Vermont Castings - still bad?

[SculptureOfSound]

I'm sure we've all seen the negative posts about VC. I'm curious if there's any reason to think they are still that way- seems all of those posts are pretty old.

In my case, I've added their Montpelier insert to my shortlist (gotta decide by the end of the month if I want to use the $300 coupon!) - and I can't find too many recent opinions on it.

Are there still reasons I should steer clear of even considering a VC insert?

 

[begreen]

The Montpelier seems to be a decent insert. It's a pretty simple tube design and not as complex as the older Winter Warms. This is a flush insert so it will need the blower running for decent heat output.

 

[defiant3]

Montpelier we like!

 

[SculptureOfSound]

Girlfriend and I drove about 50 miles today to check out the Montpelier. Really nice looking unit although it felt a bit cheap. The door did not feel substantial like on say, the Voyageur Grand, and the door hinges we're definitely weak. Where you could sit on the door of the Voyageur grand and I don't think it would budge, it feels like the Montpelier's would snap if you attempted the same. The door handle seemed a bit flimsy too. The rest of the unit seemed nice - really liked the look of the firebrick panels (can't think of the proper term) in the Montpelier - looks a lot nicer than standard firebrick.

If I had more clearance in my firebox my choice would be a no brainier - the Voyageur grand. I think it looks nicer and is built better....and has a bit bigger firebox. But, only with the Montpelier could I heavily insulate my totally external masonry fireplace. the bricks were so cold last year that I think heavy insulation would pay more heat dividends than a slightly bigger firebox...not to mention the Montpelier has the option for a 3" extended mount which I would go with to meet mantle clearances. That should mean more heat, too.

 

[missedbass]

I've had mine for about 5 years now and it has performed well. I like the size of the glass door for viewing and it is quite heavy but I would not recommend sitting on it either! Good luck with your purchase.

 

[Mr.K]

We have the Montpelier also......going on our 4th season I think. I like the unit a lot. It is pretty straight forward to use and it's easy to clean.

 

[SculptureOfSound]

Thanks for the replies guys. Good to hear positive feedback on the unit. Have either of you had any issues with the build? Any warping or cracked brick panels or anything?

Also, I see on the old threads that people were stating it had a 1.5cu ft firebox and now it is listed as 2.1. was there a revision to the model or maybe they just started calculating it differently? Do you remember if it was listed as 1.5 or 2.1 when you got your unit?

 

[missedbass]

The brick panels have a few very fine hairline cracks. I was told the panels have a lifetime warranty but the cracks need to be 1/4" or wider in order to be warrantied. The panels are still solid so I'm fine with them. I believe the fire box is 2.1. Just make sure you burn seasoned wood or the glass will get dark quick

 

[SculptureOfSound]

Thanks for the replies everyone.

Two more questions:

1. What kind of burn times are you getting (if you count having enough coals to start new wood as 'burn time")

2. Approximately how hot does the surround get on the sides and top?

... editing my post to add a 3rd question

Anyone running this with the 3" extension kit? If so, how hot does that 3" ledge get? I'm thinking of installing it this way and am curious if it would get hot enough to run an eco-fan.

 

[Ragnar]

Thanks for the replies everyone.

Two more questions:

1. What kind of burn times are you getting (if you count having enough coals to start new wood as 'burn time")

2. Approximately how hot does the surround get on the sides and top?

... editing my post to add a 3rd question

Anyone running this with the 3" extension kit? If so, how hot does that 3" ledge get? I'm thinking of installing it this way and am curious if it would get hot enough to run an eco-fan.

I have the 3" extension kit.

1. I can stir the coals to start small splits after an overnight burn of about 8-9hrs

2. The cast iron ledge gets hits around 200 degrees (going by memory) and the sides of the projection kit get heated slightly less. I use the built in fan along with a small fan pointed towards the stove room to circulate the heat. I plan on burning a small fire Friday night weekend but wont need to run the fans this weekend as it will be around 45 degrees outside.

The montpelier is a bit undersized for my house (2100 sq ft colonial) but it does a great job heating the room it is in as well as the adjacent room where I watch TV and supplementing the rest of the house. I have to feed it frequently when the weather gets real cold. The master bedroom upstairs will drop to around 62 . This will be my 6th season with the unit and have enjoyed it with no issues other than it being undersized for my application.

 

[stovelark]

The Montpelier insert has been out for many years and is quite successful as a heater that performs well and is very attractive. The only real knock on that stove is its blower, its fairly noisy after a couple of seasons espec if you don't remove it each year and clean it. When you do take it out, mount it back properly. I've used gasketing material to silence rattles etc. The tube design is good, its a good heater for about 6-8 hours burn time and here in NE, about a 1500 sqft heating capacity. It and its bigger sister Merrimack both are fine heating inserts. The Quad Voy grand and its little sister Voyageur are good heaters too, however they are plagued with dirty glass issues. Most knocks on VC of recent history was the design of their "Neverburn" (everburn) system. I would avoid them..... but the tube stoves (Madison, the inserts) I believe are fine heaters.

 

[Mr.K]

I agree.....it is a good little insert. I think it's just right for my low ranch.....1300 sq. ft. My only complaint is the small firebox size......I haven't taken the blower out of the unit yet, but I may after this season. It def. does better with dry wood.

 

[matto]

I have the 3" extension kit.

Do you have any pictures of your montpellier that you can share? I'm unable to find a picture of the montpellier with the 3" extension kit anywhere on the internet, including VC's web site and brochures. WTF!?