I just bought an Intrepid 2 for our finished basement for $200. I replaced both back pieces that cover the refractory and cleaned plus polished. It's now finished and have approx. $600 in it altogether. Basically a new stove. Very pretty. We don't need very hot fires because our house is a well insulated brick home which is why I picked this stove. You're video was good and thanks for taking the time and showing your stove.
My pleasure. As long as you burn seasoned wood, and clean it after each season you should be good. I brush the chimney once every two years. If you have to replace parts again, stick with OEM.
No, I don't think the surface temp of the griddle needs to be 450-500F for the catalytic unit to function. With an external temp on the griddle of around 300F+ the inside of the firebox should be over 500F - enough to ignite the catalyst. That's why the Rutland thermometer shows the 'Burn Zone' where it does, between ~ 275 F to around 550 F. At 550 F on the griddle, the temp in the fire box is probably approaching 850 F, the upper limit of what is safe for the stove to burn at continuously. Best to keep the griddle at around 350-400 tops.
maybe next time show how you take off the hood and plate and remove the old rope and then put in back all in reverse instead of "this is what I did" after its all done.
I wish I could have, but holding the camera would have been difficult. I guess I could have used a small tripod. Once you loosen the two 1/2 bolts and turn the tabs the hood and plate comes right off.
Am shopping for one of these now. It’s like dealing w/used car dealers. NONE of them is adhering to MSRP. (In New Jersey) one of them actually said the intrepid in the color RED was $400.00 MORE because there was gold in the paint! (Is that true?) Plus, if you don’t get it installed by “an authorized dealer/installer” you VOID the warranty. So if it runs too hot where it might warp, you are screwed. Very stressful.
Hi Sandy, I would look at other options. (non catalytic). I'm having to replace parts every year. VC were built well in the 80's, but no longer. Depending on the square footage of your home, height of ceilings, and floor plan, this will all affect the heating up output. One thing to remember, seasoned wood makes all the difference. If you have an open floor plan 1200sq ft, it would be great. Fans help move the air. Do your research.
Great Video Aggie! I have an Intrepid II in the house I just purchased and having trouble locating where I install the lower fireback and rear air tube. Are those pieces found within the refractory? I can't find any videos on how to replace those parts. Any guidance would be helpful.
The lower fireback is held together by two 9/16 bolts. Once you loosen them you have to twist the tabs so the lower fireback comes right out. Are you referring to the damper housing? I have another video how to remove it. They are held together by acorn nuts on the back of the unit.
Hi Sharon, I'm sure you could. There is a very slight evidence of rust but I don't use it for cooking. I won't be using it anymore. It will be a decorative piece in the corner of the kitchen. I have plans to install a large wood insert in the fireplace room. The top loader is convenient but it creates a lot of soot on the ceiling and my wife just painted the kitchen and it looks great.
@@aggienodari453 Many thanks. After posting my question, I went back to my owners manual and saw that Vermont Castings uses vegetable oil prior to shipping, so I'm thinking mineral oil can't be too bad.
Curious looking to also do a corner install with a rear vent. In the manual it doesn’t explicitly show this configuration. Do you know if read venting with an elbow is an “approved” method of install?
I wouldn't see why not. I've seen that type of configurations before. Also, the collar that attaches to the vent pipe can go horizontal, and if you flip it 180, it can go vertical.
Hey, I just bought the same stove and I was wondering if you could help me with some thing. Is there a gap where the left panel meets the front panel? So like if you’re standing, looking at the stove on the left side corner towards yourself. If you look at the side of the stove, do you see a gap between the front panel that the doors are attached to, and that side. It would not be the way on the other side. I’m just wondering if mine got altered or moved or if that’s actually part of the ventilation system because I have air that goes in that area on mine.
Mine does not have a gap like you indicated. However, the stove can completely come apart. Sides back and top. If you lift the lid and look into the stove on the front left side, you'll see a cover that is held on what looks like an allen bolt. I would unscrew it and remove the cover to see if the bolts that hold the side needs to be tightened.
