Replacing a Reliant Encore

[kdcutler]

We have a older cat Reliant Encore in a back area of our house (two rooms, about 800 sf with a ceiling fan in the room without the stove) that we want to replace with a noncat. The room where the stove is has lots of glass and gets strong wind--and VT winter weather. Three thoughts: VC Acclaim, Jotul Castine, Avalon Pendleton.

We like the top load feature of the Encore and even a side door would be better than front loading only. We have a Jotul Firelight in a larger area of the house which we love and run 24/7, so are confident with a Jotul but the Castine has only the front door. The Acclaim has a top door but we read that there are lingering concerns about VC stoves and their maintainence. Don't know anything about Avalon quality.

We'd burn this stove daily but holding a fire for 12 or more hours isn't essential.

Are there general thoughts about the quality of these three? The Jotul sale ends in two days, so would appreciate anyone's quick thoughts.

 

[logger]

We love our Jotul too. I've only heard good things on Avalons too. If it were me, Id be weary of the VC due to parts and customer service complaints.

 

[logger]

Is that Avalon a side or toploader?

 

[DAKSY]

We have a older cat Reliant Encore...

You sure it's not a DEFIANT Encore?

 

[BrowningBAR]

We have a older cat Reliant Encore in a back area of our house (two rooms, about 800 sf with a ceiling fan in the room without the stove) that we want to replace with a noncat. The room where the stove is has lots of glass and gets strong wind--and VT winter weather. Three thoughts: VC Acclaim, Jotul Castine, Avalon Pendleton.

We like the top load feature of the Encore and even a side door would be better than front loading only. We have a Jotul Firelight in a larger area of the house which we love and run 24/7, so are confident with a Jotul but the Castine has only the front door. The Acclaim has a top door but we read that there are lingering concerns about VC stoves and their maintainence. Don't know anything about Avalon quality.

We'd burn this stove daily but holding a fire for 12 or more hours isn't essential.

Are there general thoughts about the quality of these three? The Jotul sale ends in two days, so would appreciate anyone's quick thoughts.

I would go with the Jotul.

 

[firefighterjake]

Olso owner here . . . and I like the side door feature . . . then again I haven't heard of too many Castine owners who miss the side loading door . . . for some reason they don't seem to have the issue with the ash dumping out the front . . . or maybe they're just more easy going and tolerate it. If you like the Jotul you have I would stick with the same product line. Of the remaining two products . . . I would go with the Avalon over the VC . . .

 

[kdcutler]

Yes, a Defiant Encore, of course. Have so many names going around in my brain that I mispeak.

 

[kdcutler]

And make spelling errors. Misspeak.

 

[BrowningBAR]

Yes, a Defiant Encore, of course. Have so many names going around in my brain that I mispeak.

If that is the case, I would go with the Oslo, then. I thought you were referring to the Resolute Acclaim. The Oslo and Encore are probably more comparable then the Castine... I think.


The Oslo has the side door feature, also.

 

[firefighterjake]

Having a bit of deja vu on this thread . . . and still thinking I would look at the Jotul . . . of course I am prejudiced.

 

[BrowningBAR]

Having a bit of deja vu on this thread . . . and still thinking I would look at the Jotul . . . of course I am prejudiced.

What would I do? I would buy one of the new 2-in-1 Encores. I've looked at them, priced out parts, and feel they made huge improvements over the previous system. But, the original poster hasn't done that, and I would feel bad if it did not pan out well for him since I do not have direct experience with the new Encore, yet.

Though, I am pretty close to dropping a deposit down on one to replace the Intrepid...

 

[DAKSY]

You might wanna take a peak at the Jotul Rangely...
You get top load capability & it's a non-cat...

 

[Fsappo]

Oslo
Second Line

 

[defiant3]

+1 for the Castine, a fine mid-sized stove. Just say no to catalytic, even the Resolute Acclaim which technically isn't, but your wallet won't know the difference.

 

[grommal]

Replaced a VC Defiant Encore top loader with a Jotul Oslo. Thought we'd miss the top loading feature, but not. Side loading is great on the Oslo, and the stove is a joy to run.

 

[kdcutler]

We bought the Castine. Thanks to all for your help.

 

[defiant3]

No WAY! You mean someone listened to me? KDCUTLER, you must not be female. LOL! Seriuosly, congrad.s and I'm jealous. Happy heating!!

 

[Fsappo]

Well, fire that sucker up! It would not have been my choice for an Encore replacement, but I am very curious to how the Castine stacks up against the Encore.