WhatStove?

Review of Vermont Castings Intrepid 2 Multi fuel stove

16 years of hard work, probably 16 years more

Glenn Sanderson 11 years ago

Stove came with the house, is non-enamelled. The thermostat was broken at the back when we inherited it, the screw has snapped off in the cast iron so difficult to replace. Air flap operates manually without problems. We've run the stove from October to May every day for 14 years. Tried many fuel variations. The inherited coal conversion kit used several times but each time we converted back to the wood format as the system is a compromise that does not work well. The porcelain handle on the front door cracks with the slightest of pressure - replaced and same thing, so the metal butt for the handle is used with the poker without problems. Top loading is fantastic!! For this reason alone I would never go back to a front loader. To heat a 3 bedroomed, 2 storey, open plan stone house we have found that starting the fire in the afternoon, using half a bucket of smokeless fuel ovals then when glowing we continue with 15 inch logs split 6 inches wide for the next 8 hours works best. A standard shallow coal grate is placed on the base of the stove a log placed at the front and back filling the centre with ovals works best as the grate gives enough air to burn the coal and the wood sits on the resulting bed of ashes. I have replaced the back plate as I caused it to buckle. Easy to strip unit and put back together. This was required as I left the front door open once with house coal burning in. Altogether hard working workhorse the 'Landrover' of stoves that is much better than previously owned Jotul and Morso stoves.

Stove expert replied: A geriatric stove with plenty of life left in it, fantastic review!

Overall rating:

4 flames

Build Quality 5 flames (avg 4.3)
Quality of finish 4 flames (avg 4.4)
Value for money 5 flames (avg 3.7)
Ease of use 4 flames (avg 3.9)
Ease of lighting 4 flames (avg 4)
Firebox size 5 flames (avg 4.2)
How well does the airwash work 3 flames (avg 3.8)
Controllability 3 flames (avg 3.8)
Handle operation 2 flames (avg 3.8)
How likely are you to buy it again? 5 flames (avg 3.5)
What is your overall satisfaction? 4 flames (avg 3.8)