Durability of Encore internals?

[andreas98]

I am thinking of getting an Encore, and would like to receive feedback on the durability of the stove's internals, including the interior panels. I seem to recall that when they first introduced the 2n1 design quite a few years ago that there were some issues with the panel covering the combustor. As I recall, it was a bit fragile, and could crack in normal use. I also recall that VC made some material and design changes to the panel which was supposed to make it far more robust. Are there any lingering issues regarding cracking of the internal panels, or has that issue been resolved? In general, does the firebox in the latest model hold up well to normal use?

I am aware that these stoves can be a bit finicky to run. That does not concern me--I am used to finicky stoves--but I would like to avoid having to replace parts frequently. I am also aware that the catalysts require periodic replacement. I am asking about the other components. Thanks.

 

[bholler]

I am thinking of getting an Encore, and would like to receive feedback on the durability of the stove's internals, including the interior panels. I seem to recall that when they first introduced the 2n1 design quite a few years ago that there were some issues with the panel covering the combustor. As I recall, it was a bit fragile, and could crack in normal use. I also recall that VC made some material and design changes to the panel which was supposed to make it far more robust. Are there any lingering issues regarding cracking of the internal panels, or has that issue been resolved? In general, does the firebox in the latest model hold up well to normal use?

I am aware that these stoves can be a bit finicky to run. That does not concern me--I am used to finicky stoves--but I would like to avoid having to replace parts frequently. I am also aware that the catalysts require periodic replacement. I am asking about the other components. Thanks.

They have definitely improved from what they were but still definitely the least durable of the mid to upper level stoves on the market

 

[dmccoole]

My Encore is on its 4th season now. I've had no parts issues with the stove. I installed a new steel cat this past December. Primary heat source, burn 24x7 and roughly 3 cords per year.

 

[VRB Farm]

Installed ours back in 2023 when we remodeled the farm house, quite a learning curve as you mentioned but once you know how to operate it is a great stove with no mechanical failures that we have experienced .

Few notes on the stove/application:
-Make sure you/your installer knows how to install gaskets and ash pan properly.
- make sure you understand how much heat (BTUs) this small "appearing" unit can produce, 33,000 peak I believe, our stove sits in a 21 x17 open room cathedral ceiling, 68" ceiling fan, 6' exposed 6" single wall pipe to double wall on exterior - open floor plan into kitchen and dining room - and this stove still has us opening doors to cool things down when it is 10 degrees out.
-burn quality wood, our stove hates any wood that isn't well seasoned or is punky at all.

 

[arnermd]

I am thinking of getting an Encore, and would like to receive feedback on the durability of the stove's internals, including the interior panels. I seem to recall that when they first introduced the 2n1 design quite a few years ago that there were some issues with the panel covering the combustor. As I recall, it was a bit fragile, and could crack in normal use. I also recall that VC made some material and design changes to the panel which was supposed to make it far more robust. Are there any lingering issues regarding cracking of the internal panels, or has that issue been resolved? In general, does the firebox in the latest model hold up well to normal use?

I am aware that these stoves can be a bit finicky to run. That does not concern me--I am used to finicky stoves--but I would like to avoid having to replace parts frequently. I am also aware that the catalysts require periodic replacement. I am asking about the other components. Thanks.

I had one of those early cat covers that broke in half after about a year as I recall, VC replaced it under warranty and the new one is thicker and heavier, has been in service ~11 years with no issues.

With regards to the rest of the refractory, I have replaced mine twice in 12 years. All under warranty, (My stove has a lifetime warranty on refractory but I believe they ended that years ago). In my opinion the refractory is incredibly durable, the problem is the lack of control and the runaway cat conditions. My cat temps routinely run 1600+, sometimes for hours, with that kind of thermal stress it is amazing to me how well they hold up. My opinion: If the temps were controllable to the 1100-1300F range I think the refractory would last a long, long time.

Cats typically last me 1.5 seasons, I burn 4 cord a year, 24/7. They are relatively inexpensive on Amazon and easy to replace. Replacing cats to me is just routine maintenance now.

"Finicky" (lol).... understatement of the year Yes these stoves are "finicky". Some of us have figured them out.... not me. 12 years and 50 cords later, still trying. Some days its awesome... some days not so much.

 

[andreas98]

I had one of those early cat covers that broke in half after about a year as I recall, VC replaced it under warranty and the new one is thicker and heavier, has been in service ~11 years with no issues.

With regards to the rest of the refractory, I have replaced mine twice in 12 years. All under warranty, (My stove has a lifetime warranty on refractory but I believe they ended that years ago). In my opinion the refractory is incredibly durable, the problem is the lack of control and the runaway cat conditions. My cat temps routinely run 1600+, sometimes for hours, with that kind of thermal stress it is amazing to me how well they hold up. My opinion: If the temps were controllable to the 1100-1300F range I think the refractory would last a long, long time.

