If you had to own a VC defiant....

[kentuckydiesel]

If you had to own a VC Defiant, which model would you go with? Are the 1910/1945 better or worse than the newer ones? Is it possible to make a 1610 operate correctly? Any other thoughts are appreciated.

Thanks,
Phillip

 

[Wisco Shepherd]

If I had to own one I wouldn't. Any reason you have to?

 

[begreen]

The older ones had less robust refractory components. The new ones are more complex to service. The original was the most robust and easiest to service.

 

[kentuckydiesel]

If I had to own one I wouldn't. Any reason you have to?

To get get past the question of general dislike.

 

[Woodsplitter67]

Me personally I'd go with a newer model.

I have the 2040 encore and it's been my primary heat since installation. I burn roughly 3/3.5 cords per year. 10 hour burns every night with no issues. My longest burn being over 14 hours on 1 load. The stove shines in it's low burn output. It cranks out serious heat at mid to 3/4 air.

Yes you'll be replacing cats and refractory every so often, but I knew this going in so it doesn't bother me. Some feel you really shouldn't have to maintain a stove. That's fine for them. Me I don't care. It's a beautiful stove and heats well.

The key for this kind of stove is draft. Get your draft right from the beginning. Read the manual understand what it's telling you regarding height and clearance.

You need dry wood. FOR ANY STOVE. That being said this stove runs the best with dry wood sub 20%MC