Hearth and Home Technologies Vermont Castings Encore 2040-CAT-C vs Stove Builder International Bistro Series (Bistro
The Hearth and Home Technologies Vermont Castings Encore 2040-CAT-C is the cleaner burner: 1.1 g/hr certified particulate emissions versus 2 g/hr. The Hearth and Home Technologies Vermont Castings Encore 2040-CAT-C is the more efficient unit: 77% versus 76% HHV — more heat from every cord. The Stove Builder International Bistro Series (Bistro produces more peak heat (50,200 vs 37,102 BTU/h), suiting roughly 1,450–2,000 sq ft. The Stove Builder International Bistro Series (Bistro has the larger firebox (2.26 vs 2 cu ft), which generally means longer burns between reloads. Combustion technology differs: the Hearth and Home Technologies Vermont Castings Encore 2040-CAT-C is a catalytic stove and the Stove Builder International Bistro Series (Bistro a non-catalytic stove — see the catalytic vs non-catalytic guide for what that means day to day.
| Hearth and Home Technologies Vermont Castings Encore 2040-CAT-C | Stove Builder International Bistro Series (Bistro | |
|---|---|---|
| Appliance type | wood-stove | wood-stove |
| Combustion technology | Catalytic Stove | Non-Catalytic Stove |
| Certified fuel | Crib Wood | Cord Wood |
| Emission rate | 1.1 g/hr | 2 g/hr |
| Efficiency (HHV) | 77 % | 76 % |
| Heat output (low) | 12879 BTU/h | 14300 BTU/h |
| Heat output (high) | 37102 BTU/h | 50200 BTU/h |
| Firebox volume | 2 cu ft | 2.26 cu ft |
| Carbon monoxide | 2.11 g/min | 1 g/min |
| 25C tax credit eligible (≥75% HHV) | Yes | Yes |
| 2020 NSPS compliant | Yes | Yes |
| Currently in production | Yes | Yes |
| EPA certification number | 164-18 | 337-22 |
| Covered model numbers | Vermont Castings Encore 2040-CAT-C | Bistro Series (Bistro, Gusto, Pyra, 600, HEC240, IW600) |
Frequently asked questions
Which burns cleaner, the Hearth and Home Technologies Vermont Castings Encore 2040-CAT-C or the Stove Builder International Bistro Series (Bistro?
The Hearth and Home Technologies Vermont Castings Encore 2040-CAT-C: 1.1 g/hr certified particulate emissions versus 2 g/hr for the Stove Builder International Bistro Series (Bistro.
Are the Hearth and Home Technologies Vermont Castings Encore 2040-CAT-C and Stove Builder International Bistro Series (Bistro both EPA certified?
Yes — both appear on the U.S. EPA's current list of certified wood heaters, and every figure on this page comes from their certification records.