Used Vermont Castings Encore stove?

[Cord]

In the market for an Encore (it's the only model that has the clearances I need) but can't afford a new one. Found a stove on CL for $350. It's black and I'd prefer the brown enamel, but I can't be too fussy. The ad says that it's a 1986 vintage. No model number. Glass doors. These are the good years right? Is it a convertible stove? Any tips on what I should look for in terms of damage?

 

[mellow]

I find it hard to believe the Encore is the only model with clearances you need. Have you had a VC before? Are you aware of the maintenance that needs to be done on them and how much parts cost to replace?

Post what you need and we might be able to find you some options.

 

[Cord]

The fireplace will be piped into a throat of a firebox so it's the rear outlet height that is controlling.

 

[homebrewz]

Sounds like you need a stove with a rear exit, or reversible flu collar so it can exit from the rear. Should be more to choose from than one. I'm sure others will make some good suggestions. Some newer stoves also come with short or regular length leg kits so you can adjust the height.

Concerning the stove on CL, is that a Defiant Encore, or an Encore? If it accomplishes secondary combustion with a refractory package and catalyst, after many years of work those items usually need replacing, which can be about $450-$500 in parts.

 

[Fsappo]

give us the height limitations and prepare to be amazed. Now, in regards to the Encore: If none of the castings are warped or cracked, the combustion chamber is in good shape and you are prepared to invest a couple hundred bucks for a cat, gaskets, etc. That's a great price. Be prepared to learn how to work on the stove yourself. Those stove burned great, but they got a lot of "stuff" in them that other stoves don't have. Primary air controls hooked to a wire I think that threads thru the stove. Bi metallic coil there, factory set air control in back (held together with something akin to a paper clip) coil there a well. And I think an adjustable damper linkage that allows a "locking" of the damper into place. From handle to damper, I bet 10 or 15 nuts, bolts, parts, etc. But if you took out every screw, cleaned everything and put the thing back together. Even with $1000 investment in stove, parts, your time, etc. I would be very happy with an Encore. I would just go into it knowing that every year or so I'd be fiddling with something somewhere.

For me it would be nostalgic., For others, a hassle.

 

[Fsappo]

Sounds like you need a stove with a rear exit, or reversible flu collar so it can exit from the rear. Should be more to choose from than one. I'm sure others will make some good suggestions. Some newer stoves also come with short or regular length leg kits so you can adjust the height.

Concerning the stove on CL, is that a Defiant Encore, or an Encore? If it accomplishes secondary combustion with a refractory package and catalyst, after many years of work those items usually need replacing, which can be about $450-$500 in parts.

It would be so great to assume that the chamber, cat, etc have been replaced at least once already on a stove this age. Although, knowing the cost, if it was recent, I bet the stove would be going for twice the asking price.

To the OP, if you go look at it, post some photos of the inside.

 

[Grisu]

The fireplace will be piped into a throat of a firebox so it's the rear outlet height that is controlling.

I have the feeling it may be more your budget that will limit your choices. Can you afford $2000 for a Woodstock Ideal Steel? It has a 24.5" center height of the rear-flue outlet with the short leg kit. It's a semi-catalytic/hybrid stove. Some members here were beta testers for Woodstock and gave the stove the thumbs up. You can use the forum search to look for those threads.

 

[Simonkenton]

VC had a cat in that stove in 1986? I didn't know they were using cats so long ago.
At any rate, I had a 1988 VC Resolute and it was a great stove. Bought it new and burned it for 6 years never had any problems with it. Also, got my mother to buy the same model stove, she has been burning it ever since and it still works great so, yes, the late eighties were good years for Vermont Castings.

 

[wvstriper]

I just sold a Defiant Encore. It was in great shape and performed very well. That said, I would be VERY careful buying one. As others have stated there are a number of issues with these stoves. The 1986 date is what is cast into the fireback inside the stove, it is not necessarily the year of manufacture.

 

[Cord]

When I built the great room the "fireplace" and it's hearth was sized for the Encore. For financial reasons we never got around to purchasing the stove. Later I went back and verified the dimensions against the Castine and I couldn't get the clearances to work. Although brick, the fireplace is not fire rated and the clearance above the flue pipe was too tight. I don't have the dimensions handy, but if you guys want, I could measure them tonight.

I had an Encore at a prior home and really liked the thermostatic air control and appearance. Never could get that stove to burn correctly though. Would have to burn it wide open for it to make any heat at all. Never figured out what was wrong with the stove/install and with this horizontal run, I'm again concerned about the fireplace performing correctly.

 

[DougA]

I've got a non cat Resolute burning right now and although it burns well, I do have to be very careful. It really needs to be completely disassembled and rebuilt by someone knowledgeable. Too many gaps in the castings now that can easily lead to uncontrolled fires. Although this is a different model, I would expect the same problems on any cast iron stove that has been burning for 25+ years. Backpuffing is also an issue we deal with on damp days.

Personally, I would prefer a newer stove such as the Woodstock Ideal Steel suggestion. Much better efficiency and far less emissions.