Comparable replacement for Defiant Encore

[Jchap44]

Good day all! It's been some time and I've burned a lot of wood through our defiant encore. She's getting worn out so I'm hoping to replace it with something that works similar. We live in northern MN. So it can get well below zero on the coldest days. Occasionslly I had to get up and fill the encore during very cold nights otherwise she gave me predictible long burn times. I'd be happy with something similar as far as heat output and burn times. I've gone down the rabbit hole and I really am not a pro. So I come to you folks to find some good options. I don't have a preference for catalyst or not. I like the look of VC stoves and I do want to view the fires. But I also would love ease of use and quality build. I have been looking at some Drolet models. Our house is roughly 2000 sq ft. Thank you for any input!

 

[Malarky112]

I’d be curious to know as well, following.
My 2550 could use an update sometime in the near future but I’ve heard the VC quality has crashed and burned.
I like the top loading and the ash pan….but not many out there like that it seems.

 

[bholler]

I’d be curious to know as well, following.
My 2550 could use an update sometime in the near future but I’ve heard the VC quality has crashed and burned.
I like the top loading and the ash pan….but not many out there like that it seems.

Your stove honestly is one of the ones that contributed to Vermont castings loosing favor in the industry. Their stoves have definitely improved some from yours but still lag behind most of the industry in ease of use and maintenance costs