Wood stove recommendation

[DanielMS]

We're replacing a VC Defiant in a 2500 sf house in New England with a cathedral ceiling and a ceiling fan. It will be a secondary heat source, though we like to keep the house warm, around 69-70 degrees. It's a tight house with good insulation, and we have lots of dry wood from the property to burn. There are windows the full height of the cathedral ceiling, opposite the stove, facing southwest.

We like the look of the Defiant but are concerned about the current quality. The recess it sits in is slightly too narrow for the Jotul Oslo. We like the look of the Hearthstone GM 80 8681 but we have no experience with the feel of soapstone radiant heat. We considered the Lopi Evergreen but esthetically it doesn't suit the space. We also prefer a horizontal appearance over a vertical one, though that's not a showstopper.

Looking for people's experience with radiant heat from the soapstone and any other recommendations.

Thank you!
Daniel
Western MA

 

[begreen]

Usually a convective stove works better than a radiant stove in a recess. Can you post a picture of the Defiant in its current location?

 

[DanielMS]

Usually a convective stove works better than a radiant stove in a recess. Can you post a picture of the Defiant in its current location?

Appreciate you help!

 

[DanielMS]

Usually a convective stove works better than a radiant stove in a recess. Can you post a picture of the Defiant in its current location?

Thanks for your response - we posted a picture. We would love to hear your thoughts on the currently-produced VC Defiants and the Lopi Evergreen, which are the two other stoves we're considering. The PE Alderlea T6 LE doesn't appeal to us visually as much, but we'd appreciate your thoughts on it as a stove for our home.
Thank you!

 

[Todd]

That looks like a tight fit and I think any type of stove is going to do poorly unless you’re able to bring it out a couple feet. A stove that is rear vented would work well here.

 

[begreen]

The current stove is extremely tight in fit. Do you know what model Defiant this is. The older model 1945 is not permitted to be installed in an alcove. Nor is the current model 1975.
I sincerely hope that the recess alcove was constructed entirely out of non-combustible materials including framing and any materials surrounding it for at least 18".

As far as a replacement, Lopi also has strict alcove requirements. Do you have documentation and pictures of how the alcove was designed and implemented?

 

[DanielMS]

The current stove is extremely tight in fit. Do you know what model Defiant this is. The older model 1945 is not permitted to be installed in an alcove. Nor is the current model 1975.
I sincerely hope that the recess alcove was constructed entirely out of non-combustible materials including framing and any materials surrounding it for at least 18".

As far as a replacement, Lopi also has strict alcove requirements. Do you have documentation and pictures of how the alcove was designed and implemented?

I appreciate your caution. It is indeed an entirely noncombustible structure, build up the center of a post and beam construction (see pics).

Vermont Castings Defiant 1610 Non-cat Wood Stove, made around 1997-99
Number from inside left door NC 30002813
From rating plate on the back:
O-TL 6065
Defiant 1610 Non catalytic
Serial Number: 000161080812000310
Mfg date IOUEC08

 

[begreen]

It's good to see that. However, I think in order to be kosher with the insurance company, it would need written approval from VC and/or the inspecting authority. I wish stove docs were clearer on this type of install. They show up in too many magazines and online designer sites.

This is what the underwriter sees in the 1610 manual -
NOTE: Installation of the Defiant is not permitted in alcoves.

 

[begreen]

To get back to the original question, the Evergreen has a good track record though it requires a 40" min. width alcove. It's a third smaller firebox than the Defiant. The Liberty is their 3 cu ft stove.

 

[EbS-P]

I’d pick a rear vent and bring it out far enough that alcove requirements do not apply. If that is possible

 

[begreen]

I’d pick a rear vent and bring it out far enough that alcove requirements do not apply. If that is possible

Yes, a Progress Hybrid might work well.