We had 2 heating seasons under our belt with our VC Defiant, which provides most of our heat (3+ cords per year). We couldn't operate the stove per the manufacturer's instructions and had to run the stove much hotter before closing the damper to avoid puff backs (very nasty as they blew smoke into the living area). This resulted in overall higher operating temperatures during the burn cycle - often exceeding the recommended range for the stove with the secondary burn thermometer off the charts. We went through I think 3 or 4 catalyst units under warranty due to severe warpage of the catalyst frame from overheating. After talking with our stove store and Forge and Flame (VC parent company), they suggested we likely had a draft issue due to our 6" stove pipe (8" recommended) and 35' long 8x12 masonry flue (even though many other stoves ran successfully on this chimney - I have come to believe/understand catalyst stoves are more demanding draft-wise due to the restrictions of the catalyst). Nothing we could change other than changing the thimble from 6" to 8" to increase the stove pipe diameter which was going to be an ugly job as chimney is brick faced donut block construction. We decided to try the metal unit from Midwest Hearth with the idea that the greater open area would provide less restriction and therefore better draft. This did indeed happen. We can now close the damper at lower temperatures, easily establish a secondary burn and control the stove temperature in an acceptable range. And since we aren't running the stove as hot on the initial burn with the damper open, we are using less wood and overall burning much cleaner. We'll see what the life is, but if we get a complete season or two from this unit we will be happy. It's hard for me to believe any catalyst unit is going to last much longer than that if the stove is used every day in the heating season as it's such a tough environment, but again we'll see. We were so pleased with the operation of the met...

Items just as described

Installed new cat stove works great. Will purchase again when this one goes out and will buy other stove parts from here.

All good.

Helpful people on the phone.

I recommend Midwest Hearth for their great products, courteous customer service and fast shipping. They were very helpful in showing me which product I needed for my wood stove, and I received it in just a few days.

Took a little longer to get here than I think it should

Helped us replace what we needed quickly and very helpful and understanding.

Fast delivery Excellent service Quality product

My order was shipped out immediately complete with easy to follow instructions and tips.

Recieved the wrong size at first. Sent an email and received a response very quickly and the proper size gasket was delivered immediately. Highly recommend this company

Great price, service and timely shipping. Thank you.

good communication, quick service.

They look good but I have not installed them

Had what I needed and it fit my fireplace perfectly.

Awesome service super fast shipping even to Alaska very happy with Midwest Hearth!!!

Fast shipping, perfect product for my Napoleon wood stove.

It was good to get a break on the new one but I think they should last at least 4 years

works

The whole process was very nice including speaking to a customer service person.