What is The Smart Way To Buy My Fireplace or Stove & Why?

What’s the big deal about buying a new fireplace or stove? Why not just buy the cheapest one you can find at the big box stores or online? Burning gas or burning wood, it really doesn’t matter . . . . after all, they all look the same, they’re all built the same, and all do the same thing, right? Nope, absolutely WRONG!

Are you in the market for a new fireplace or stove? Maybe for a building or remodeling project? In that case, you’re wise to buy at your nearest WE LOVE FIRE dealership. And here’s why.

ONLINE SALES

Anything and everything is available online these days. Whether it’s band-aids or band instruments, a new birdhouse or a new house for your family, or maybe ordering lunch or buying groceries for the next three weeks, you can find anything online. This certainly includes fireplaces, too. There are lots of websites selling fireplaces and stoves online.

Online, low price wins. But, there’s so much more to purchasing hearth products than just a low price from some obscure website.

We can talk about seeing and inspecting the actual product, appreciating the quality that goes into it, the manufacturer’s reputation, or the effects of buying locally from a professional business. There’s zero consideration for any of this when you buy a fireplace from a website.

Granted, it’s very tempting to buy an inexpensive fireplace online with DIY instructions that seem so simple a fifth grader could follow. However, mistakes with installations can be catastrophic and expensive. Literally, dozens of code and manufacturers’ requirements must be met. Very few do-it-yourselfers are even aware of NFPA 211 and other requirements.

Before buying online and installing the fireplace yourself or hiring someone, consider these questions:

  • Are you aware of top and side clearance requirements for a stove or fireplace?
  • How about the required mantel heights or the size of the hearth for your new stove?
  • What are mandatory clearance requirements for chimney pipe or stove pipe?
  • Can they be reduced?
  • Can you cut and thread black gas pipe?
  • Do you own a manometer to check gas pressures?
  • How about an electronic gas sniffer for detecting gas leaks?
  • Are you aware of the air to fuel ratio for your gas fireplace or stove and how to adjust it?
  • How about venting profiles?
  • How are your framing, finishing and roofing skills?
  • Etc… etc.

You get the point. There’s lots of knowledge, experience, and special equipment necessary to safely and effectively install a woodburning or gas appliance. Your WE LOVE FIRE expert has all this type of expertise in-house!

Rely and count on them to safely and correctly install everything they sell. Can you say the same thing regarding purchasing online or from a big box store? An old saying states, ‘just because you helped a neighbor install a new outlet in his garage doesn’t make you an electrician!’ The same thing applies to fireplace and stove installations. Just because a website sells fireplaces online doesn’t make them professionals in the industry! Leave it to the experts who do this for a living.

Another important question has to do with the warranty. Some manufacturer’s products sold outside an authorized dealer network might limit or void warranty service altogether if the product has been installed and/or serviced by unauthorized personnel. It’s worth asking about.

THE BIG BOX STORES

You may be able to see the appliances at a big box store. You won’t be able to see the flames, feel the heat, or have any meaningful discussion about your specific project. In fact, depending on the time of day/week, no one might be around to answer any of your questions! And staff covering from the paint or carpeting departments won’t be any help to you. No one from a big box store will come to your home and conduct a thorough site evaluation to determine what products may be best.

Good luck figuring out the venting profile and what components you’ll need. Special orders or backorders for key venting components may take several weeks. The big box stores fireplace and stove displays will likely be on a large storage rack, probably four or five feet above the floor. Just use your imagination to picture how this might look in your home!

Big box stores may not provide you with a “qualified installers” list. Most are plumbers, carpenters, or HVAC contractors. If you’re a gambler, bet that none have been to any formal training related to fireplaces and stoves. Keep in mind that most jurisdictions and even your insurance company may require inspections by a hearth-certified professional. This means your intended budget is not looking so good.

Now would be a good time to hope and pray that nothing goes wrong with the fireplace project. Because if there is an issue, the finger-pointing is about to begin!

YOUR “WE LOVE FIRE” DEALERSHIP

None of these points mentioned above will become issues when you make the prudent decision to do business with your WE LOVE FIRE expert. The technical knowledge, the specific experience with hundreds of fireplace and stove installations, the professional credentials, trained and nationally certified service technicians that thoroughly know and understand their trade, beautiful showrooms with dozens of burning models and displays . . . . these are all reasons that you need to buy from your WE LOVE FIRE specialist.

Another critical point: all the equipment that your WE LOVE FIRE dealers have on display is there for a reason. The brand names are all terrific values that are not available at the big box stores.

Do we carry the cheapest? That’s unlikely. But all are terrific values built heavier, with higher quality, and more reliable than the cheaper stuff. Goods and services are usually priced for a reason, including fireplace products. It’s about the value received vs. the dollars that you spend.

