Our Record# 2286
Review of Vermont Castings --- Defiant Model 1945 Cat -- Freestanding Stove burning Wood only
Installation Type: Wood/Coal - Freestanding into metal Chimney
Date Reviewed: January 9th, 2008

Satisfaction Ratings from 1 (best) to 5 (worst)

Satisfaction with unit=1-very satisfied
Satisfaction with dealer=4-not really pleased
Satisfaction with manufacturer=1-very satisfied

Other Information about the Home and Stove

Room Size (Square feet): 400 | House Size: 2000
Bought in 2007 , Price Paid: $2699.00 enamel
Location : Bellville , Ohio , USA - Email of Reviewer: gofast38@hotmail.com
Purchased from: Fireplace Retail Store - The Wood Stove Shed


Likes: The stove works great and blends in with the room decor better than expected. Heats the whole house and uses very little wood making us nice and toasty! This unit replaced a late 70's Allnighter Big Moe, NO MORE SMOKE!!! can not believe the difference. Once this unit was set up right it worked as described with long overnight burns and a very clean secondary burn. Dealing with CFM direct has been a positive experience they sympathize with consumer/dealer issues and have helped answer my questions and concerns.


Dislikes: The dealer Install was not done right. A lot of problems were created by a dealer with a know it all attitude. Not paying attention to the details and not listening to the customer could of led to disaster! The stove had a major over fire condition created by poor fitting doors and gaskets. CFM needs a better educated dealer network (they are the ones doing the assembly and final fit) Another CFM problem came from a bad oval to round adapter part #0003482 that did not fit right allowing way too much air in through the collar. They admitted to the problem and have sent a replacement.


Comments: After a ton of research (after I purchased this stove) makes me believe that most stove problems are do to install or draft issues giving a good stove a bad name no matter what brand.
Bottom line Would I buy another Defiant Cat model tomorrow? Absolutely!
* Dates that reviews were submitted were not recorded prior to Nov. 2004