Looking for pellet stove dealer in Western CT/Easter NY area

[newbieinCT]

I know there are a lot of CT pellet peeps out there. We are in the market for a new stove. Based on our layout, it's been recommneded that we go with Geotherm heating but it's just not in the cards for us rigtht now. We want to get a good reliable (preferably high BTU) stove that can help us with heating the core of the house.

Unfortunately, I've heard some not to great things about the two major stove places in the area (online reviews have confirmed it). The one stove place that recommended to us in Brookfield, CT doesnt' sell the brands we are looking at. So...I'm at a loss. I've been googling, but if someone wants to give a shout out to a favorite stove place in the area, that would be great. I don't want to buy and then get a bad install (that what the biggest complaint about the two bigger stoves stores in my area). I'm on the boarder of Bethel/Danbury but willing to drive to find the right dealer/installer. From what I can see, they can make all the difference!

btw: If you would prefer to PM me, that would be fine as well. I know it's probably not good to bash other stores, so I"ve tried to leave names out of it. Not sure how the forum deals with recommending a store...so PMs are welcome
Meg

 

[jack kunicki]

Countryside stoves, red hook, ny. Might be a haul for you but we were happy with the two installs they did.

 

[newbieinCT]

Thanks, I'll google them and see what they have before dragging myself over there! Will be worth the drive if they install it right

 

[RKBAGUY]

Meg,

Since you're in Danbury, if you shoot straight across 84 into PA, get off at the first exit (Matamoras), make a left onto Rt.6 and there's a Fireside dealer in Milford. They carry Quadrafire and others, a mix of pellet and gas. Also a bit of a haul, but it might be worth the drive to get some ideas.

 

[newbieinCT]

I know Matamoras and Milford! I used to pass by (grew up in NY) on my way to Lake Wallenpaupack for boating at a friend's house. I've been to the Grand Union (or something like that) there. I can probably head over there when I go visit my parents. I wanted to purchase sooner rather than later, so I'll see what I can set up for this weekend.

If I buy from them, I probably will need to find someone to install it. Any suggestions on the best way to find someone? We are always willing to do as much as we are able to but we really don't want to mess this up

 

[BigJohnfromCT]

I know there are a lot of CT pellet peeps out there. We are in the market for a new stove. Based on our layout, it's been recommneded that we go with Geotherm heating but it's just not in the cards for us rigtht now. We want to get a good reliable (preferably high BTU) stove that can help us with heating the core of the house.

Unfortunately, I've heard some not to great things about the two major stove places in the area (online reviews have confirmed it). The one stove place that recommended to us in Brookfield, CT doesnt' sell the brands we are looking at. So...I'm at a loss. I've been googling, but if someone wants to give a shout out to a favorite stove place in the area, that would be great. I don't want to buy and then get a bad install (that what the biggest complaint about the two bigger stoves stores in my area). I'm on the boarder of Bethel/Danbury but willing to drive to find the right dealer/installer. From what I can see, they can make all the difference!


btw: If you would prefer to PM me, that would be fine as well. I know it's probably not good to bash other stores, so I"ve tried to leave names out of it. Not sure how the forum deals with recommending a store...so PMs are welcome
Meg

Meg, I bought a Quadrafire Mt. Vernon AE from Black Swan from Newtown. I live in western CT near Reichter Park. The stove works great although it was a little expensive. They installed it and I could not be happier with the unit, the installation or the technicians that performed the work. It is the major heating appliance in our 3K sq ft contemporary w/ 12' ceilings. He also sells Hamers pellets which the stove loves. The one mistake I made was not having the outside air kit installed. The reason I didn't have it done was because I didn't know about it or this forum. Feel free to PM with questions.

John

 

[Justin M]

http://www.trading-post-ct.com

 

[CtPaul]

http://www.afterglowenergy.com/

 

[newbieinCT]

http://www.trading-post-ct.com

Hey Justin, Thanks for the reference...have you had any experience with these guys? They are one of the names that keeps popping up but also a place that has had not so glowing reviews. Feel free to PM me, if that is easier.
Only know one person that bought a harman from them and they liked them. Everyone else knows somebody who knows somebody that didn't ike them. My chimney guys said the same thing...I'm hesitant...
MEg

 

[newbieinCT]

Meg, I bought a Quadrafire Mt. Vernon AE from Black Swan from Newtown. I live in western CT near Reichter Park. The stove works great although it was a little expensive. They installed it and I could not be happier with the unit, the installation or the technicians that performed the work. It is the major heating appliance in our 3K sq ft contemporary w/ 12' ceilings. He also sells Hamers pellets which the stove loves. The one mistake I made was not having the outside air kit installed. The reason I didn't have it done was because I didn't know about it or this forum. Feel free to PM with questions.

John

It's great to hear you liked them, even if they were a bit expensive. TP (see above post) and BS are the two that come up in all my searches. A bunch of bad reviews for stove install...It's good to hear good things about them. I figure if they were horrible, they would be run out of town, right?