Have you ever received an online order that’s been damaged? If it’s a $30 or $40 item, they will probably not even want the item back. You’ll likely just get a new one sent out. But with a $2000 or $3000 fireplace or stove, it’s a bit different. Do you have the time and fortitude to get a return authorization, make arrangements for shipping a 100 lb. gas fireplace or a 400 lb. wood-burning fireplace back to the supplier, and then wait patiently for a replacement to show up? We’re guessing probably not.

On the other hand, your WE LOVE FIRE dealer will act as a liaison on your behalf when working through any damages in shipping or warranty claims with the manufacturer

BUY LOCALLY

Keep in mind that all WE LOVE FIRE dealerships are locally owned and support the local area’s economy. There’s a huge ripple effect when you spend your dollars locally rather than online or at the big box stores. A significant portion of your dollar supports local businesses, schools, and churches and provides aid to neighbors in need. Locally owned businesses create and sustain communities by creating jobs for your friends and neighbors, contributing to improved public infrastructures, emergency response services, and economic and social investing in the area. Local businesses donate more to local events, teams, and nonprofits than national chains.

In short, a local business helps strengthen all aspects of a community. We all need to support local business ventures.

Hopefully, after reading this article, your inner monologue says, “Why would I even consider buying a cheaper, inferior product just to save a little money? ”

You can find a better selection, higher quality, expertise, and professionalism and help your community by doing business locally. While you might be tempted to buy your fireplace or stove from a big box store or some obscure website, your local WE LOVE FIRE dealer cares more because their name is on the door.

Below is a list of fireplace and grill stores that service ()

