Vermont Castings Catalytic vs non-Cat?

[Dexter]

I'm currently looking at the VC Defiant and Encore models.

I just don't see any benefit of getting the more expensive catalytic model versus the non-cat.
Both have similar burn times, heating capacities, BTU's etc. Actually the non-cats seem to win by a hair in each.

Plus, the catalytic converter needs replacing at times?

Would appreciate any opinions on one or the other.

While we're at it...
Is the heat activated fan worthwhile?
Mitten rack/warming shelves worthwhile?
The Encore has a "griddle for stovetop cooking" while the larger Defiant doesn't mention this, and none of the photos show the top of the Defiant- any idea if it's on there?

Thanks again!

[Beeman]

I've got an old Defiant Encore, I can't judge between cat or non cat as this is the only one I've ever used. Mine has the cat in it as that's the only way it came when we purchased it.
The griddle question I can answer. The Defiant Encore loads from the top or the frt. The griddle is the part that opens on top. The Defiant loads from the side so the top is one piece of cast iron so no griddle. Really makes no difference as I don't think anyone would cook directly on the griddle any way. We place a kettle on it or a pot on it but don't cook directly on it. I don't see why you couldn't do the same on a Defiant except that you would scratch the paint. The griddle on the Encore isn't painted, it's a polished finish that will rust. Don't have a fan, use ceiling fans. Don't have a mitten rack or mittens.

[Dexter]

The Defiant and Encore are now two separate models (in the new flyer).
Defiant heats to 2400 sq'
Encore smaller, to 1900 sq'
You'd expect the larger model to have all the bells and whistles as the smaller less expensive stove, but seems maybe not.

[Ramblin Wreck]

I have a Vermont Castings (Dutch West series) stove with a catalytic converter, because that is the way it came. It's been in use for nine years with no problems. It is very fuel efficient, and once I engage the converter, there is almost no smoke at all coming from the chimney.

Only dry, well seasoned wood is burned in the stove, which I think helps reduce any issues with the catalyst.

[Beeman]

Originally Posted by Dexter

The Defiant and Encore are now two separate models (in the new flyer).
Defiant heats to 2400 sq'
Encore smaller, to 1900 sq'
You'd expect the larger model to have all the bells and whistles as the smaller less expensive stove, but seems maybe not.

The Defiant is the original Vermont Castings stove when they made only 1 model. The Defiant Encore is what they named the smaller catalytic version when I bought it. I guess they just dropped the Defiant part to avoid confusion. Mine is over 20 years old.

[Jolly]

I'm a KISS kinda guy.

While a catalytic converter does have some benefits, I don't see where they are enough to justify the cost or the possible replacement costs down the road...

[foxtrapper]

Get the non-cat stove. The cats fail rapidly and frequently. True, you get a bit more heat from the cat when it's new and in perfect working condition. But it won't stay that way for long.

Avoid a cat stove.

[Fae]

We have a dutchwest consolidated with a cat which we never use. We use the heater just don't engage the cat. I paid a lot for it because I thought they were better. When we used the cat we have always had problems with back puffing. It sure does heat my house though. I think you can buy it as a non-cat also.

[Mr.Hogwallop]

I have 2 VC intrepids, one cat and one non cat.

Get the non-cat stoves, cat converters are a pointless design. When you burn them right, they both put out about the same heat.

A cat con. doesnt "rapidly burn up", a cat block will last 10 yrs if you dont abuse it with wet wood, and other bad things that 'poison' the cat. and make it stop working. If you burn up a cat every year or 2, you need to learn to use a wood stove.
If you have a cat, you burn only dry wood.
Non cat, you can burn the kitchen table and whatever wood you can scavenge up.
Most cat. stoves you can run them on bypass, and not use the cat.

if you have a choice, get the non cat.