I'm considering buying and having someone else install it...not sure who. Or if that's a good idea. Suggestions welcome...I'm in way overwhelmed b/c of the stove issue, along with deciding on insulation, fixing furnace, etc etc etc. IT's been a hell of a month Since no one is getting amazing reviews online, we are a bit hesitant to pick

Thanks,
MEg

 

[scottvwgti]

Meg, I believe TP and BS are the same company. They both have the same street addresses. I know I PM'd you a couple months back about my Mount Vernon insert purchase last year. I stick with my praise. Remember not to believe everything you read online. I'd say it is a safe bet that for every negative review of anything online that there are dozens of pleased customers that never post anything. Just my $0.02. Good Luck!

 

[scottvwgti]

Meg, I bought a Quadrafire Mt. Vernon AE from Black Swan from Newtown. I live in western CT near Reichter Park. The stove works great although it was a little expensive. They installed it and I could not be happier with the unit, the installation or the technicians that performed the work. It is the major heating appliance in our 3K sq ft contemporary w/ 12' ceilings. He also sells Hamers pellets which the stove loves. The one mistake I made was not having the outside air kit installed. The reason I didn't have it done was because I didn't know about it or this forum. Feel free to PM with questions.

John

John, do you have the freestanding or the insert? I have an insert in my existing fireplace (centrally located in house). Not sure how I could even have an OAK. I share all your sentiments about Black Swan.

 

[Justin M]

Hey Justin, Thanks for the reference...have you had any experience with these guys? They are one of the names that keeps popping up but also a place that has had not so glowing reviews. Feel free to PM me, if that is easier.
Only know one person that bought a harman from them and they liked them. Everyone else knows somebody who knows somebody that didn't ike them. My chimney guys said the same thing...I'm hesitant...
MEg

I had a good experience with TP, however they are not and OAK friendly installer. When I asked about an OAK at the time they had only installed 1 ever. If you do choose to deal with them, go to or call Dave Lord at the Newtown store. He is the owner. I had my OAK installed this year by Scott Williamson. I have heard good things about Afterglow energy as posted above, and have heard that they will install an OAK if you want one.

 

[scottvwgti]

Guess I was wrong about BS and TS being the same company. Interesting that they both have stores in Newtown and New Milford on the same streets!

 

[Justin M]

Meg, I believe TP and BS are the same company. They both have the same street addresses.

They are not the same company. They both have a store on South Main St. in Newtown, but they are about a mile apart from each other. BS prices for the stove and install were close to TP, but the quote for doing some hearth work was way out of line.

 

[newbieinCT]

John, do you have the freestanding or the insert? I have an insert in my existing fireplace (centrally located in house). Not sure how I could even have an OAK. I share all your sentiments about Black Swan.

Thanks for the info - +1 for BS

 

[newbieinCT]

I had a good experience with TP, however they are not and OAK friendly installer. When I asked about an OAK at the time they had only installed 1 ever. If you do choose to deal with them, go to or call Dave Lord at the Newtown store. He is the owner. I had my OAK installed this year by Scott Williamson. I have heard good things about Afterglow energy as posted above, and have heard that they will install an OAK if you want one.

Thanks, Justin! I will probably go check these guys out tomorrow night (assuming roads are ok). I'm closer to the Newtown one, anyway.

Just heading over to the Afterglow site now. it's good to know that TP and BS aren't my only options. I like options..it drives my husband crazy but if I don't research something to death, I'm going "but what if...". Seriously drives me nuts too, sometimes

Our chimney guy recommended Berkshire Hearth and Home, right near to BS in Newtown. We liked them. Family run business. The guy was knowledgeable from what we could tell but that was when we were looking at inserts - we are going free standing now. I think they carry Lenox, St Croix and a few others. No harmans or quads.

Thanks for everyone's help!

 

[RKBAGUY]

...it's good to know that TP and BS aren't my only options. I like options..it drives my husband crazy but if I don't research something to death, I'm going "but what if...". Seriously drives me nuts too, sometimes

Research is important, but don't get caught up into analysis paralysis.

"A good plan today is better than a great plan tomorrow."
-- Gen. George S. Patton

 

[newbieinCT]

Research is important, but don't get caught up into analysis paralysis.

"A good plan today is better than a great plan tomorrow."
-- Gen. George S. Patton

This actually made me laugh out loud...mainly because you are right. And because you sound like my husband AND my dad.
I was telling him about all my research, thinking he would be happy we were not making a rash decision, and he said "this is good, but what you need to do is make a decision and go with it. don't second guess yourself."
My husband sat next to him nodding in agreement.

So, Dad/Hubby/RKBAGUY, I will make a decision soon....a soon as I finish crunching all these numbers

 

[newbieinCT]

Thanks, Justin! I will probably go check these guys out tomorrow night (assuming roads are ok). I'm closer to the Newtown one, anyway.

Went to Newtown TP today. Spoke with Dave Lord. He was super nice but definitely still against OAK. Said he didn't understand why anyone would want to bring in cold air from outside to heat a hot stove. Also, felt that the cold air on the pipe would cause condensation. I not exactly sure about the details of that one, at this point. I was already overwhelmed with options.

 

[newbieinCT]

Just wanted to follow up and say thank you to everyone for the suggestions. In the end, Newtown Trading Post won out over Black Swan and afterglow. We never made it to Afterglow - it was a bit far, as were some of the NY ones. We would have done it but my husband wanted to stick with someone local so we had somewhere nearby if(when) we needed them. Black Swan was nice but just had a better feeling for Trading Post. He came out to my house on Monday and checked everything out. Seemed down to earth. Let's hope all goes well with the install...