Potential Used Vermont Casting Purchase

[dan7800]

Hello, I am looking at a used Vermont Castings insert that is being sold for $300. I would be installing the unit into my traditional masonry fireplace. My fireplace has the dimensions of 32"T by 40" wide. I would be looking to heat a 500 sq foot room with vaulted ceilings about 20 ft high.

A few questions:

• What are the thoughts on this unit from the photos
• I would be installing a chimney liner. If I were to purchase a 6" liner, then I presume that I'd need to also purchase an 8" to 6" adaptor. Would there be anything else that would be significant to purchase?
• Are there any suggestions/thoughts that people have?

Thanks all

 

[bholler]

You don't want that stove. They just aren't very good at all

 

[dan7800]

Is it that model that is bad or the company or both? I’ve read a lot of posts about Vermont castings, but it seems like the older stuff is good?

 

[bholler]

Is it that model that is bad or the company or both? I’ve read a lot of posts about Vermont castings, but it seems like the older stuff is good?

There are some good vermont castings inserts out there that use tubes across the top of the firebox like many other noncat stoves. But that one has an extremely complex and temperamental combustion system.

 

[bholler]

Actually are you sure that is Vermont castings and not Vermont stove company? Either way keep looking

 

[dan7800]

Actually are you sure that is Vermont castings and not Vermont stove company? Either way keep looking

I believe that it is a Vermont castings 044

 

[bholler]

I believe that it is a Vermont castings 044

Ok that isn't the one I was thinking of but still is a down draft with a rear combustion chamber

 

[dan7800]

Ok that isn't the one I was thinking of but still is a down draft with a rear combustion chamber

So stay away?

 

[bholler]

So stay away?

I would yes

 

[hughpep]

Hello dan7800,

I have had this exact model myself - it is a Vermont Castings Insert Model 0044/0046 and have used it for the past 15 years or so, and it has been a fabulous fireplace insert. The ash tray is a feature that I love, and you just can't find that feature in any insert available today, and there is no catalytic to clog up.

I heat my main family room which is 550 sq ft and 2 story tall, and while the insert is not that big, it does heat the room nicely and the heat also travels upstairs and heat that area as well.

This insert was made from 1983 till 1988 - and I really think it is a great insert.

From the pictures you show, It should clean up nicely, with some black stove polish, and some brass cleaner for the trim. I eould hthink that $300 is a fine price. ( I think I paid $350 back 15 years ago for mine!)

Some parts are still available from this dealer: https://www.woodmanspartsplus.com/x...astingsStoves/FireplaceInsert0044004612711272

and here:

https://www.vermontcastings.parts/shopexd.asp?id=137

and the manual is available online as well here:

Vermont castings 0046 Manuals | ManualsLib

www.manualslib.com

 

[hughpep]

You don't want that stove. They just aren't very good at all

I have had great success with this exact model - and have had mine for the past 15 years and it is a fine insert! You can still get parts and the manual is online.

 

[bholler]

I have had great success with this exact model - and have had mine for the past 15 years and it is a fine insert! You can still get parts and the manual is online.

Yes you can get parts. And most of them take many parts

 

[1kzwoman]

Harman made downdraft stoves until they went to pellet only. Look information up on them to learn more BEFORE you install a potential long learning curve wood stove. I have a TL200 that I bought before I found the forum,and learned how to use it through the forum. bholler is suggesting what I would have done avoided the downdraft had I not already installed it.

 

[RandyBoBandy]

And there’s the issue of going from 8” to 6”. Unless the manual indicates that this is ok to do , I wouldn’t.