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 and the Ashley Hearth AW2020-P are evenly matched, rated 3.4 and 3.4. The Vermont Castings Encore leads on efficiency and emissions. The Ashley Hearth AW2020-P wins on value. The Ashley Hearth AW2020-P costs $3,069.01 less ($1,099.99 vs $4,169).
Ashley Hearth AW2020-P
#10 in Wood stovesFull review
A mid size pedestal wood stove for heating a small to medium house with long firewood. Check the maker’s store price before buying on Amazon.
Amazon $1,249.99 US Stove Company $1,099.99$1,099.99
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 70% EPA tested efficiency (HHV)) and emissions (1.1 g/h of smoke particles (EPA) vs 1.6 g/h of smoke particles (EPA)).
- Choose the Ashley Hearth AW2020-P for value ($32.21 per 1,000 BTU of EPA tested output ($1,099.99, 34,150 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 AW2020-P |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.4/5 | 3.4/5 |
| Efficiency 30% | 84 76.8% EPA tested efficiency (HHV) | 50 70% EPA tested efficiency (HHV) |
| Value 30% | 0 $112.37 per 1,000 BTU of EPA tested output ($4,169, 37,100 BTU) | 45 $32.21 per 1,000 BTU of EPA tested output ($1,099.99, 34,150 BTU) |
| Emissions 15% | 56 1.1 g/h of smoke particles (EPA) | 35 1.6 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 | 73 takes 21 in logs, blower optional |
Specifications
| Vermont Castings Encore | Ashley Hearth AW2020-P | |
|---|---|---|
| EPA certification | ||
| EPA certified | Yes (2020 standard) | Yes (2020 standard) |
| Efficiency (HHV) | 76.8% | 70% |
| Emissions | 1.1 g/h | 1.6 g/h |
| Tested heat output | 12,800 to 37,100 BTU | 11,565 to 34,150 BTU |
| Heating | ||
| Fuel | Cord wood | Cord wood |
| Type | Freestanding | Freestanding |
| Advertised output | 48,000 BTU | 89,000 BTU |
| Heats up to | 2,200 sq ft | 2,000 sq ft |
| Catalytic | Yes | No |
| Blower | Optional | Optional |
| Thermostat | No | No |
| App control | No | No |
| Fuel | ||
| Firebox | 2.3 cu ft | 1.6 cu ft |
| Longest log | 22 in | 21 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) | 27 x 21 x 31.4 in (W x D x H) |
| Weight | - | 297 lb |
| Warranty | 10 years | Limited lifetime |