Would you rebuild a Defiant 1910? At what price?

[GreenMountain]

I could pick up a Defiant 1910 (catalytic, circa 2003) for $300, in blue enamel. Downside is that there's a crack in the top, though the owner has been running it anyway without trouble. I haven't seen the inside yet, but supposedly it's in good shape.

I love my ailing non-cat Defiant. Would you take a chance on one of these? Or are there too many potential problems?

I *might* be able to replace the top for $3-500, which seems reasonable to me. But I wouldn't want to spend another $500+ on a catalyst and refractory assembly and ... What should I look for if I go see it?

 

[defiant3]

I'd be absolutely certain that top is available, to my knowledge they are not...


Otherwise, check upper fireback to be sure it's not warped, then catalytic combustor AND the refractory assembly it lives in. (the white box).
I'd be inclined to take a pass and save yourself a world of headaches. Look for something that is not catalytic and not Verm0nt Castings.

 

[GreenMountain]

The top may be available. I'd seen it listed, at Cozy Cabin, but they don't really have in blue enamel. The do still have one in cast iron. Blue stove/black top might not look too bad, but it would be a little odd with the mitten trays. But then there's the question of the innards ...

 

[Vermunchion]

Hello GreenMountain from the Helena MT Vermuntion,

I've owned 4 Defiants and just installed a nice used Resolute in our cabin (thank you for no catalytic in this one) . I'm a sucker for the looks of these Vermont Castings stoves.

I just purchased a really nice Defiant Encore 2920 catalytic in green enamel with enamel pipe for $600, it needed lower fireback, catalyst and refractory cover ($350), gaskets were original and like new, so stove was little used and must have been over-fired. .
Very happy with it so far in near new condition....although I am well aware it will self destruct over time....like all VC stoves and require constant maintenance and expensive parts.

Here is my dilemma.....The 2920 displaced my Defiant 1910 that was in brutal shape and hard used for 20 plus years. I made a big mistake by buying a new top for it to replace cracked top......before I completely dissembled it to find it needs Upper fireback assembly $285, Refractory $212, Catalyst $174 etc etc etc......it will be a $1000 stove when done.....can a well refurbished cat 1910 bring $1500?????.

I probably should return the top and junk or sell the stove as is........but hate to, it would make a great backup for when the 2920 needs a refurb or perhaps break even if sold. (free labor).

Why can't I face the fact that these beautiful stoves are self destructive, expensive to maintain and notoriously leaky after some use.

What stove is an attractive yet practical alternative?

Former Green Mountain Boy and Vermuntion.

 

[begreen]

This thread is about modern VC stoves, not pre-EPA models. Moving to the main forum. @Vermunchion the thread is from 2017 thread so there may not be a reply from the OP.

There are several good looking, lower maintenance stoves to choose from, both cat and non-cat and some hybrids. Take a look at the Hearthstone Manchester for starters and the Blaze King Ashford 30.2.. And for lowest maintenance look at some large non-cats like the Jotul F55 and the Pacific Energy Alderlea T6. Note that these last 3 stoves are cast iron clad steel stoves. The cast iron jacket softens the intense radiant heat from the stove and releases it over time after the fire has died down. This helps reduce room temperature swing a lot, but they do not produce that intense side heat that the Defiant does. Another benefit is closer clearances due to the shielding effect of the cast iron jacket. The Manchester is a more radiant stove, but it has soapstone blocks inside for extended heat life.

 

[Vermunchion]

Thank you Moderator for getting this in right place,

Adearea suggested a Jotul F602 ?????

I'n not heating an apartment....have 3000 Sq ft log home and sure to miss
top load and not look forward to cutting 2" off 6 cords of wood.

Any relevant suggestions for a superior substitute for a Defiant ?

 

[bholler]

Thank you Moderator for getting this in right place,

Adearea suggested a Jotul F602 ?????

I'n not heating an apartment....have 3000 Sq ft log home and sure to miss
top load and not look forward to cutting 2" off 6 cords of wood.

Any relevant suggestions for a superior substitute for a Defiant ?

If you could find a used quadrafire isle royale that is just about the only top loader I would consider.