Defiant Encore 0028 replacement help

  • Active since 1995, Hearth.com is THE place on the internet for free information and advice about wood stoves, pellet stoves and other energy saving equipment.

    We strive to provide opinions, articles, discussions and history related to Hearth Products and in a more general sense, energy issues.

    We promote the EFFICIENT, RESPONSIBLE, CLEAN and SAFE use of all fuels, whether renewable or fossil.
  • Hope everyone has a wonderful and warm Thanksgiving!
  • Super Cedar firestarters 30% discount Use code Hearth2024 Click here

JohnJohn

Member
Oct 16, 2013
22
NJ
I can no longer repair my old Defiant Encore. I'm looking for something similar in performance. Home is 2000sf bilevel. The local shop has the Hearthstone Heritage as recommended. My previous home I had a Hearthstone Clydsdale insert and it worked well. Any suggestions for 2000sf for a standalone stove?
 
How will the stove be used? Full time 24/7 as the primary heater, or more like nights and weekends?
For a simpler stove, the Jotul F55 or PE Alderlea T6 would work.
 
  • Like
Reactions: EbS-P
The F500v3 is a more complex stove with it's giant cat. It's a good heater, but it's undecided what the long term maintenance costs will be.
 
  • Like
Reactions: JohnJohn
An f500 v2, the models before the v3, could be a good fit if you can track down a good used / lightly used or even better new old stock one.
 
An f500 v2, the models before the v3, could be a good fit if you can track down a good used / lightly used or even better new old stock one.
Thanks, I just found one. Going to see it this weekend. Anything I should lookout for?
 
The old Defiant was a serious radiant heater. If you have an open floor plan I’d stick with another radiant heater. I wouldn’t be afraid of the new F500 v3 or even look at the larger Woodstock stoves.
 
  • Like
Reactions: JohnJohn
Thanks, I just found one. Going to see it this weekend. Anything I should lookout for?
Look for warped ash grate and baffle, cracks inside and out. Also look for white colored metal on the outside, could be a sign of overfiring.
 
Yes cracks anywhere. My buddy bought one and saw 1 crack. Brought it home and found 2-3 other major cracks. If you find 1 crack there are surely others. Any signs of over firing are a walk away.

Also etched glass (not sooty or just dirty) is sign of over fire.

Good luck. I got my f400 used and it was, and still is, in great shape. So hope you find a good one too.
 
Check that the Ash pan door seals. Sticks bright flashlight inside and cove the stove with a blanket. Not a deal breaker but the extra air results in higher temps
 
  • Like
Reactions: JohnJohn