Cats typically last me 1.5 seasons, I burn 4 cord a year, 24/7. They are relatively inexpensive on Amazon and easy to replace. Replacing cats to me is just routine maintenance now.

"Finicky" (lol).... understatement of the year Yes these stoves are "finicky". Some of us have figured them out.... not me. 12 years and 50 cords later, still trying. Some days its awesome... some days not so much.

Thanks for your feedback. A 6-year life for the refractory is not bad when you have a lifetime warranty on the unit, but for me it would be a cause for concern, since that warranty is no longer available. I appreciate your point about the refractory lasting longer if I could avoid excessive cat temps. It seems like an interesting challenge.

 

[andreas98]

Installed ours back in 2023 when we remodeled the farm house, quite a learning curve as you mentioned but once you know how to operate it is a great stove with no mechanical failures that we have experienced .

Few notes on the stove/application:
-Make sure you/your installer knows how to install gaskets and ash pan properly.
- make sure you understand how much heat (BTUs) this small "appearing" unit can produce, 33,000 peak I believe, our stove sits in a 21 x17 open room cathedral ceiling, 68" ceiling fan, 6' exposed 6" single wall pipe to double wall on exterior - open floor plan into kitchen and dining room - and this stove still has us opening doors to cool things down when it is 10 degrees out.
-burn quality wood, our stove hates any wood that isn't well seasoned or is punky at all.

Thanks for the tips! The space we are heating is quite large, with a wall of tall windows. We live in the coldest spot in the Pacific Northwest, with ambient temperatures (not including windchill) well below zero on some nights. Our lowest temperature in the last few years is -29F, and it once got down to -48F, which is the all-time record low for our region. This year we have only reached -14, but with all of our windows and high ceilings that still creates a large heating demand.

 

[andreas98]

My Encore is on its 4th season now. I've had no parts issues with the stove. I installed a new steel cat this past December. Primary heat source, burn 24x7 and roughly 3 cords per year.

Thanks for the feedback. It seems clear that the improved back panel no longer cracks during normal loading.

 

[begreen]

That's pretty darn cold. Is this up in the Okanogan?

I'm wondering, why the Encore? If there is a large amount of windows, the Encore may need supplementation during cold weather. To better determine the best fit, tell us more about the house. How many stories, how well insulated, how large is the area to be heated, how open is this area to the rest of the floor, how tall is the ceiling, etc.? Pictures are welcome.

 

[andreas98]

They have definitely improved from what they were but still definitely the least durable of the mid to upper level stoves on the market

I appreciate your point. It seems like the most robust design involves a welded steel firebox lined with fire bricks, with a tube-and-baffle secondary burn system. We had two such stoves in one of our houses, and they were very easy to operate and very durable. In our other house--which since retiring is now our only house--we are using the infamous Vermont Castings Resolute Acclaim (0041). I installed it in 1989 when I built the house, and I have become quite accomplished at rebuilding the stove's internals. I like the top-loading feature, and we really like the appearance of the stove and the look of the fire. It also throws a lot of heat for a stove with such a small firebox. The problem is that, since retiring, we have doubled our usage of the stove from 1.5-2 cords per year, to 3-4 cords per year. That has doubled the frequency of the rebuilds. When combined with the rapidly escalating cost of replacement parts, it seems like a good time to move on.

 

[andreas98]

That's pretty darn cold. Is this up in the Okanogan?

I'm wondering, why the Encore? If there is a large amount of windows, the Encore may need supplementation during cold weather. To better determine the best fit, tell us more about the house. How many stories, how well insulated, how large is the area to be heated, how open is this area to the rest of the floor, how tall is the ceiling, etc.? Pictures are welcome.

Yes, the Methow Valley. We just went through a 3-week cold snap where it got below zero on most nights.

We are replacing a Resolute Acclaim, which has been our primary source of heat in this house for the past 36 years. It has done a great job of heating, although it does require some supplementation on the coldest nights. Other than the wood stove, our house is all electric, but our mid-winter electric bills only run about $30 a month more than our bills in the early summer, when we are neither heating nor cooling. So the supplemental loads are not consequential. I am assuming that the Encore will do at least as well the Resolute Acclaim from a heating standpoint, with same great top-loading feature, and the same great appearance.

 

[begreen]

The Methow is a beautiful spot. I love visiting there... in summer. The Encore is an improvement on the Acclaim. Your current stove is somewhat of a record setter and a testament to good operation. The Acclaim had a bad reputation. It was back when VC was changing ownership constantly. A friend bought one new. It was her sole source of heat. The stove's refractory engine had to be rebuilt every 3-4 yrs. She finally sold it after a decade of use.