is more durable, produces a hotter temperature environment that encourages better combustion (EPA #'s went from 5.1 to 3.4 grams per hr.), and protects the outer & interior castings. Is it absolutely foolproof? No. Nothing is. Is it better? Much better.
Quick example. Sales were in the toilet to the point where the stove was going to be discontinued in 1993. The 1994 redesign, outstanding customer "rebuild" program, and renewed dealer confidence brought the sales level up to where it once was in 1989. That's why the stove is still made. That's why it still sells. It's a good non-cat cast iron product.
Q.C. problems now? Perhaps due to the vendor that makes the bricks, but I haven't heard of any widespread issues before leaving the company in November.
Now that you have the straight scoop, the rest is up to you. Good luck.
P.S. When the came out with the new model in 1994, and offered remaining stock of the older design to our dealers at the Trade Show, we sold 500+ models in two days to the folks below the Mason-Dixon line. They NEVER had problems there. It was only in the colder regions of the country where the stove was pushed. The Southern folks were amazed to hear of the problems discussed.
Looking for experiences w the Vermont Castings Resolute Acclaim; good or not. Majestic says that past difficulties have been "solved." It appears that they have just replaced cast liners with firebrick. 2 dealers in 2 states(unnamed) are not happy w the quality control and recent past design and operation of the Resolute Acclaim as well as other VC stoves. Anyone own one-- recent or past-- experienced w wood heat as a major part of their home heat? The Res. Acclaim is the only medium-sized top-loading cast iron wood stove out there. Or is it? THANKS.
Answer:
Having worked at Vermont Castings for 14+ years, and been a part of the redesign group that tested several designs, materials, and "abuse" conditions, I can say with full confidence that the "new" interior design brought out in 1994 really works.
The interior is more durable, produces a hotter temperature environment that encourages better combustion (EPA #'s went from 5.1 to 3.4 grams per hr.), and protects the outer & interior castings. Is it absolutely foolproof? No. Nothing is. Is it better? Much better.
Quick example. Sales were in the toilet to the point where the stove was going to be discontinued in 1993. The 1994 redesign, outstanding customer "rebuild" program, and renewed dealer confidence brought the sales level up to where it once was in 1989. That's why the stove is still made. That's why it still sells. It's a good non-cat cast iron product.
Q.C. problems now? Perhaps due to the vendor that makes the bricks, but I haven't heard of any widespread issues before leaving the company in November.
Now that you have the straight scoop, the rest is up to you. Good luck.
P.S. When the came out with the new model in 1994, and offered remaining stock of the older design to our dealers at the Trade Show, we sold 500+ models in two days to the folks below the Mason-Dixon line. They NEVER had problems there. It was only in the colder regions of the country where the stove was pushed. The Southern folks were amazed to hear of the problems discussed.