I’m currently refreshing a recently purchased VC Int II 1308. I bought the basic kit that contains gaskets for griddle, doors & glass but having a hard time finding specs for all remaining gaskets. Do you know the diameter for each?
I once was able to get an 8 hour burn time from a particular cord of wood. Typically, 4-5 hours. I have to get up in the morning and start another fire, which doesn't take long.
This type of gauge works just fine on the griddle of this type of stove and is 'calibrated' by Rutland to indicate the safe catalytic operation zone in relation to the temperature of the stove top. Only if the pipe is single wall would you want it on the pipe. Most indoor installations nowadays use double-wall pipe and for that, the gauge would be inaccurate.
Hi, I really wanted to by a VC intrepid just like this, but I have read and heard that the catalysts just don't work and get burned out very easily. How long did you have your stove before the cat got ruined?
It was already in the house when I moved in 3 years ago. This was the first time I replaced it. It was about $100. I put a thermometer on the deck lid so it can regulate when I should engage the catalytic converter. You have to watch the temperature so it doesn't get too high. I really like the stove. I wish It was a bigger one but it warms up the house quite nice.
Do you know if burning wet wood clogs up the cat? I installed an intrepid 2 about a year ago, and at this point the stove puffs and the fire goes out when I engage the cat. Some of the wood I have been burning wasn’t seasoned very well, but I assumed that if the fire was going pretty hot it would work out
Hi Dylan, that seems odd that the fire would smolder out. Have you taken the CAT out and inspected it? It can be install incorrectly, which would not allow the smoke to vent properly. Burning unseasoned wood is not good overall. It creates creosote and if you're not cleaning your flue it can be dangerous. Also, get a temperature gauge. They are key to get the best heat out of your stove.
Aggie Nodari thank you, I will inspect it. I have been using the cat temp probe that comes with the stove to monitor cat temp, and it hasn’t overheated yet to my knowledge. I will definitely get a stovetop thermometer too though
I need to build almost the exact configuration in the corner of my living room that you show here for your Intrepid. What are the dimensions of your platform? I have a relatively large living room, but only a small corner area for the stove. Thanks in advance!
Here are the dimensions. Left and right side length is 46". From the corner to the front is 39". The height is 7.5". It's up to you, but you don't need to build the raised platform. You could leave it on the ground, as well
I wanted to put mine in the corner but I have a vaulted ceiling and the support beams come out from the corners so the chimney would have had to go around it. As a result I had no choice but to put mine on the wall.
What is the purpose of a catalytic converter on a woodstove? I’m thinking about buying the same stove used but I don’t want to participate in retardation. Are they forcing manufactures to install those to save the planet from carbon emissions? If that’s what they’re doing, what about when I burn campfires 100 times during the summer in my yard or what about forest fires? All of the emissions that those produce and I’m supposed to worry about a few logs in the winter? Seems ridiculous. Or is there another purpose? Thanks so much.
This stove has two features, you can burn like a normal stove where the smoke goes up the chimney pipe, when you engage the Cat, you're closing off the flue and all smoke and emissions is burned off by the Cat. It burns low and slow and conserves your wood. In theory, it's a great feature, but I had to replace the Cat every two years. There are EPA stoves that do just as good as a job without a Cat. I wouldn't buy a Cat stove
Thank you! Is this a cat stove then you said you wouldn’t buy one? Or are you saying one that doesn’t give you the option to switch over you wouldn’t purchase?
How do you know if the cat is bad? I’m about ready to buy a used one of this same stove from a private party. It looks like it’s in OK condition but is enameled finish. Does the smoke start coming in the house or something? I’m just wondering how you know if the cats bad
@@abrammatthew756 the stove was in the house when I moved in. It's a good stove, but you have to buy OEM parts. The Cat burns up too easy and cost $130.00 to replace if you do it yourself. I bought a napoleon insert and it doesn't have a Cat, but you can choke back the air to create a slow burn.
@@abrammatthew756 you should inspect and clean the Cat when you do your annual maintenance. The honeycomb material will be all cracked and broken. The exhaust needs to go through the Cat to burn off. You can operate it without the Cat but you're more likely burn through more wood.
