I don’t spend a lot of time looking for cheap stoves, so I can’t speak directly to you question about the TSC model, but anything else, and I mean EVERYTHING else TSC sells to look like the real deal is really sub standard quality with virtually nothing available for product/parts support down the road, spend it now or spend it later, but either way, you will spend it.
My parents have had a couple VT castings EPA stoves, dad doesn’t keep up with the maintenance like he used to and allowed things to get damaged to the point of replacement being the economical choice, however from a functionality and aesthetic standpoint they are outstanding units, he has had the Encore, which is/was available as EPA rated catalytic or not catalytic model. He now has the Defiant Encore which is nearly Identical, but older.. they do require maintenance. Dismantle, inspect, clean replace questionable gaskets, etc etc.
Myself I have a VC Vigilant, and. VC Defiant in a 2400’ log cabin, both are great and a fraction of the cost. I am constantly eyeballing a new stove for the basement and have settled on a Steel Hybrid from Woodstock Soapstone Stove company. They are about as good as you can buy IMO, and the Steel Hybrid is less pretty, but more affordable than the progress.
Alternatively you could buy a good steel fire brick lined all nigher, fisher or similar from marketplace for $5-600 and say screw the rebate for that price and burn a little more wood for less investment.
My parents have had a couple VT castings EPA stoves, dad doesn’t keep up with the maintenance like he used to and allowed things to get damaged to the point of replacement being the economical choice, however from a functionality and aesthetic standpoint they are outstanding units, he has had the Encore, which is/was available as EPA rated catalytic or not catalytic model. He now has the Defiant Encore which is nearly Identical, but older.. they do require maintenance. Dismantle, inspect, clean replace questionable gaskets, etc etc.
Myself I have a VC Vigilant, and. VC Defiant in a 2400’ log cabin, both are great and a fraction of the cost. I am constantly eyeballing a new stove for the basement and have settled on a Steel Hybrid from Woodstock Soapstone Stove company. They are about as good as you can buy IMO, and the Steel Hybrid is less pretty, but more affordable than the progress.
Alternatively you could buy a good steel fire brick lined all nigher, fisher or similar from marketplace for $5-600 and say screw the rebate for that price and burn a little more wood for less investment.
