Vermont Castings Encore
#7 in Wood stovesFull review
For a mid size home that wants a classic enameled cast iron stove with top loading and clean catalytic burning.
Forge & Flame $4,169 Leisure Time $4,169$4,169
The Vermont Castings Encore is the better stove overall, rated 3.4 to 3.1. The Vermont Castings Encore leads on efficiency, emissions and convenience. The Ashley Hearth AW1120E-P wins on value. The Ashley Hearth AW1120E-P costs $3,169 less ($1,000 vs $4,169).
Ashley Hearth AW1120E-P
#25 in Wood stovesFull review
The pedestal version of US Stove’s 1,200 sq ft plate steel stove, for buyers who want a cleaner look for a room or small house. It burns more wood than more efficient stoves of its size.
Amazon $1,000$1,000
Prices were last checked October 31, 2026 and are subject to change; the price and availability shown by the retailer at the time of purchase apply.
Which should you buy?
- Choose the Vermont Castings Encore for efficiency (76.8% EPA tested efficiency (HHV) vs 66% EPA tested efficiency (HHV)), emissions (1.1 g/h of smoke particles (EPA) vs 2.4 g/h of smoke particles (EPA)) and convenience (takes 22 in logs, blower optional vs takes 18 in logs, blower optional).
- Choose the Ashley Hearth AW1120E-P for value ($25.20 per 1,000 BTU of EPA tested output ($1,000, 39,683 BTU) vs $112.37 per 1,000 BTU of EPA tested output ($4,169, 37,100 BTU)).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every wood stoves stove; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | Vermont Castings Encore | Ashley Hearth AW1120E-P |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.4/5 | 3.1/5 |
| Efficiency 30% | 84 76.8% EPA tested efficiency (HHV) | 30 66% EPA tested efficiency (HHV) |
| Value 30% | 0 $112.37 per 1,000 BTU of EPA tested output ($4,169, 37,100 BTU) | 63 $25.20 per 1,000 BTU of EPA tested output ($1,000, 39,683 BTU) |
| Emissions 15% | 56 1.1 g/h of smoke particles (EPA) | 12 2.4 g/h of smoke particles (EPA) |
| Warranty 10% | 100 10-year warranty | 100 limited lifetime warranty |
| Convenience 15% | 80 takes 22 in logs, blower optional | 50 takes 18 in logs, blower optional |
Specifications
| Vermont Castings Encore | Ashley Hearth AW1120E-P | |
|---|---|---|
| EPA certification | ||
| EPA certified | Yes (2020 standard) | Yes (2020 standard) |
| Efficiency (HHV) | 76.8% | 66% |
| Emissions | 1.1 g/h | 2.4 g/h |
| Tested heat output | 12,800 to 37,100 BTU | 13,846 to 39,683 BTU |
| Heating | ||
| Fuel | Cord wood | Cord wood |
| Type | Freestanding | Freestanding |
| Advertised output | 48,000 BTU | 68,000 BTU |
| Heats up to | 2,200 sq ft | 1,200 sq ft |
| Catalytic | Yes | No |
| Blower | Optional | Optional |
| Thermostat | No | No |
| App control | No | No |
| Fuel | ||
| Firebox | 2.3 cu ft | 1.3 cu ft |
| Longest log | 22 in | 18 in |
| Power needed | None | None |
| Installation | ||
| Flue size | 6 in | 6 in |
| Mobile home approved | Yes | Yes |
| Safety listing | OMNI | - |
| Dimensions | 27 x 22.75 x 25.75 in (W x D x H) | 22.5 x 21.1 x 31.7 in (W x D x H) |
| Weight | - | 233 lb |
| Warranty | 10 years | Limited lifetime |