Purchased and had installed a Fireplace Xtrordinair, model Elite 36, wood burning fireplace from Dean's Stove in Plantsville. Rob was the lead installer, and he did a great job along with his assistant installing the unit, the stove pipe and explaining details related to operation. We've recently been using the unit extensively, and all I can say is that it works "as advertised". The heat generated is impressive, and now that I'm use to operating it I find that the unit can maintain a fire and leave a bed of very hot, red coals through the entire night. Very impressive for a wood burning fireplace.
Dean's staff were very helpful in reviewing our installation prior-to making the final decision to purchase since I was concerned about the details of the installation. I was removing an old fireplace unit, so I had concerns about "prepping" the area for the new unit, and I had to deal with a 27 ft high ceiling. In addition, Dean's had to deal with carrying the unit (approx 600 lbs weight) up to my backyard (our house is literally built into a hill), on to our raised back deck, and then into the living room area. Not an easy task. All I can say is they did a great job, and the unit works great.
Before I made my final decision to purchase I asked Dean's for some references of installs from my home town, which they provided. After contacting two references, and learning they were both very satisfied with Dean's installation, and the operation of their units (one unit was the same as the product I was considering purchasing), I then contacted our local building inspector's office to check if they remembered any prior installs by Dean's, and found they did remember and thought they did a good job. After all this I went ahead with the purchase, and I just want to repeat, "the unit operates as advertised".
I've had an excellent experience working with Dean's, and with this particular product. As with any major investment, I would just advise anyone to research the product, check with references, and get all your questions/concerns answered before making a final decision.
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