Vermont Castings Defiant
#6 in Wood stovesFull review
For a larger home that wants a big, classic cast iron stove that swallows long logs and burns clean.
Forge & Flame $4,819 Leisure Time $4,729$4,729
The Vermont Castings Defiant is the better stove overall, rated 3.5 to 3.3. The Vermont Castings Defiant leads on convenience. The Hearthstone Castleton wins on emissions. The Hearthstone Castleton costs $830 less ($3,899 vs $4,729).
Hearthstone Castleton
#17 in Wood stovesFull review
For a small to mid size home that wants a classic cast iron and soapstone look with clean, long catalytic burns.
Leisure Time $3,899 Lehman's $4,049$3,899
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 Defiant for convenience (takes 25 in logs, blower optional vs takes 18 in logs, blower optional).
- Choose the Hearthstone Castleton for emissions (1 g/h of smoke particles (EPA) vs 1.3 g/h of smoke particles (EPA)).
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 Defiant | Hearthstone Castleton |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.5/5 | 3.3/5 |
| Efficiency 30% | 90 77.9% EPA tested efficiency (HHV) | 86 77.3% EPA tested efficiency (HHV) |
| Value 30% | 0 $193.02 per 1,000 BTU of EPA tested output ($4,729, 24,500 BTU) | 0 $158.88 per 1,000 BTU of EPA tested output ($3,899, 24,540 BTU) |
| Emissions 15% | 47 1.3 g/h of smoke particles (EPA) | 62 1 g/h of smoke particles (EPA) |
| Warranty 10% | 100 10-year warranty | 100 limited lifetime warranty |
| Convenience 15% | 80 takes 25 in logs, blower optional | 50 takes 18 in logs, blower optional |
Specifications
| Vermont Castings Defiant | Hearthstone Castleton | |
|---|---|---|
| EPA certification | ||
| EPA certified | Yes (2020 standard) | Yes (2020 standard) |
| Efficiency (HHV) | 77.9% | 77.3% |
| Emissions | 1.3 g/h | 1 g/h |
| Tested heat output | 12,000 to 24,500 BTU | 12,501 to 24,540 BTU |
| Heating | ||
| Fuel | Cord wood | Cord wood |
| Type | Freestanding | Freestanding |
| Advertised output | 56,000 BTU | 45,000 BTU |
| Heats up to | 2,600 sq ft | 1,500 sq ft |
| Catalytic | Yes | Yes |
| Blower | Optional | Optional |
| Thermostat | No | No |
| App control | No | No |
| Fuel | ||
| Firebox | 3.2 cu ft | 1.9 cu ft |
| Longest log | 25 in | 18 in |
| Power needed | None | None |
| Installation | ||
| Flue size | 6 in | 6 in |
| Mobile home approved | - | Yes |
| Safety listing | OMNI | PFS |
| Dimensions | 32.375 x 23.75 x 28.875 in (W x D x H) | 25.5 x 21.875 x 27.5 in (W x D x H) |
| Weight | - | 520 lb |
| Warranty | 10 years | Limited lifetime |