The burning season is almost over. After three years with my Defiant Catalytic I've finally decided to let it go. Early in the season I had a seal problem that was an easy fix, but since then I've needed refractory boards replaced and one catalytic element since we bought the stove in 2005. These were covered under their (short) warranty, but it was a major pain.
I also run the stove 24/7 during the winter and it just seemed like the performance got worse and worse the longer things went on and I burn dry wood seasoned over one year. Further, my warranty expired and parts are going to either be hard to get or very expensive with the problems VC is having.
On the positives though, the thermostatic control generally worked well. And the stove did put out a good deal of heat steadily when it was in its sweet spot. However these plusses are not enough to offset my general lack of confidence in the rest of the stove.
I hate talking bad about products. But sadly, I just don't think the Vermont Castings name is the same as it was many years ago. I was never happy with the build quality and components of the stove. My feeling is that the bean counters came in and wrecked the company while hiding behind their good name.
So I looked at the Hearthstone Mansfield. I was intrigued by the soapstone and the the quality appears top notch. The local dealer has been in business for over 30 years and has been a long time Hearthstone dealer. He carried other products, but seemed to think the Mansfield is what we need for our home size and heating needs. I'm happy with the function of the stove in the store and I think it is also a nice looking appliance which is also a plus.
The stove is coming Monday. The dealer has already reviewed our blueprints to make sure the stove will suit our needs. He will also do an onsite inspection before install just to make sure we don't need another product. That on top of Hearthstone's great warranty sealed the deal (well there was a $200 off sale going on now too).
I think I have another week or so of burning season to try it out. I'm pretty excited and hope that I won't have to mess with a replacement stove for a long time. Based on the reviews I've heard and seen of this stove I think it will serve me well.
I also run the stove 24/7 during the winter and it just seemed like the performance got worse and worse the longer things went on and I burn dry wood seasoned over one year. Further, my warranty expired and parts are going to either be hard to get or very expensive with the problems VC is having.
On the positives though, the thermostatic control generally worked well. And the stove did put out a good deal of heat steadily when it was in its sweet spot. However these plusses are not enough to offset my general lack of confidence in the rest of the stove.
I hate talking bad about products. But sadly, I just don't think the Vermont Castings name is the same as it was many years ago. I was never happy with the build quality and components of the stove. My feeling is that the bean counters came in and wrecked the company while hiding behind their good name.
So I looked at the Hearthstone Mansfield. I was intrigued by the soapstone and the the quality appears top notch. The local dealer has been in business for over 30 years and has been a long time Hearthstone dealer. He carried other products, but seemed to think the Mansfield is what we need for our home size and heating needs. I'm happy with the function of the stove in the store and I think it is also a nice looking appliance which is also a plus.
The stove is coming Monday. The dealer has already reviewed our blueprints to make sure the stove will suit our needs. He will also do an onsite inspection before install just to make sure we don't need another product. That on top of Hearthstone's great warranty sealed the deal (well there was a $200 off sale going on now too).
I think I have another week or so of burning season to try it out. I'm pretty excited and hope that I won't have to mess with a replacement stove for a long time. Based on the reviews I've heard and seen of this stove I think it will serve me well.