Stewart’s TV and Appliance smokes the competition by offering one of the largest selections of grills in the area

By Patricia Nugent

With limits on public socializing this summer, now is the perfect time to make your home your haven. And the knowledgeable and helpful folks at Stewart’s TV and Appliance store can help you do that in style.

“Our business has been booming with customers who are redoing kitchens, adding outdoor kitchens, or just realizing with more time spent at home that they need to replace their appliances to make the most of every day,” says Ed Stewart, who, along with siblings Pam, Nancy and Greg, runs the family-operated business.

Conveniently located less than 5 miles off the 1-90/Sheffield exit, the superstore carries everything from kitchen appliances (refrigerators, wine coolers, ranges, ovens, oven hoods, freezers, ice makers, dishwashers, microwaves, disposals, warming drawers, mixers, blenders and food processors), to laundry appliances, televisions, video components, speakers, projectors, and outdoor grills with a range of manufacturers offered to meet any budget.

During these trying times, when support of local businesses is stronger than ever, the Stewarts are thankful for their loyal customers, new and old. Founded by their father, Dick, in 1946, the operation has grown exponentially over the years, expanding from what was once a tiny 30-square-foot shop on Cleveland Street in Elyria, to two floors and endless galleries of every imaginable appliance.

But there are more reasons than sheer size, selection and best pricing that the store has consistently gone toe-to-toe against big box stores and won. Ed feels that personalized service is the biggest reason for their success.

The New Age of Virtual Customer Service
As an essential business, Stewart’s has stayed open throughout the pandemic. But its clients’ shopping habits have changed—and he and his team have adapted to that nicely.

“We are accustomed to people coming into the store,” says Ed. “Since Covid-19 has hit, they are pre-screening products online. Selling an appliance used to take 15 minutes face-to-face, now it takes up to two weeks of back and forth with people via phone calls and texts. It’s been a learning experience for us, to be able to provide the same high level of customer service and responsiveness.”

To keep up with online demand, the Stewarts added a function to their site that allows for real-time texting questions about products. Customers love it.

Time to Fire Up the Grills
However you choose to fire up the grill or smoker—whether it’s freestanding, built-in, table-top or portable—fueled by charcoal, propane, electricity, natural gas or pellets, you’ll find a wide range of products here.

Stewart’s is a Weber Alliance Dealer, and carries an extensive selection of grills.

“Traditionally, Weber is a company that’s known for its innovation,” says Ed. “They’ve recently come out with a pellet grill that offers something for every kind of cook. It’s a combination of a gas grill, a smoker and a kitchen oven.”

“This method allows for flexibility, flavor and convenience,” he explains. “Hardwood pellets are ignited, and a fan stokes the heat that’s created to produce convection heat.”

One of their hottest sellers is the Weber SmokeFire series, which sears and cooks food up to 600 degrees. In addition to pellet grills, Weber offers charcoal and gas grills to fit every budget, from $69 to $3,599.

Made in the USA, Broil King grills offer extreme durability, with cast iron cooking grids and stainless-steel burners, as well as chef-friendly features such as ample side shelves.

Kamado Joe continues to be on every grill master’s wish list. With a stylish red clay exterior, these models can handily grill, roast, smoke or bake. Plus, they are nearly indestructible and come with a lifetime warranty.

A nice complement to any outdoor kitchen is a refrigerator or beverage cooler.

“Great for more than just pop and beer for parties, these are helpful for everyday items like condiments, pickles, and more, so the family can hang out for easier summer meals without having to run inside for things,” says Ed.

Back to the Basics
Offering products that last is a hallmark at Stewart’s, and they only align themselves with the most dependable brands.

Take, for instance, Speed Queen, their most popular line of washers and dryers.

“These are commercially made for the home,” says Ed.

“Made in America, they are tops in terms of old-fashioned durability. We tell folks they can expect to get 25 years out of them, which is pretty amazing. They don’t have a lot of bells and whistles, keeping things back to the basics. Whereas most lines have a one-year warranty, Speed Queen offers a seven-year warranty on parts and labor.”

Stewart’s services everything it sells with trusty, factory-trained technicians. And appliance repair is a big part of their business.

Stewart’s TV & Appliance is located at 468 Cleveland Street in Elyria, just a half-mile west of Abbe Road. Hours are Monday and Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.; Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; and Sunday 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Free delivery on appliance purchases over $499 (TV delivery and hookup is extra.) Call 440-365-7321 or visit StewartAppliance.com for more information.