First post to the forum, I am getting very cold and frustrated with Vermont Castings, the local dealer is not helping very poor service, I ordered new parts for our 2190 Defiant Encore in September, they finally arrived this week despite a few drop-ins to find out why 2 weeks was turning into months waiting for parts (factory aurthorized dealer). Turns out the upper fireback I ordered does not fit, the screw threads are too narrow by a quarter inch (meaning one side will thread easily, other side will not engage at all, you can see the threads are not lining up with holes in back of stove). Dealer claims nothing is wrong with parts, I gave them both the old and new part, clearly you can see the difference when comparing parts they are sized differently, my guess is the new fireback/damper fits a new model and they claim it to be backwards compatible...there is no way to contact Vermont Castings anymore, website has NO contact info says to see local dealer, great.
The stove was purchased new in 1992, and was in the house when we bought in 2001. I have had great success with the stove, only required a few gaskets, lower fireback, refractory box and hood in all those years (the catalyst was replaced in 1999). This time I am replacing the refractory box, catalyst, upper fireback and damper assembly due to overheating and broken screws/clamps for the damper itself. 14 years from a catalyst seems pretty good to me. But each time we deal with the local dealer the parts get harder to get and the service worse...the dealers are constantly changing around use too, not a lot of selection to find another dealer. For the price of the parts involved I would be half way to a replacement steel stove that is somewhat "quality", not sure I made the right decision...
The stove was purchased new in 1992, and was in the house when we bought in 2001. I have had great success with the stove, only required a few gaskets, lower fireback, refractory box and hood in all those years (the catalyst was replaced in 1999). This time I am replacing the refractory box, catalyst, upper fireback and damper assembly due to overheating and broken screws/clamps for the damper itself. 14 years from a catalyst seems pretty good to me. But each time we deal with the local dealer the parts get harder to get and the service worse...the dealers are constantly changing around use too, not a lot of selection to find another dealer. For the price of the parts involved I would be half way to a replacement steel stove that is somewhat "quality", not sure I made the right decision...
