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We are planning on replacing our woodburning insert. The existing insert is a relatively cheap steel insert. I determined this by the quality of insert and the thickness of the steel. The previous owners of the house did not see the need for a cap on the chimney, so the insert is rusted. In looking around at what is available, we like the looks of the vermont castings inserts. They are cast iron and have a nice traditional look. I went into a shop, and the salesman (and I stress salesman) told me that steel would be better because cast iron tends to bow. The insert that we are removing does show bowing due to uneven heat induced stress. I have a degree in materials science and have a hard time believing that steel will not bow and flex under stress and cast iron will (I believe the opposite). I think that the only worry should be cracking the cast iron. Anyway, it finally became evident that the steel insert he thought was better was more money. So at that point, I went somewhere else. The second shop was fully prepared to sell me the vermont castings and cheaper than the first. My question is, does anyone have any experience with the vermont castings inserts and is one material better than anyother?
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I am no expert. A salseman last week told me that one of the best wood stoves in her shop was a european style cast stove.It was cheaper then the one I was interested in ( a hearthstone that will fit into a fireplace). I think you are right to look into it further.
*The only steel insert that I have seen that I would buy is the Buck. But I like cast iron better and the Vermont Castings looks good. If you are interested in maximum efficiency and you have the room, you might want to consider a free standing stove. Burns cleaner (with the catalytic burner) and gives off much more heat. You could set it on the hearth and run the flue through the existing chimney. I like the cast iron Dutchwest and the a Swedish unit called "Yodel" (but NOT spelled that way).
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We are planning on replacing our woodburning insert. The existing insert is a relatively cheap steel insert. I determined this by the quality of insert and the thickness of the steel. The previous owners of the house did not see the need for a cap on the chimney, so the insert is rusted. In looking around at what is available, we like the looks of the vermont castings inserts. They are cast iron and have a nice traditional look. I went into a shop, and the salesman (and I stress salesman) told me that steel would be better because cast iron tends to bow. The insert that we are removing does show bowing due to uneven heat induced stress. I have a degree in materials science and have a hard time believing that steel will not bow and flex under stress and cast iron will (I believe the opposite). I think that the only worry should be cracking the cast iron. Anyway, it finally became evident that the steel insert he thought was better was more money. So at that point, I went somewhere else. The second shop was fully prepared to sell me the vermont castings and cheaper than the first. My question is, does anyone have any experience with the vermont castings inserts and is one material better than anyother?