Vermont Castings has the new Encore stove in non-cat version coming out either the end of this month or sometime next month. Check out Hearthstone Stoves at hearthstonestoves.com, they have some very nice, non-cat quality stoves that are made out of soapstone and cast iron. The Harmon Oakwood also looks nice. You might also want to check out the Jotul stoves at jotulflame.com I was looking for stoves also, but due to some restrictions I have with my fireplace opening height and my room size, I will be getting a wood burning insert, either the Hearthstone Clydsdale or the Lopi declaration. If I was to get a stove, I would probably go with either the VC Encore, non-cat, or the Hearthstone Phoenix. I think all the stoves mentioned above are good stoves, but it all depends on what style you like. Try to narrow it down to between two or three stoves before making your final choice. I've been researching for over a month and the more brands and styles I came upon, the more confusing it was. Check out the stoves on line and then go to your dealer to see the the stoves in person, before you make a purchase. Also, check out hearth.com, where you will find many reviews from actual owners, on many different brands of stoves. Good luck in your search.

No. But we have friends with a Hearthstone (not sure of the model) and they love it. If you really like the look of soapstone check out the Woodstock Soapstone stoves (all are side loaders). All use catalytic combustors, but once you understand what it does and how easy it is to use it, it really becomes a non issue. Here is a link that might be useful: more soapstone options

I would guess, it's the gas flowing to the pilot light. ?? Your friend may have electronic ignition or it's just quieter.

What you have is called a "Smoke Dragon". You can't get the parts anymore without hard searching because it's obsolete and should be replaced with an EPA certified unit. The Vt Castings stoves today are CAT equipped and burn clean compared to your unit. Many states are offering rebates to stove owners that will toss those obsolete units for new ones. The newer units burn longer on less wood. And the CAT burns off the bad gasses that would normally go up the chimney and pollute. After 33 years your stove has long outlived it's life and should be retired.