I've had some issues with a new VC Defiant CAT stove that was installed new in January of this year. The stove just seems very difficult to control; I've had both back-puffing and overfire problems. The stove seems to work great for a while, then suddenly back-puffs filling the house with a smokey smell. I'm using the same wood I used with my previous Avalon Olympic which didn't have any such issues, and I tested the wood with a moisture meter; most of the wood is between 10 and 16% moisture. I've tried many different loading/burning.adjusting tweaks, but can't get it to work properly without a lot of baby-sitting. It's also very difficult to get any direct support from Vermont Castings. I spoke to the sweep who installed it; he will check a few things, but will give me my money back if nothing seems apparantly wrong.
So, I will probably be looking for a new stove and need some opinions. I need a large stove, as the area is about 2,500 sq ft, two floors with an open ceiling, lots of windows, and somewhat leaky. I do like the looks of the Defiant and need something that produces at least as much heat, but preferably more. I prefer the look of cast iron, but will also consider soapstone. I don't particularly like the look of steel. I need the stove to burn long, as I load it in the morning around 8:00am, and don't get back until around 7:00pm. I prefer either top or side (preferably right side) loading. Most importantly, it must be relatively easy to control. I don't care about the combustion technology (CAT vs Non-CAT as long as burn times are long and the stove is easy to control). The stove will be free standing in front of a fireplace (I have plenty of clearance).
So far these are possible options:
Jotul F 600
Hearthstone Equinox
Hearthstone Mansfield
Anyone care to comment on the above stoves? Any other recommendations? I wish that Woodstock already had their larger stove ready, but they mentioned that it won't be for another year.
Thanks!
So, I will probably be looking for a new stove and need some opinions. I need a large stove, as the area is about 2,500 sq ft, two floors with an open ceiling, lots of windows, and somewhat leaky. I do like the looks of the Defiant and need something that produces at least as much heat, but preferably more. I prefer the look of cast iron, but will also consider soapstone. I don't particularly like the look of steel. I need the stove to burn long, as I load it in the morning around 8:00am, and don't get back until around 7:00pm. I prefer either top or side (preferably right side) loading. Most importantly, it must be relatively easy to control. I don't care about the combustion technology (CAT vs Non-CAT as long as burn times are long and the stove is easy to control). The stove will be free standing in front of a fireplace (I have plenty of clearance).
So far these are possible options:
Jotul F 600
Hearthstone Equinox
Hearthstone Mansfield
Anyone care to comment on the above stoves? Any other recommendations? I wish that Woodstock already had their larger stove ready, but they mentioned that it won't be for another year.
Thanks!