VC Encore 1450 Recommendations

[Sidmus]

Hi All,
I have found the forums here to be very helpful as I currently have a VC Encore 1450 that needs around $850 worth of parts. I am looking into a replacement stove but am limited to about $800 right now. I found a VC Encore 2550 for around $550 plus it needed the lower fireback ($88) and didn't know if that was a smart choice or just asking for problems later?

My current stove does a good job heating my house, but I have not had a chance to research comparable stoves by other manufacturers. Any recommendations would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

[begreen]

Sounds like false economy. Buying another used VC, particularly one already needing parts, could likely get expensive quickly with refractory and catalyst replacement likely needed too.

It won't be as pretty, but you can pick up an Englander 3.0 cu ft stove new for that budget. But like my poor cousin once replied as I commented on her drop-dead gorgeous view - You can't eat the view.

 

[Sidmus]

Thanks for the reply begreen. I also found a Quadra Fire Isle Royale for $600. From what I have read that is a 3.0 cu ft and seems to be a quite reliable and well built stove? Yes?

 

[begreen]

The Quad IR is a beauty and a more robust stove, but it is still a complex stove. Whether this is a good deal would depend on the stove's age and how much wood has been run through it.

These stoves are simple and will cost little for several years to come.
2.5 cu ft - https://www.lowes.com/pd/Summers-Heat-2000-sq-ft-Wood-Burning-Stove/999918844
3.0 cu ft - https://www.lowes.com/pd/Summers-Heat-2400-sq-ft-Wood-Burning-Stove/999918850
3.5 cu ft - http://www.homedepot.com/p/Englander-2-400-sq-ft-Wood-Burning-Stove-30-NCH/100291302