2550 Encore with 2020 date code?

[Grizzly Gamon]

Hey all,

Long time lurker, and only post when needing some clarifcation...or sound advice from the experts.

We are in the process or redoing our fireplace with new stone, extending the heart, and awaiting the purchase of a wood stove.

We will be going with a freestander that vents directly back into the fireplace wall, connected to a tee, then up about 25-30ft to the top of the chimney using double wall pipe (or dealer/installer choice).

We are very specific on the stove we're looking for. Having familiarity with the Jotul Oslo 500 in our last house - we understand how to operate a cast iron stove of that nature. We were looking at a NEW Jotul Oslo 500 and Hearthstone Manchester utitlizing the 30% tax credit.

However, I have been looking at the classifieds every single day to find a deal. We restored our last Oslo with great results.

I came across a very nice VC Encore 2550 that is only 15 minutes from me. Looks sparingly used. I've read all the horror stories of VC and their demise in the early to mid 2000's. Can anyone tell me if a build date of 2020 on this 2550 Encore is any different? I see differing opinions on VC starting in maybe 2018 where their quality started to get back to where they once were. Is this stove from their 'better' build days? I can get it for $300 and it honestly looks like it just needs a cleaning.

I'd appreciate all thoughts and input. I love a good deal, but don't want it to bite me in the butt.

Thanks

 

[begreen]

The refractory material in the newer VC stoves has been improved. The stoves can still be cranky if draft is insufficient, especially when run without the catalyst. That said, there are loyal owners of this stove that run them every year and like them.

 

[Grizzly Gamon]

The refractory material in the newer VC stoves has been improved. The stoves can still be cranky if draft is insufficient, especially when run without the catalyst. That said, there are loyal owners of this stove that run them every year and like them.

That's what I read and seen as well. I guess I just wanted to know if the 2020 date coded Encore was 'after' their build quality issues or whatever people are spewing about on here? Do you know what year they started the newer refractory material? Is 2020 safe?

 

[Grizzly Gamon]

Any other thoughts are greatly appreciated. Is the 2020 free from the VC plague? Lol

 

[Woodsplitter67]

plan on this.. the stove is an excellent heater.. it will need maintenance down the line I did a partial rebuild on mine last year