Aggie, by replace the refractory chamber, there is a pin stucking out and in the way. So I dont know how to replace the refractory chamber. What do I do whit this pin? Thanks in advance Peter The Netherlands
Hi Peter, I never had to replace the entire chamber, only the catalytic convertor. The pin you are referring to, is it located behind the catalytic converter, and is almost like a spring? I believe that is what self adjusts the air control lever. I don't know this for certain, but I believe there are screws in the back of the unit which will aid in removing the refractory chamber.
Aggie, do you know what kind of seals I have to use for restore all seals. Also where can I get them. My intrepid II is fully unscrewed and the refractory chamber fits!!! Thanks.
Hi Peter, the seals for the refractory plate, top lid and doors are 5/16 rope gaskets. If you have a fireplace supply store in your area, you can purchase it there, or if not go online. Don't forget to buy the adhesive as well.
Hi Aggie, great video. I’m torn 50/50 on Vermont Castings. My wife and I like the red enameled Defiant. We have electric central heat and want the wood stove to augment really cold days in the Pacific Northwest. We love the design of Defiant especially with the top loader because of my bad back. Question . I’m retired ne have some time to fiddle with stove. Do you think it’s worth the $5000 for this stove or is this a train wreck waiting to happen. I know there are many items in the recipe for a good fire. Piping/ flue is the engine, seasoned hardwood would be best, but would I have to keep a constant watch to achieve the correct temperature or can I load and let it go for 4 hours? Thanks in advance as I. Really sitting on the fence on Vermont Castings but I see no other comparable choices in esthetic and top loading.
Hi there! I have a VC stove and a Napoleon insert. Knowing what I know now, I'll take a stove hands down. They throw much more heat. I like the way the VC looks, but plan on spending a couple $100 every two years. Napoleon makes a nice stove, but they're not as charming looking as the VC. I believe they improved the catalytic location. Are you going to have this in your living room? Do you have a single story or two? The defiant is a bigger model. I would stay away from the catalytic models. Too much of a pain. You have to clean every year and or replace parts.
I forgot to comment on the burn cycle. The avg. time on an intrepid II is 4 hours. Im sure a Defiant would be much longer. The wood makes all the difference. I can count on one hand how manty times I had an overnight burn.
@@aggienodari453 thank you SO MUCH for your reply. I have a huge freak living and dining room with 25 foot cathedral ceilings. However our house is fairly air tight and we have central electric heat and a propane fire place. So mostly electric heat but the electric bill can be $350 during four months of winter. We want a wood stove so that I’d the power goes down we have heat and can cook on the stove top. Should out entire grid go down then we have a survival tool. I did not know that Vermont Castings makes a NON catalytic Defiant stove. I will check that out. My local Ace Hardware has the VC Defiant and I’ve explained all to poor reviews. They claim they will back me up I’d I have a problem and they employ one wood stove technician. They are only a few miles away from me so I could be a pain in their butt IF the Vermont fails and IF they do not provide resolution. However I would prefer to avoid this. I will Google the Napoleon. Thank you sir, any further advice is greatly appreciated. This is a big expense.
@@CrochetNewsNetwork My concern is the cathedral ceilings. The heat will rise out of the room unless you have fans to circulate the air. I have 8ft ceilings with fans.
@@aggienodari453 I wouldn't count on that. Brand new defiant here and I get 4-7 hrs, 7hrs being rare on a rather stuffed firebox. VC does not ship air tight stoves worth a crap.
I just bought an Intrepid 2 for our finished basement for $200. I replaced both back pieces that cover the refractory and cleaned plus polished. It's now finished and have approx. $600 in it altogether. Basically a new stove. Very pretty. We don't need very hot fires because our house is a well insulated brick home which is why I picked this stove. You're video was good and thanks for taking the time and showing your stove.
My pleasure. As long as you burn seasoned wood, and clean it after each season you should be good. I brush the chimney once every two years. If you have to replace parts again, stick with OEM.
You didn’t discuss how to clean the back area?
I'm not sure what you mean about the back area? Inside the stove all I do is vacuum.
