New guy, replacing old stove.

[Turbo89]

I do want to say (and this goes to the remark I made earlier; there are many threads here about the operation of differen stoves), that VC is "known here" to be finicky. I.e. a significant percentage of people here have issues. But there surely are folks, also on this forum, who have mastered its personality and are happy with it.

If your old VC and a new model have similar personalities (and I think this is what begreen suggested), it might work well for you. Every stove, even "easy ones" has a learning curve. That learning curve may be the steepest (achieving success fastest) for the VC for you.

Well said. This is why I, as a VC user recommend a Blaze King stove, haha.

FWIW OP, I’m heating my shop with a VC encore, but purchased that stove to “try out” VC before committing to a VC stove for my primary residence (slightly less sq-ft than you). My biggest concerned with my current VC stove is that I can run it, but my wife cannot (although she was fine running our old conventional Jotul). From reading here, and several other places I’ve landed on a Blaze King Princess…. When I find a good deal used or save enough for it.

 

[Sockiopath]

That learning curve may be the steepest (achieving success fastest) for the VC for you.

I don't know how to say this in another way..

Your second response makes sense. The first one in opposition to what you intended. Thanks for clarification.

 

[begreen]

VC stoves are complex. They can be harder to run and definitely harder and more expensive to repair. The company went through a period of multiple owners during which quality and support declined precipitously. Around 2011 it was questionable whether the company would survive in spite of still having a first class foundry. This changed when HHT bought them out. They upgraded the quality and durability of the combustion engine refractory and improved support.

Both bholler and I have had many stoves. My second was the original VC Resolute and I loved that stove. However, I personally wouldn't want to own its modern equivalent, the Dauntless. The larger Encore Defiant, OTOH, appears to be less cantankerous. Over the years my needs (different houses) and appreciation have changed (matured?). I find beauty and appreciation in design simplicity and low maintenance.

You have a good track record with a VC stove and know how to run it, so the learning curve should be minor. There is a good group of owners here that can help out. They like their stoves. My main dislike of the new Defiant design vs old is the thermostat. It used to be all exposed on the back of the stove. This made it easy to visually check operation and to adjust. Now the cable is routed internally which can mean disassembly if there is a problem. Check the VC forum for examples.

Vermont Castings

This forum is for discussions and information regarding Vermont Castings

www.hearth.com

 

[Highbeam]

I live in an area with a long heating season. We burn wood for 9 months each year but seldom need high output. I have been heating with wood nearly 100% in this home for nearly 20 years. For the last 13 years with this blaze king princess. I replace the catalyst every 2-3 years and I’ve replaced the door gasket once and a handful of firebricks a year or two ago.

I burn about 4 cords of lower btu pnw fuels like Douglas fir and maple.

The blaze king line is excellent for those wanting efficient, constant heating with minimal effort.

In my shop building I run a low cost plate steel Englander brand noncat stove at high output and that dang stove is so basic that it has held up very well to the demand. No new parts in about 12 years of part time use. A basic plate steel stove can be very dependable and a powerhouse.

 

[bholler]

I appreciate the likelihood that you can correctly anticipate what @bholler ‘s response would be. But, why not let him answer?

He was right

 

[bholler]

Doesn’t this also suggest he has no long term experience with any one stove?

I typically heat with them for about 5 years. Enough to learn the ins and outs of running them. I learn about durability by working on hundreds of stoves a year.