Auburn, AL

Top Hat Chimney Sweeps
1280 Financial Ct.
Auburn, AL 36830

Top Hat Chimney Sweeps LogoVisit Store Page

Elk Grove, CA

Custom Fireside Shops
9097 Elk Grove Blvd.
Elk Grove, CA 95624

Custom Fireside Shops LogoVisit Store Page

Sacramento, CA

Custom Fireside Shops
5455 Auburn Blvd.
Sacramento, CA 95841

Custom Fireside Shops LogoVisit Store Page

Durango, CO

Durango Outdoor Living
140 Rock Point Drive
Durango, CO 81301

Durango Outdoor Living LogoVisit Store Page

Durango, CO

Four Corner Stoves & Spas
3001 Main Avenue
Durango, CO 81301

Four Corner Stoves & Spas LogoVisit Store Page

Grand Junction, CO

Stove Depot and Chimney Works
330 North Ave.
Grand Junction, CO 81501

Stove Depot and Chimney Works LogoVisit Store Page

New London, CT

Family Hearth and Patio LLC
571 Broad Street
New London, CT 06320

Family Hearth and Patio LLC LogoVisit Store Page

Ridgefield, CT

Yankee Doodle, Inc.
71 Ethan Allen Highway
Ridgefield, CT 06877

Yankee Doodle, Inc. LogoVisit Store Page

Dover, DE

Byler's Stove Shoppe Inc.
1368b Rose Valley School Rd.
Dover, DE 19904

Byler's Stove Shoppe Inc. LogoVisit Store Page

Destin, FL

Doodlebuggers Service Network
36054 Emerald Coast Parkway
Destin, FL 32541

Bettendorf, IA

Fireplaces Plus, Inc.
1745 State Street
Bettendorf, IA 52722

Fireplaces Plus, Inc. LogoVisit Store Page

Post Falls, ID

Quality Stoves & Home Furnishings
569 N Syringa St
Post Falls, ID 83854

Rockford, IL

Advanced Chimney Systems, Inc.
3486 Lonergan Drive
Rockford, IL 61109

Advanced Chimney Systems, Inc. LogoVisit Store Page

Wauconda, IL

Grass Roots Energy, Inc.
28751 N Route 12
Wauconda, IL 60084

Grass Roots Energy, Inc. LogoVisit Store Page

Evansville, IN

Firemaster, Inc.
5300 E Morgan Avenue
Evansville, IN 47715

Jeffersonville, IN

Olde Towne Chimney & Fireplace Sales
915 Nachand Ln
Jeffersonville, IN 47130

Olde Towne Chimney & Fireplace Sales LogoVisit Store Page

Overland Park, KS

Kansas City Fireplace Center
10470 Metcalf Avenue
Overland Park, KS 66212

Kansas City Fireplace Center LogoVisit Store Page

Erlanger, KY

TateBuilder's Supply, LLC
3511 Dixie Highway
Erlanger, KY 41018

TateBuilder's Supply, LLC LogoVisit Store Page

Littleton, MA

Woodstove, Fireplace and Patio Shop, Inc.
60 White Street
Littleton, MA 01460

Woodstove, Fireplace and Patio Shop, Inc. LogoVisit Store Page

Seekonk, MA

The Fireplace Showcase
775 Fall River Ave
Seekonk, MA 02771

The Fireplace Showcase LogoVisit Store Page

Sudbury, MA

Woodstove, Fireplace and Patio Shop, Inc.
348 Boston Post Road
Sudbury, MA 01776

Woodstove, Fireplace and Patio Shop, Inc. LogoVisit Store Page

Duluth, MN

Duluth Stove & Fireplace
2431 W Superior Street
Duluth, MN 55806

Duluth Stove & Fireplace LogoVisit Store Page

Minneapolis, MN

Woodland Stoves & Fireplaces
2901 Franklin Ave. South
Minneapolis, MN 55406

Oakdale, MN

Energy Savers of Minnesota
6298 Highway 36 Blvd N
Oakdale, MN 55128

Energy Savers of Minnesota LogoVisit Store Page

Rochester, MN

Brekke Fireplace Shoppe
1904 S. Broadway
Rochester, MN 55904

Brekke Fireplace Shoppe LogoVisit Store Page

Walker, MN

Wilkening Fireplace Company
9608 State 371 NW
Walker, MN 56484

Wilkening Fireplace Company LogoVisit Store Page

Fargo, ND

Home Heating, Plumbing & A/C Inc.
701 28th Street South
Fargo, ND 58103

Omaha, NE

Fireplace By Design
13913 R Plaza
Omaha, NE 68137

Epping, NH

The Stove Shoppe
285, Calef Highway Rte. 125
Epping, NH 03042

Windham, NH

The Stove Shoppe
25 Indian Rock Road
Windham, NH 03087

Hamilton, NJ

Bowden's Fireside - Hearth & Home
1731 Nottingham Way
Hamilton, NJ 08619

Bowden's Fireside - Hearth & Home LogoVisit Store Page

Voorhees, NJ

Rettinger Fireplace Systems, Inc.
476 Centennial Blvd
Voorhees, NJ 08043

Rettinger Fireplace Systems, Inc. LogoVisit Store Page

St. Henry, OH

Buschur's Refrigeration, Inc.
541 N Eastern Avenue
St. Henry, OH 45883

Buschur's Refrigeration, Inc. LogoVisit Store Page

Media, PA

Chimney Cricket
101 State Road
Media, PA 19063

Chimney Cricket LogoVisit Store Page

Rapid City, SD

Hebron Brick Company
1543 Deadwood Ave
Rapid City, SD 57709

Hebron Brick Company LogoVisit Store Page

Sioux Falls, SD

Hebron Brick Company
2211 W. 50th Street
Sioux Falls, SD 57105-6525

Hebron Brick Company LogoVisit Store Page

Vermillion, SD

Kalin's Indoor Comfort Inc.
710 Cottage Avenue
Vermillion, SD 57069

Kalin's Indoor Comfort Inc. LogoVisit Store Page

Manassas, VA

Winston's Chimney Service
11301 Industrial Road
Manassas, VA 20109

Winston's Chimney Service LogoVisit Store Page

Barre, VT

Chimney Sweep Fireplace Shop
1284 US Rte, 302 Ste 10
Barre, VT 05641-2317

Chimney Sweep Fireplace Shop LogoVisit Store Page

Bennington, VT

Friends of The Sun
126 Hicks Avenue
Bennington, VT 05201

Friends of The Sun LogoVisit Store Page

Manchester, VT

Friends of The Sun
159 Depot Street
Manchester, VT 05255

Friends of The Sun LogoVisit Store Page

Shelburne, VT

Chimney Sweep Fireplace Shop
3113 Shelburne Road
Shelburne, VT 05482

Chimney Sweep Fireplace Shop LogoVisit Store Page

White River Jnct, VT

Home Comfort of New England
1255 VA Cut Off Road
White River Jnct, VT 05001

Home Comfort of New England LogoVisit Store Page

Burlington, WI

Burlington Fireplace & Heating LLC
857 Milwaukee Ave.
Burlington, WI 53105

Burlington Fireplace & Heating LLC LogoVisit Store Page

Madison, WI

Top Hat
5117 Verona Rd
Madison, WI 53711

Top Hat LogoVisit Store Page

Morgantown, WV

Rustic By Design
709 Beechurst Ave. Suite 15
Morgantown, WV 26505

Laramie, WY

High Country Stoves & Fireplaces
860 N. 3rd Street
Laramie, WY 82072


For more information, contact your local fireplace and grill store.

1 Response

  1. Why won't you install equipment I buy at the big box stores? - We Love Fire
    […] Your mind will probably rest much easier also knowing you support your local economy while receiving a higher level of service and superior products to boot. […]
  2. Taylor Abrams
    I love that you talked about how by shopping locally, you can find a wider variety, better quality, more knowledge, and professionalism while also supporting your neighborhood. This is something that I will consider while seeking a fireplace for sale. Thank you for your useful tips!
  3. What gas fireplace is the best? - We Love Fire
    […] LOVE FIRE® dealer has strong opinions about the brands they carry and why they feel that the way they do. They will […]

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