No, I don't think the surface temp of the griddle needs to be 450-500F for the catalytic unit to function. With an external temp on the griddle of around 300F+ the inside of the firebox should be over 500F - enough to ignite the catalyst. That's why the Rutland thermometer shows the 'Burn Zone' where it does, between ~ 275 F to around 550 F. At 550 F on the griddle, the temp in the fire box is probably approaching 850 F, the upper limit of what is safe for the stove to burn at continuously. Best to keep the griddle at around 350-400 tops.
Per manual needs be 550
FYI the gasket for the top griddle is a special gasket which has a steel mesh on the outside of it.
My flue is tough to open and close. Do you libricate it somehow? THX
You shouldn't have to. Is the flue housing warped? Make sure it fully closes. Make sure the linkage is not binding up.
Great video, very helpful. Thank you!
maybe next time show how you take off the hood and plate and remove the old rope and then put in back all in reverse instead of "this is what I did" after its all done.
I wish I could have, but holding the camera would have been difficult. I guess I could have used a small tripod.
Once you loosen the two 1/2 bolts and turn the tabs the hood and plate comes right off.
Am shopping for one of these now. It’s like dealing w/used car dealers. NONE of them is adhering to MSRP. (In New Jersey) one of them actually said the intrepid in the color RED was $400.00 MORE because there was gold in the paint! (Is that true?)
Plus, if you don’t get it installed by “an authorized dealer/installer” you VOID the warranty. So if it runs too hot where it might warp, you are screwed. Very stressful.
Hi Sandy,
I would look at other options. (non catalytic). I'm having to replace parts every year. VC were built well in the 80's, but no longer. Depending on the square footage of your home, height of ceilings, and floor plan, this will all affect the heating up output. One thing to remember, seasoned wood makes all the difference. If you have an open floor plan 1200sq ft, it would be great. Fans help move the air. Do your research.
Great Video Aggie! I have an Intrepid II in the house I just purchased and having trouble locating where I install the lower fireback and rear air tube. Are those pieces found within the refractory? I can't find any videos on how to replace those parts. Any guidance would be helpful.
The lower fireback is held together by two 9/16 bolts. Once you loosen them you have to twist the tabs so the lower fireback comes right out. Are you referring to the damper housing? I have another video how to remove it. They are held together by acorn nuts on the back of the unit.
Thanks!
Very helpful thanks!
Do you put any preservative on the cookplate to keep it from rusting? Perhaps mineral oil? Thanks!
Hi Sharon, I'm sure you could. There is a very slight evidence of rust but I don't use it for cooking. I won't be using it anymore. It will be a decorative piece in the corner of the kitchen. I have plans to install a large wood insert in the fireplace room. The top loader is convenient but it creates a lot of soot on the ceiling and my wife just painted the kitchen and it looks great.
@@aggienodari453 Many thanks. After posting my question, I went back to my owners manual and saw that Vermont Castings uses vegetable oil prior to shipping, so I'm thinking mineral oil can't be too bad.
@@sharonmcfadden8833 would the oil catch fire?
Curious looking to also do a corner install with a rear vent. In the manual it doesn’t explicitly show this configuration. Do you know if read venting with an elbow is an “approved” method of install?
I wouldn't see why not. I've seen that type of configurations before. Also, the collar that attaches to the vent pipe can go horizontal, and if you flip it 180, it can go vertical.
Hey, I just bought the same stove and I was wondering if you could help me with some thing. Is there a gap where the left panel meets the front panel? So like if you’re standing, looking at the stove on the left side corner towards yourself. If you look at the side of the stove, do you see a gap between the front panel that the doors are attached to, and that side. It would not be the way on the other side. I’m just wondering if mine got altered or moved or if that’s actually part of the ventilation system because I have air that goes in that area on mine.
Mine does not have a gap like you indicated. However, the stove can completely come apart. Sides back and top. If you lift the lid and look into the stove on the front left side, you'll see a cover that is held on what looks like an allen bolt. I would unscrew it and remove the cover to see if the bolts that hold the side needs to be tightened.
Maybe before you do that, look online. You should find a diagram of how it all comes apart
Thanks!
