Recommendations for New Catalyst for Encore

[Hbob]

I have a newer Encore (second season burning it) and want to order and have a backup/replacement catalyst in hand. I may want a metal catalyst. What are the best sources and balance of cost/longevity? Are the $250 catalyst going to save me money in the long run or should I buy a less expensive catalyst and call it good.
What is the catalyst that came with my stove (new 2024)? My current cat is in good shape but you never know when a guest is going to burn it up.

 

[Eman85]

A guest? Expecting someone that has never operated a VC cat stove before to operate it properly is very optimistic. The cat will be the least of your problems or expense.

 

[Hbob]

A guest? Expecting someone that has never operated a VC cat stove before to operate it properly is very optimistic. The cat will be the least of your problems or expense.

Yes it’s the last stove I’d buy to have others use but I know it inside and out and it runs great and very intuitively for me. Plus it has features no other stove has…..top load and fireplace mode with spark screen. So ignore the “guest” comment and help me with ordering a catalayst.

 

[begreen]

I don't let guests run the stove, even if it doesn't have a catalyst or bypass.

 

[Hbob]

I don't let guests run the stove, even if it doesn't have a catalyst or bypass.

So do I need to go back and delete the guest comment to get an answer to the original question?

 

[begreen]

So do I need to go back and delete the guest comment to get an answer to the original question?

The steel cat is more robust than the ceramic but I don't know what VC is currently shipping with.

 

[begreen]

The parts listing says it comes with a ceramic cat, part 30006623.

 

[dmccoole]

Ceramic($129) or Steel($169): https://midwesthearth.com/products/...exburn-2-5-x-12-75-x-1?variant=19888841687169

 

[Eman85]

I bought my cat from Midwest, mine is ceramic. I spoke to the company that manufactures the cats and they recommended I purchase from Midwest.

 

[Megunticook]

I have an older encore (2550). Far as I know the cat is still the same.

Shipped with ceramic, I tried steel after 10 years but after 8 years went back to ceramic (doesn't clog with ash as easily) .

Get mine from condar, made in north carolina.

Steer clear of overfiring or flame impingement and you should get several seasons out of either cat.

 

[Woodsplitter67]

You can just go on amazon and get the midway hearth for 160 delivered. Id get the steel cat as its way more durable. Personally in my stove the ceramic gets pretty hot and that leads to early Deterioration