Should I get a Vermont Castings Defiant Catalytic (1945) or Non-Catalytic (1610) Wood Stove?

[WoodyElf]

I recently purchased a Vermont Castings Defiant Catalytic Stove (model 1945) to replace my old Defiant Encore. The new stove frequently over-fired (even with temp set to minimum) causing the exterior cast iron stove back to glow red on one occasion. I figured there must be some bad air leeks to cause this, so i cleaned out the stove and attached a shop vac to the flue collar and did my own air leak test by blowing air into the stove and then checking for any leaks at all gaskets and seams (of course, I taped all vents closed first). The result was that there were all sorts of leaks ... the bottom of the right front door, left side of ashpan, lower rear fireback seam (in the middle below the automatic air vent), seam on left side of fireback, left and right side seams (near the front of each side of the stove), and also under the stove top to the right of the griddle handle.

Vermont Castings has offered to replace the stove with either another Catalytic 1945 model or with a Non-Catalytic 1610 model. I'm having a hard time deciding which to choose. I have successfully used their catalytic Defiant Encore for 16 years and I need to heat my 3000 square foot house efficiently (the old stove was undersized....). I'm a little nervous about the EVERBURN system after reading all the posts.

Any opinions would be welcome!

 

[Hogwildz]

I recently purchased a Vermont Castings Defiant Catalytic Stove (model 1945) to replace my old Defiant Encore. The new stove frequently over-fired (even with temp set to minimum) causing the exterior cast iron stove back to glow red on one occasion. I figured there must be some bad air leeks to cause this, so i cleaned out the stove and attached a shop vac to the flue collar and did my own air leak test by blowing air into the stove and then checking for any leaks at all gaskets and seams (of course, I taped all vents closed first). The result was that there were all sorts of leaks ... the bottom of the right front door, left side of ashpan, lower rear fireback seam (in the middle below the automatic air vent), left and right side seams (near the front of each side of the stove), and also under the stove top to the right of the griddle handle.

Vermont Castings has offered to replace the stove with either another Catalytic 1945 model or with a Non-Catalytic 1610 model. I'm having a hard time deciding which to choose. I have successfully used their catalytic Defiant Encore for 16 years and I need to heat my 3000 square foot house efficiently (the old stove was undersized...). I'm a little nervous about the EVERBURN system after reading all the posts.

Any opinions would be welcome!

Are they both cast iron models with gaskets between the panels? Just my opinion, but sounds like trying to choose lesser of 2 evils to me.
I have read some good on the everburn models, and some not so good. I'd research both before making a final decision. Of course thats what your doing now
I don't know much about either of those models, nor would I ever claim to. So So I'll sit back, pop a cold one with some crackers & cheese, and watch the show
Good luck in whichever you decide.

 

[WoodyElf]

Thanks for replying so quickly...
I am commited to remain with Vermont Castings because I've had a good experience with my Defiant Encore, I like the look of their stoves, and since they are replacing a stove I've already purchased (under warranty) I only have the choice of a catalytic or non-catalytic Defiant. They are both cast iron and i'm not sure about the gaskets except to say that the non-catalytic is alot easier/faster to rebuild.

 

[Corie]

I would definitely take the catalytic model, if it were up to me.

 

[ansehnlich1]

I ran the Defiant Catalytic and it is a sweet stove, a real heater, read my review I did right here on this site. I'd like to have it back at times now as it was a top loader and got great burn times. I have a Jotul Oslo now, another great stove. I like 'em both. I guarantee I would NOT buy an Everburn stove from them. No way, No how. I ain't no professional, but I can tell ya it's new technology and the kinks ain't worked out yet on it.

 

[WoodyElf]

Thanks Ansehnlich1, I'm kind of leaning towards the Catalytic myself ... even though it is harder to rebuild; I have rebuilt my Defiant Encore before and it was no problem... just takes time.

Also, thanks to Corie... your professional opinion is greatly appreciated.

 

[ansehnlich1]

hey the thing I like about the Oslo is I can watch the fire, it's a better view you know. That Catalytic Defiant ain't the same to look at when it's burning, but it'll surely heat a place nice and steady......I think it's a big 3.1 cu. ft. firebox, takes a 24 inch log if I recall, drop it in from the top, man, that's nice!

Only problem I had was that ash pan twisting when it's hot, can't get it in and close the door, I think I mentioned having 2 of 'em to go back and forth with in my review.

 

[webbie]

Am I missing something here? Why would the new model (same model?) be any different than the one you have?
Maybe it is mostly an over draft situation?

The tests that you ran mean little or nothing to me because there is no "spec" that I am aware of that mimics actual possibly leakage during use. The suction of your chimney is obviously tiny compared to that of a shop vac.

What am I missing here? I'm certain my car interior won't hold 100 lbs of water pressure, but that should not make the rain come in too hard.

 

[WoodyElf]

Thanks for the reply Craig. I am not however looking for a diagnosis of what went wrong with the first stove; I am really only interested in your member's opinions about which stove the prefer and why (especially those members who have owned both stoves).

 

[webbie]

OK, just making sure of why the 2nd unit won't do the same (I'm certain that must be a concern of yours and theirs).

 

[oregonrider]

I would go with the cat. The Everburns need a perfect draft and don't seem to run well when throttled back. roben.

 

[WoodyElf]

Thanks again Craig... my system was checked for overdraft, and it was not the problem.

 

[James04]

Thanks again Craig... my system was checked for overdraft, and it was not the problem.

How was this done and by who. I would like to order the same test.

James

 

[webbie]

James, you could use a draft meter - like a draft-rite. Although they probably don't spec a draft, it should be somewhat similar to coal stoves - like .05

 

[JimWalshin845]

... {snip/}..Vermont Castings has offered to replace the stove with either another Catalytic 1945 model or with a Non-Catalytic 1610 model.

Thank you... thank you... thank you Woody,

You are one of the few people I have seen here that complained and appears is getting satisfaction.

No matter who the manufacturer is, I see so many complain on the forums but never directly to the retailer/manufacturer.

It is VERY refreshing to see that with due course, manufacturer and end user can come to terms.

Thanks again and warm burns,
Jim