VC Intrepid

[alden]

I'm interested in buying a new wood burner for our home. It would be heating a space approximately 1200 sq ft. (Our second floor is radiant baseboard, the first floor was heated with a pellet stove, but the stove was removed prior to selling to us). We were going to buy new, however I found this Vermont Castings Intrepid ($350 asking price) on Craigs list and was wondering about the model. All my research says it could be the ticket, but I thought it prudent to ask here on this forum. Is this a good quality stove, and what should I keep my eye out for when buying used?

 

[BrowningBAR]

The Intrepid is too small for your needs.

 

[BIGDADDY]

Yes too small it's half the stove you need.

 

[alden]

Too small, hugh? Everything I read said this was the right square footage. Are they not as efficient as they claim? Should I be looking at models that claim 1600 sqft or better?

 

[BrowningBAR]

Too small, hugh? Everything I read said this was the right square footage. Are they not as efficient as they claim? Should I be looking at models that claim 1600 sqft or better?

An intrepid will not heat 1200 sq ft.

It has nothing to do with efficiency. It is a 1.3 cu ft stove, with little size or mass to throw heat. Ignore heating square footage claims. They are just as bad as BTU claims. For 1200 sq ft Look at something closer to a 2 cu ft firebox stove.

 

[alden]

Okay, thanks for the info. I do like the style of the Veront Castings stoves though. There also happens to be a Vigilant for $200. It's 25 years old and I probably wouldn't consider getting such an older stove for my first one, but as long as I'm asking questions... could this be a good buy assuming it's in fair condition?

 

[BrowningBAR]

Okay, thanks for the info. I do like the style of the Veront Castings stoves though. There also happens to be a Vigilant for $200. It's 25 years old and I probably wouldn't consider getting such an older stove for my first one, but as long as I'm asking questions... could this be a good buy assuming it's in fair condition?

If it is in good condition (no leaks, cracks, or warped parts, and not rusted to hell) the Vigilant is a very capable heater.

But, it might blast you out of the room. It is the equidistant of a modern 3 cu ft stove in terms of how the heat comes off the stove.

Positives:
In good shape, it is a reliable heater that produces a ton of heat.
Very affordable
Looks good, especially for an older unit.

Cons:
Eats wood in large quantities.
Will produce a 5-6 hour burn. (for it's size, that is not very efficient)
Can be a very dirty burner. Some owners have had a lot of creosote issues. For me, it ran well.

What is your budget for this project? Keep in mind, you will probably need a new liner/pipe if it is replace a pellet stove.

 

[alden]

I had the old pipe inspected and it isn't up to code, not proper for wood burning, and in need of repair so that's out. We want to install new on the back side of our house. We have an open floor plan and the new location will work well as we can go straight up with the flue pipe, the roof is one story at that spot. I've budgeted for a United states model 2000, it's a medium size stove and is very affordable, but I love the look of the Vermont Castings. We also live in a hardwood forest so wood is prevelant, and free (excluding labor of course).

 

[BrowningBAR]

I had the old pipe inspected and it isn't up to code, not proper for wood burning, and in need of repair so that's out. We want to install new on the back side of our house. We have an open floor plan and the new location will work well as we can go straight up with the flue pipe, the roof is one story at that spot. I've budgeted for a United states model 2000, it's a medium size stove and is very affordable, but I love the look of the Vermont Castings. We also live in a hardwood forest so wood is prevelant, and free (excluding labor of course).

If your wood isn't already cut, split, and stacked, you are going to have a bad time. Stoves need dry wood. Plan on going through at least 4 cord of wood a winter. Stack at least two years of wood ahead of time as wood burns best with it being split and stacked two to three years.

 

[alden]

We won't be using it this year. Can't buy the stove and install till after the holiday, so i guess we'll buy some wood based on your advise.

 

[BrowningBAR]

We won't be using it this year. Can't buy the stove and install till after the holiday, so i guess we'll buy some wood based on your advise.

Whether you are buying or cutting it yourself, do it now. There is no such thing as buying dry wood.

 

[Fire Breathing Dragon]

Hello there, a good buddy of mine has the Intrepid and his place is about the size of yours. He doesn't burn 24/7 but when it is going it really heats up the nearby rooms and he uses mini fans and venting to get the warm air to the second floor. His one complaint is burn time, says he can load it up around 10 pm and it is hungry for more wood by around 2-3ish. He says by 6 or 7 am there are no hot coals left, so it will provide some heat but will require you to keep her fed perhaps more than others. We have a VC Encore 2 in 1 newer style and so far we haven't turned our heat on, she keeps our 2,400 colonal home warm (68+ degrees) without pushing it too hard this year but it has been a little mild. Some nights as you know have been cold, others not bad. Good luck on your search!

 

[begreen]

Be patient. If you want a nice stove and can't afford it right now, wait. Prices will start coming down around Feb./Mar. on used stoves as the heating season wraps up. Just stay vigilant on your local craigslist. There will be gems out there like this stove.

(broken link removed to http://rochester.craigslist.org/hsh/3463758090.html)

 

[alden]

I like the idea of the Vigilant very much, but if it doesn't have an EPA sticker I won't consider it. Also I've read some things about creosote build ups. Obviously regular maintanance would keep things safe, but I'm leary about a stove with a reputation. If the other VC Intrepid is truly undersized then I will be waiting. I want to make the right purchase so I'm not afraid to take my time. What would you experienced wood burners recomend as far as new vs. used? Also are there any brands which stick out as far as performance, and affordability?