Lopi Leyden disappointment...

[Jagtec1]

We moved in 2012 and were unable to take our VC Montpelier (really liked that insert), as our new home had a freestanding stove already. The freestanding VC stove that came with the home was very small, and we wanted something larger to serve as a primary heat source, so we went shopping. A local shop had a deal on an attractive Lopi Leyden wood burner, and we jumped on it! Had it installed, and it's now entering it's 4th burn season. We've had nothing but problems with it. We are now on the 3rd combustor unit (all have been warranty replacements thus far-but would have cost us appx $600 if not), and have had many bouts of unpredictable burning issues with it. The doors still do not seal properly, even after new hinges and new doors being installed by the dealer. I was told at one point by the owner of the shop that the light seen at the corners of the doors from my flashlight shining from inside was a "controlled air leak" and was "designed that way". I told him I wasn't born yesterday. I had to adjust things myself to get as airtight of a seal as I could. I replaced the most recent combustor myself (the repair guy left an extra the last time he was here, and chuckled, saying "you're going to need this"), and upon doing so I found another large area of leakage where the cement had cracked and come loose all the way across the rear bottom of the back plate. This stove has never been over-fired (although we've had several near misses!), and the lid is still not warped (a common issue with over-firing these stoves). I finally called the shop yet again to express my disgust, and told them I just want a different stove. They've been out many times, and have never actually fixed the door issues. I think it's ridiculous that this thing has had the combusters literally fall apart. The dealer is in talks with Travis Industires, and are working to get me out of this stove...but in the meantime, I feel compelled to share my issues to prevent another sucker from buying one of these turds. I wish I had done more homework before buying this stove. In retrospect, I know now why they were offering such a good deal. There are MANY accounts on the inter-webs about these issues...if I'd have only known...

Hoping to trade out for a Hearthstone Manchester. I'm done with cat type stoves.

Rant off. Thanks for listening.

 

[begreen]

The Leyden does not have the best rep, but it is not a catalytic or cat type stove. It is a downdraft stove with a similar refractory combustion package system to the Vermont Castings non-cat stoves. These downdraft stoves are known to be finicky and fragile. Catalytic stoves are constructed and operate quite differently and have a better track record for the most part.

 

[jeff_t]

That's why they don't make them anymore.

 

[Jagtec1]

That's why they don't make them anymore.

You don't say!

 

[Jagtec1]

The Leyden does not have the best rep, but it is not a catalytic or cat type stove. It is a downdraft stove with a similar refractory combustion package system to the Vermont Castings non-cat stoves. These downdraft stoves are known to be finicky and fragile. Catalytic stoves are constructed and operate quite differently and have a better track record for the most part.

OK, maybe I mis-spoke. You get the idea.

 

[begreen]

Yes, I can totally understand your frustration. Your experience is the worst I've heard of. Usually the combustion package lasts a few years. Not great, but yearly is terrible. Hope things go smoothly with a replacement.

 

[aansorge]

Do some research here this time. Some suggestions for a similar looking stove:

Pacific Energy T-6 (non-cat)
Jotul F 55 (non-cat)
Woodstock Hybrid (hybrid: cat and burn tubes)

 

[stovelark]

Hi Jag- sorry to hear about your experience. If you want a great non-cat stove, I'd suggest a Jotul F500 Oslo or F600 Firelight. The HS Manchester you mentioned is a good choice too. Perhaps even PE Alderlea or Enviro Boston to name more. Good hunting.

 

[branchburner]

A guy at one of the local stove shops said the Leyden was the worst stove he ever sold. Like some of the VC's. they tended to go nuclear. I think Harman did the best job with the downdrafts... but that's not saying much.

 

[drz1050]

I was really attracted to the Leyden when stove shopping.. came online and read some reviews, few had good things to say.. glad I didn't go with it now.

 

[webby3650]

Sorry to hear about your Leyden woes. Good luck with any assistance from Travis Ind. If you get any help it will be from the dealer, I'd say he will come through since he's worked with you so much up till this point.

 

[Jagtec1]

The dealer called and said Lopi will give me $1455 towards a new stove. They don't need the stove back, just the rear heat shield with the serial #. Gonna be fun to get rid of the old one. Guess I can drag it to the dump.

I guess I'll take the wife there to the shop this week to look at new stoves. Likely a Hearthstone Manchester....we'll see.

 

[begreen]

Good to hear that the dealer came through. Shame the Leyden gets scrapped, it's a good looking stove, but good riddance.

 

[kennyp2339]

Guess I can drag it to the dump.

Some my say don't get rid of it, part it out, others like me would take pride and if the law allowed to literally hook a chain to it and drag it to the dump. To me there is nothing more frustrating than buying something expensive only to find out its a big piece of crap.

 

[begreen]

Take it to a scrap yard. You might as well get paid for it.

 

[Jagtec1]

I suppose I should be happy the manufacturer is giving me $, but I'm still pissed I have to buy yet another stove.