At Stewart’s TV & Appliance, you’ll find the latest, greatest and hottest grills on the market today
By Patricia Nugent
According to USA Today, 57% of Americans plan to fire up their grill over the Fourth of July holiday weekend. Whether your choice of fare on the barbie is burgers, dogs, ribs, chicken, veggies or even fruit, the popularity of people grilling their meals at home skyrocketed during the pandemic and shows no signs of slowing down.
Founded in 1946, Stewart’s TV & Appliance has earned a reputation for its two-story showroom with galleries of appliances such as washers and dryers, refrigerators, ovens, stoves, hoods and more. But today, on this perfectly perfect sunny June afternoon, we’ve got them talking grills.
“This year already has been our biggest year ever for grills and smokers,” says Ed Stewart, son of founder Dick Stewart and brother of Pam and Nancy, who manage marketing and service.
“We can take care of beginners with a tabletop version, tailgaters with a nice-sized portable grill on wheels with one-handed setup, all the way to larger built-in grills. We carry the top-quality lines, from Broil King and Weber to Kamado Joe, Coyote, Wolf and DCS Grills.
Genesis is Just the Beginning
The grill seen accompanying this story being expertly manned by Ed, Pam and Nancy is a nice example of the latest advancements. The Weber Genesis gas grill sports the line’s largest and hottest “sear zone” (cook multiple steaks at once), with an expandable top cooking grate so the main course and sides can be grilled and served at the same time. And the side tables are roomy enough to accommodate serving trays and cutting boards.
Interestingly enough, despite the advancements and new features in gas grills, many folks prefer things the old-fashioned way. Between 2019 and 2021, charcoal grill purchases went from 49% of the market to 65%. Electric and wood pellet models are also in demand.
Ed reports that many gas grills are adding meet-in-the-middle features, such as smoke boxes for wood chips, that lend the smoky flavors of charcoal with the speed and convenience of gas.
Pizza ovens are also being requested in many outdoor kitchen renovations. And the team reports people are adding icemakers, refrigerators and kegerators to keep things chill.
Stewart’s offers an accessories department of grilling must-haves. For instance, Pam and Nancy report that every true grill master’s secret ingredient is the Weber iGrill. This Bluetooth-connected smart thermometer lets you set it into the food, then receive updates on your phone about temperature and food readiness. It’s a steal at $49, especially when you think of all the meat you’ll be saving from burning.
A Stroll Down Memory Lane
Everyone has a cherished childhood memory from the Fourth of July, whether it’s having enjoyed the fireworks on a blanket, chased a parade route with your sparklers in hand or fighting over the last Bomb Pop popsicle.
For the nine Stewart siblings, the memories surround family pool parties they used to enjoy together. Ed also recalls the Fourth parties were one of the few times during the year their father would go buy pop for everyone, including root beer, cream soda and grape soda. He’d also make a special buy of Thomasson’s potato chips, still warm in the five-gallon can.
However your family celebrates the holiday, the Stewarts wish you the best. Happy Fourth!
Stewart Family Cookout Recipe: Seven Layer Salad
Are there other variations to this traditional recipe out there? You bet. But it wouldn’t be like Mrs. Stewart used to make it.
Tip: Use a tall 3-1/2 quart glass bowl or trifle dish so everyone can view the pretty layers.
Ingredients
¾ head iceberg lettuce, core removed, chopped into bite-size pieces
1 c frozen peas, thawed
4 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
¾ c green onions, chopped
2 medium tomatoes, diced to bite-size pieces
6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbed
1 c shredded cheddar cheese
1 c mayonnaise (Duke’s is recommended)
1 c sour cream
2 T granulated sugar
Salt and pepper to taste
Layer into the bowl in this order: lettuce, peas, eggs, green onions, tomatoes, bacon and cheese, adding salt and pepper to taste on top. In another medium bowl, mix the mayonnaise, sour cream and sugar. Stir well and spread over the top of the salad, sealing it all the way to the edge of the bowl. Keep covered and refrigerated. Sprinkle with a bit of cheese or bacon before serving.
Stewart’s TV & Appliance is located at 468 Cleveland Street in Elyria, just a half-mile west of Abbe Road. There are 0% financing programs available. Delivery of appliances is free, and their service technicians will haul away your previous freestanding appliances, too. Call 440-365-7321 or visit StewartAppliance.com for more information.