I’m currently refreshing a recently purchased VC Int II 1308. I bought the basic kit that contains gaskets for griddle, doors & glass but having a hard time finding specs for all remaining gaskets. Do you know the diameter for each?
I believe I used 5/16 for most of the parts.
What's the longest burn time you've had? Thanks.
I once was able to get an 8 hour burn time from a particular cord of wood. Typically, 4-5 hours. I have to get up in the morning and start another fire, which doesn't take long.
The thermostat goes on the flue pipe not on the top of the stove
Thank you, Kenneth. That's where I have it now.
This type of gauge works just fine on the griddle of this type of stove and is 'calibrated' by Rutland to indicate the safe catalytic operation zone in relation to the temperature of the stove top. Only if the pipe is single wall would you want it on the pipe. Most indoor installations nowadays use double-wall pipe and for that, the gauge would be inaccurate.
Hi, I really wanted to by a VC intrepid just like this, but I have read and heard that the catalysts just don't work and get burned out very easily. How long did you have your stove before the cat got ruined?
It was already in the house when I moved in 3 years ago. This was the first time I replaced it. It was about $100. I put a thermometer on the deck lid so it can regulate when I should engage the catalytic converter. You have to watch the temperature so it doesn't get too high. I really like the stove. I wish It was a bigger one but it warms up the house quite nice.
Do you know if burning wet wood clogs up the cat? I installed an intrepid 2 about a year ago, and at this point the stove puffs and the fire goes out when I engage the cat. Some of the wood I have been burning wasn’t seasoned very well, but I assumed that if the fire was going pretty hot it would work out
Hi Dylan, that seems odd that the fire would smolder out. Have you taken the CAT out and inspected it? It can be install incorrectly, which would not allow the smoke to vent properly. Burning unseasoned wood is not good overall. It creates creosote and if you're not cleaning your flue it can be dangerous. Also, get a temperature gauge. They are key to get the best heat out of your stove.
Aggie Nodari thank you, I will inspect it. I have been using the cat temp probe that comes with the stove to monitor cat temp, and it hasn’t overheated yet to my knowledge. I will definitely get a stovetop thermometer too though
Type in model number “pdf” into google or “manual”.
I need to build almost the exact configuration in the corner of my living room that you show here for your Intrepid. What are the dimensions of your platform? I have a relatively large living room, but only a small corner area for the stove. Thanks in advance!
Here are the dimensions. Left and right side length is 46". From the corner to the front is 39". The height is 7.5". It's up to you, but you don't need to build the raised platform. You could leave it on the ground, as well
Thank you so much! I really appreciate it.
I wanted to put mine in the corner but I have a vaulted ceiling and the support beams come out from the corners so the chimney would have had to go around it. As a result I had no choice but to put mine on the wall.
What is the purpose of a catalytic converter on a woodstove? I’m thinking about buying the same stove used but I don’t want to participate in retardation. Are they forcing manufactures to install those to save the planet from carbon emissions? If that’s what they’re doing, what about when I burn campfires 100 times during the summer in my yard or what about forest fires? All of the emissions that those produce and I’m supposed to worry about a few logs in the winter? Seems ridiculous. Or is there another purpose? Thanks so much.
This stove has two features, you can burn like a normal stove where the smoke goes up the chimney pipe, when you engage the Cat, you're closing off the flue and all smoke and emissions is burned off by the Cat. It burns low and slow and conserves your wood. In theory, it's a great feature, but I had to replace the Cat every two years. There are EPA stoves that do just as good as a job without a Cat. I wouldn't buy a Cat stove
Thank you! Is this a cat stove then you said you wouldn’t buy one? Or are you saying one that doesn’t give you the option to switch over you wouldn’t purchase?
How do you know if the cat is bad? I’m about ready to buy a used one of this same stove from a private party. It looks like it’s in OK condition but is enameled finish. Does the smoke start coming in the house or something? I’m just wondering how you know if the cats bad
@@abrammatthew756 the stove was in the house when I moved in. It's a good stove, but you have to buy OEM parts. The Cat burns up too easy and cost $130.00 to replace if you do it yourself. I bought a napoleon insert and it doesn't have a Cat, but you can choke back the air to create a slow burn.
