I am in the market for a new cast iron wood stove. I am considering the Vermont Castings Encore Non-Cat. I like the top load feature, the double front doors, and the size is perfect for my hearth. However, I have read the reviews that people have posted on this site and NONE are favorable. Some are down right concerning... for example... gaskets that don't line up and the back of the stove glowing red hot. Also, poor air and fire control. I can't believe this stove is that bad, but I can't find a single positive comment other than the stove is good looking. I would appreciate any input you can provide.
Vermont Castings Encore Non-Cat
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Welcome Nutmeg. Often one will see the problem issues show up on the forum and not the happy owners. That doesn't mean there aren't satisfied owners out there. The issues you mention, glowing red on the back and hard to control, are often due to strong draft created by a very tall flue. They are unlikely to occur with a shorter flue and can be addressed by adding a draft damper.
If you want a comparison top loader, you might want to look at the Quadrafire Isle Royale.
If you want a comparison top loader, you might want to look at the Quadrafire Isle Royale.
I will be entering my 3rd burning season with the VC Encore and have no complaints with it. The stove performs very well. I have no problems with overnight burns as the stove runs 24x7 and heats my 2000 sq. ft. colonial to a comfortable 74 downstairs and 66 - 68 upstairs.
Thanks for the post Shaun. It's good to hear the positive side of the stove as well. Can we assume your Encore is the non-cat model? Can you post some pictures of that beauty?
Nutmeg, how tall will the flue be on this stove? What will be your clearances to combustibles?
Nutmeg, how tall will the flue be on this stove? What will be your clearances to combustibles?
Thanks for the info. I have a standard issue 2 story colonial. I haven't measured the flue height but would estimate it to be around 28 feet. It's my intention to use a 6" liner. I have no mantel and plenty of brick on all sides w/ the exception of the front. I'll need to use a 12" x 48" hearth board extension on the floor. The hearth opening is 48" wide and thus can't accomodate a stove w/ a side load door. I don't want to front load this thing.
And be sure to compare apples-apples. Some of us (like myself) have new VC stoves, but they aren't the Encore which is a reasonably different design. Even with the problems I've had with mine, I feel 'safe' using it even when it runs away on me from time to time. It's just a learning curve that you have to get used to.
I've heard it's a great stove FWIW I almost got it myself 2 years ago and went with the Lopi Liberty instead. Mainly because I already have a Lopi and the stove salesman said if I was looking to burn 24/7 the Lopi would be better...and for some reason I trusted him. I love the Liberty, but I'm sure I'd love the Encore too (better looking stove IMHO).
It's a good stove...I think you can't go wrong, and VC is a great company from what I know.
It's a good stove...I think you can't go wrong, and VC is a great company from what I know.
Nutmeg, that is a tall stack. However, don't let that deter you if you like the Encore. A draft damper is an easy retrofit if you find the stove is pulling too hard.
![[Hearth.com] Vermont Castings Encore Non-Cat](/talk/data/attachments/4/4452-9a9bfeffd6754440e7d997a8fd2c925b.jpg?hash=_q1zBBPEQG)
![[Hearth.com] Vermont Castings Encore Non-Cat](/talk/data/attachments/4/4453-47a8b8e0aa44a66e7bea95be262a3560.jpg?hash=olmv0h2ZVH)
WE HAD 3 VC ENCORES THAT EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS LAST YEAR opps hit the caps key
First problem was not making a good connection at the flue collar This happens due to the flue collar being 1" deep and crinpint being 1.5" cut 1/2" off the criimped starter
piece and that solved the issue. The other issue It seems the ask door hinge got tweaked and did not make the best seal when latched. It is believed that either the stove was tweaked in transit or the installers used a two wheeler under the ash door or pushed against it during installation and tweaked the hinges There have been no report of issues since this.
This was brought to Vermont Casting attention and they sent their field rep out. He noticed the hinge problem right away. With a block of wood and a well placed tap of a hammer
the issue was solved.
I have the Cat Encore never had a problem with run away fires Very easy to control and opperate quite predictable. I love the ease of opperations and predictability. Love the way
the Cat mode is as close to set and forget stove opperations as it gets. No reason for me to ever want to experience everburn, but to experience it first hand.
I'm satisfied using Cat stoves and prefere them.
First problem was not making a good connection at the flue collar This happens due to the flue collar being 1" deep and crinpint being 1.5" cut 1/2" off the criimped starter
piece and that solved the issue. The other issue It seems the ask door hinge got tweaked and did not make the best seal when latched. It is believed that either the stove was tweaked in transit or the installers used a two wheeler under the ash door or pushed against it during installation and tweaked the hinges There have been no report of issues since this.
This was brought to Vermont Casting attention and they sent their field rep out. He noticed the hinge problem right away. With a block of wood and a well placed tap of a hammer
the issue was solved.
I have the Cat Encore never had a problem with run away fires Very easy to control and opperate quite predictable. I love the ease of opperations and predictability. Love the way
the Cat mode is as close to set and forget stove opperations as it gets. No reason for me to ever want to experience everburn, but to experience it first hand.
I'm satisfied using Cat stoves and prefere them.
Honestly, I would stay away from the everburn. We had more than 1 person here with the back of their stove glowing red... VC was aware of this and said that it was normal. If you really like the look of the VC why not go with a CAT model?
NutmegWoodBurn said:
If personal reviews hold weight, me personal experience is the same as Elks. We burned the catalytic version. Of all the stoves I have used over the years, it is my favorite. The Non-cat version is new and there are still some kinks being worked out. But it also is a solid stove, and I think it will be easier to maintain/repair than the catalytic model. Bear in mind that the catalytic model is in it's fourth design model. The basic function has not changed but they designed better ways to maintain the secondary chamber and the damper. I hope they continue modifying the catalytic model and change it to a gasket and bolt assembly instead of the current cemented design.
Full disclosure - I am a VC dealer and have been for over thirty years. But I also use these stoves, and lots of others. We are not simply salespeople. We are wood burners and wood stove technicians. For me, the Encore is the best stove of it's kind. But, if you are not a handy person (that is, you tend to avoid doing repairs and maintenance or are not mechanically inclined) it may not be the best stove for you. If you take care of the stove it will serve you well. If you do not take care of it it will cost you in performance and in the pocket book. There are alternatives that are less costly and require less maintenance. But few that match the features of the Encore (either Cat or Non-cat). Some possible alternatives are the Lopi Leyden, Avalon Arbor, Harman Oakwood, and the Quadrafire mentioned by someone else above. All of these have top load but may not otherwise match the Encore in fitting your fireplace.
Good luck,
Sean
Thanks to all who have chimmed in regarding my VC Encore non-cat topic. I sincerely appreciate the feedback that you have provided.
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