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 Sustainable Hardwood Furniture: Perfect Indoors and Outdoors Outdoor Furniture Author:Rich's For The Home Posted:June 1, 2022 What do the following have in common? Atlantic City Boardwalk New York City park benches 18th century Jesuit missions in Bolivia The Solferino Footbridge that crosses the Seine River in Paris Give up? They’re all made out of Ipé (pronounced “EE-pay”), a fine-grained, buttery-smooth hardwood from the tropical forests of Bolivia. Environmentally Friendly There’s a […] Read More Minimalist, Modern, Danish Patio Furniture by Houe Outdoor Furniture Author:Rich's For The Home Posted:May 2, 2022 We’re lovin’ “Click” furnishings, by Houe. This innovative Danish outdoor furniture is simple, comfortable, and versatile. Rich's carries Houe dining chairs, rocking chairs, tray tables, and benches. Read More Clean, Contemporary Outdoor Furniture for 2022 Decorating Your Outdoor Room Author:Rich's For The Home Posted:April 19, 2022 The hottest designs for 2022 in outdoor furniture feature clean, contemporary lines, natural tones, and weather-resistant weaves. In this article, you’ll discover the latest furnishings and fire pits manufactured by our friends at Ebel. Palermo Deep Seating New to Rich’s lineup, the Palermo deep seating collection includes a sofa, club chairs, swivel rockers, and ottoman. […] Read More Outdoor Oven: Expand Your Backyard Cooking Experience Grills Author:Rich's For The Home Posted:June 13, 2021 When cooking outdoors, the name of the game is “options.” Options to bake a pizza, roast a whole chicken, or bake cookies. The outdoor oven by Summerset adds versatility to your outdoor cooking experience. From appetizers to desserts, this oven allows you to cook, bake, and roast your favorite dishes in your outdoor space. There […] Read More The Best Spa Filtration System on the Planet Hot Tubs and Spas Author:Rich's For The Home Posted:May 31, 2021 Concerned about the cleanliness of your spa? If you’ve been in hot tub recently, you’ve likely experienced a “skim filtration system” where the filter shares the same spa water as you. We have a much better idea: a Hydro Cyclonic Filtration® System, patented by Coast Spas. Read More Coast Spas: Hot Tubs That Fit Your Lifestyle and Budget Hot Tubs and Spas Author:Rich's For The Home Posted:March 1, 2021 Rich's proudly carries Coast Spas, which feature innovative designs: curves, infinity edges, swim spas and more. Take a free "wet test" at Rich's. Read More