@@abrammatthew756 you should inspect and clean the Cat when you do your annual maintenance. The honeycomb material will be all cracked and broken. The exhaust needs to go through the Cat to burn off. You can operate it without the Cat but you're more likely burn through more wood.
Aggie, by replace the refractory chamber, there is a pin stucking out and in the way. So I dont know how to replace the refractory chamber. What do I do whit this pin? Thanks in advance Peter The Netherlands
Hi Peter,
I never had to replace the entire chamber, only the catalytic convertor. The pin you are referring to, is it located behind the catalytic converter, and is almost like a spring? I believe that is what self adjusts the air control lever. I don't know this for certain, but I believe there are screws in the back of the unit which will aid in removing the refractory chamber.
@@aggienodari453 I just recoverd this problem, now new gaskets and I can open a new recovery store in Europe. Thnx for the tips and the UA-cam film
Aggie, do you know what kind of seals I have to use for restore all seals. Also where can I get them. My intrepid II is fully unscrewed and the refractory chamber fits!!! Thanks.
Hi Peter, the seals for the refractory plate, top lid and doors are 5/16 rope gaskets. If you have a fireplace supply store in your area, you can purchase it there, or if not go online. Don't forget to buy the adhesive as well.
@@aggienodari453 Hi Aggie is 5/16 3 inch? We have a metric system in Holland. Secondly how can I contact you personally and sent photos?
Hi Aggie, great video. I’m torn 50/50 on Vermont Castings. My wife and I like the red enameled Defiant. We have electric central heat and want the wood stove to augment really cold days in the Pacific Northwest. We love the design of Defiant especially with the top loader because of my bad back.
Question . I’m retired ne have some time to fiddle with stove. Do you think it’s worth the $5000 for this stove or is this a train wreck waiting to happen. I know there are many items in the recipe for a good fire. Piping/ flue is the engine, seasoned hardwood would be best, but would I have to keep a constant watch to achieve the correct temperature or can I load and let it go for 4 hours? Thanks in advance as I. Really sitting on the fence on Vermont Castings but I see no other comparable choices in esthetic and top loading.
Hi there! I have a VC stove and a Napoleon insert. Knowing what I know now, I'll take a stove hands down. They throw much more heat. I like the way the VC looks, but plan on spending a couple $100 every two years. Napoleon makes a nice stove, but they're not as charming looking as the VC. I believe they improved the catalytic location. Are you going to have this in your living room? Do you have a single story or two? The defiant is a bigger model. I would stay away from the catalytic models. Too much of a pain. You have to clean every year and or replace parts.
I forgot to comment on the burn cycle. The avg. time on an intrepid II is 4 hours. Im sure a Defiant would be much longer. The wood makes all the difference. I can count on one hand how manty times I had an overnight burn.
@@aggienodari453 thank you SO MUCH for your reply. I have a huge freak living and dining room with 25 foot cathedral ceilings. However our house is fairly air tight and we have central electric heat and a propane fire place. So mostly electric heat but the electric bill can be $350 during four months of winter. We want a wood stove so that I’d the power goes down we have heat and can cook on the stove top. Should out entire grid go down then we have a survival tool. I did not know that Vermont Castings makes a NON catalytic Defiant stove. I will check that out. My local Ace Hardware has the VC Defiant and I’ve explained all to poor reviews. They claim they will back me up I’d I have a problem and they employ one wood stove technician. They are only a few miles away from me so I could be a pain in their butt IF the Vermont fails and IF they do not provide resolution. However I would prefer to avoid this. I will Google the Napoleon. Thank you sir, any further advice is greatly appreciated. This is a big expense.
@@CrochetNewsNetwork My concern is the cathedral ceilings. The heat will rise out of the room unless you have fans to circulate the air. I have 8ft ceilings with fans.
@@aggienodari453 I wouldn't count on that. Brand new defiant here and I get 4-7 hrs, 7hrs being rare on a rather stuffed firebox. VC does not ship air tight stoves worth a crap.