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 Green Mountain 40 wins on emissions. The Hearthstone Green Mountain 40 costs $1,380 less ($3,349 vs $4,729).
Hearthstone Green Mountain 40
#18 in Wood stovesFull review
For a small to mid size home that wants long, clean catalytic burns and soapstone’s gentle heat in a compact stove.
Leisure Time $3,349 Lehman's $3,499$3,349
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 16 in logs, blower optional).
- Choose the Hearthstone Green Mountain 40 for emissions (1.1 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 Green Mountain 40 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.5/5 | 3.3/5 |
| Efficiency 30% | 90 77.9% EPA tested efficiency (HHV) | 95 79% EPA tested efficiency (HHV) |
| Value 30% | 0 $193.02 per 1,000 BTU of EPA tested output ($4,729, 24,500 BTU) | 0 $139.54 per 1,000 BTU of EPA tested output ($3,349, 24,000 BTU) |
| Emissions 15% | 47 1.3 g/h of smoke particles (EPA) | 58 1.1 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 | 35 takes 16 in logs, blower optional |
Specifications
| Vermont Castings Defiant | Hearthstone Green Mountain 40 | |
|---|---|---|
| EPA certification | ||
| EPA certified | Yes (2020 standard) | Yes (2020 standard) |
| Efficiency (HHV) | 77.9% | 79% |
| Emissions | 1.3 g/h | 1.1 g/h |
| Tested heat output | 12,000 to 24,500 BTU | 14,000 to 24,000 BTU |
| Heating | ||
| Fuel | Cord wood | Cord wood |
| Type | Freestanding | Freestanding |
| Advertised output | 56,000 BTU | 40,000 BTU |
| Heats up to | 2,600 sq ft | 1,400 sq ft |
| Catalytic | Yes | Yes |
| Blower | Optional | Optional |
| Thermostat | No | No |
| App control | No | No |
| Fuel | ||
| Firebox | 3.2 cu ft | 1.3 cu ft |
| Longest log | 25 in | 16 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) | 23.25 x 19.375 x 30.375 in (W x D x H) |
| Weight | - | 350 lb |
| Warranty | 10 years | Limited lifetime |