The Hottest Hearth Products for 2010By JHCadmin, December 30, 2009 Wood and Pellet Stoves“There’s nothing like the radiant heat a wood or pellet stove produces,” says Wayne Dooley, Director of Training at Travis Industries. “People like the scent.”Wood and pellet stoves are “hot” sellers because of the $1,500 tax credit (which extends through 2010) on energy-efficient stoves, fireplaces, and fireplace inserts. In order to qualify for the tax credit, says Wayne, the *biomass stoves must be over 75% efficient.More than 38 models Travis Industries manufactures meet the 75% efficiency criteria, says Wayne. And ALL of the brands Rich’s carries qualify for the biomass tax credit.*Biomass fuels are organic materials (such as wood pellets) that can be used as fuel for heating.Electric FireplacesElectric fireplaces are also extremely popular, particularly among condo owners and renters, who are restricted from installing wood or gas stoves.“People who live in condos and apartments like the ambiance of a fireplace, and they usually need to heat only about 450 square feet of a family room where they gather,” says Wayne. “With an electric fireplace, all you do is plug it in.”The great thing about electric fireplaces is that any of the decorative “faces” that come on gas fireplaces can also be used on an electric fireplace. So if you spot a fancy face that you must have, ask your Rich’s sales associate how you can get your electric fireplace faceplate customized.An electric fireplace with a mantle generally sells for around $1,000. If you substitute a fancy face, you could add as much as $1,000 to your cost, Wayne estimates.Tempest TorchThe Tempest Torch will draw you in like a moth to flame. This decorative outdoor gas lamp has a mesmerizing flame that spirals and dances within its tempered glass walls. It would be a perfect addition for a poolside area, outdoor room or store front.It can be mounted on a wall, deck post, in-ground post, or pillar. There’s also a portable patio model.The Tempest Torch, which is manufactured by Travis Industries and sold at Rich's, won Best Outdoor Room Furnishing and Best of Show for all outdoor products at the Hearth, Patio and BBQ Expo.Here’s a video of the Tempest Torch in action:Tempest Torch Informational DVD - Widescreen Format from Travis Industries on Vimeo.Recent Articles See All Rich's New Tigard, Oregon Store: A Chat with Manager Rick Campbell General Articles Author:Rich's For The Home Posted:February 1, 2023 Meet Tigard, Oregon store manager, Rick Campbell, who has been in the hot tub/patio/BBQ business more than 25 years in the Portland metro area. Read More Grill Islands - Easily Create an Outdoor Kitchen in Your Backyard Grills Author:Rich's For The Home Posted:January 2, 2023 Grill islands: Modular outdoor kitchens with grill(s), workspace, fridge, storage, and more. Read More Tartan and Sparkle Holiday Mantel - DIY Tutorial Mantel Decor Author:Rich's For The Home Posted:December 3, 2022 Step-by-step tutorial for your holiday mantel: How to create a classic tartan design. Read More DIY Winter Mantel Décor Tutorials: Golden Magnolia Wreath and Cinnamon Stick Votive Holder Mantel Decor Author:Rich's For The Home Posted:December 2, 2022 DIY Holiday Mantel Decor tutorial: Golden Magnolia wreath and cinnamon stick votive holder. Read More How to Transform Your Mantel to a Winter Wonderland Design Mantel Decor Author:Rich's For The Home Posted:December 1, 2022 We show you how to transform your fall mantel decor to a winter wonderland design easily and quickly! Check out our 15-sec time-lapse photo that shows us making the switcheroo. Read More Tutorial: 3 Easy DIY Fall Mantel Projects Mantel Decor Author:Rich's For The Home Posted:November 7, 2022 Illustrated tutorial: how to create 3 DIY fall mantel essentials: Stacked herringbone pumpkins, shabby-chic reversible mason jars, and Washi tape pumpkins. Read More