We have a 3 year old Vermont Castings non-catalytic Defiant wood stove. Previously we had a Vigilant which we used for 22 years. The problem we have with the Defiant is that it does not draw nearly as well as the Vigilant did. Unless it is running hot...stove top 500 to 600F, when we lift the lid to add wood it often puffs smoke out the top.
Along the lower back wall of the inside of the stove are a series of tiny holes that allow air in. Thay are easily plugged by ash and we try to never block them. If these holes were enlarged would that help the draw? Any other suggestions? We always burn dry hardwood.
