Stewart’s TV & Appliance founded by family and dedicated to growth—celebrates its 78th anniversary and continues to feature the latest product advancements
By Patricia Nugent
You can learn a lot looking at the “History Wall” lining the service department at Stewart’s TV & Appliance. The family-founded-and-operated store is celebrating its 78th anniversary by taking a fun look back to its roots and collected memorabilia, from a portrait of an original 1946 service truck to an early transistor tube checker set, vintage camera, typewriter and loads of sepia-toned photos that tell their story.
Stewart’s has grown from a small corner store to a sprawling two-story showroom with galleries of appliances such as washers and dryers, refrigerators, ovens, stoves, hoods and more.
“Over the decades, we’ve always sought to bring in the latest technology and advancements in the industry, coupled with our staff’s extensive product knowledge and gracious customer service,” says current president Ed Stewart, son of founder Dick Stewart and brother to Pam who manages advertising/marketing and Nancy who manages the service department. “Our salespeople undergo ongoing education for all our brands. They have decades of experience. One thing has remained consistent with our customers: They demand greater selection. And we’ve always risen to meet that demand.”
The formula is working. Ed reports they have been named the tri-state Dealer of the Year from AVB, a national marketing agency.
What’s New in Appliances?
Both GE and LG have come out with units that are combined washer/dryers.
“This ultra-convenient technology is a game-changer for laundry,” says Ed. “You just throw your clothes in, set the controls, and they are washed and dried in the same machine. And the Bluetooth-connected smart machines let you monitor and control everything from your smartphone. This is certainly not the same laundry our parents had.”
The machines are powered by SmartHQ technology. Ed says customers with big families often buy two machines so they can run big loads at the same time.
“Another convenient unit from Electrolux is a new tower washer and dryer with loads of features, like doors you can design to open from the right or left,” says Ed.
Kitchen appliances have a host of smart features and cooking combinations, too.
“Ranges and microwaves with built-in air fryers are a big hit with customers,” he adds. “Induction cooktops continue to grow in popularity over electric or gas. And we’re selling refrigerators with all kinds of amazing amenities, like internal or external water dispensers, and water dispensers you can take out and use as a pitcher.”
The next frontier when it comes to dishwashers, which they sell a ton of, is how quiet they have become, and drying techniques, such as the Bosch patented CrystalDry technology that uses natural minerals to collect moisture and transform it into heat. It produces 60% better drying results.
Setting the Tone for Style
Black matte is still having a moment, say Ed and Pam, but so are retro colors like red, blue and orange as well as curvy retro styles.
Working with a company called Elmira Stove Works, the family has brought in several ovens, stoves and refrigerators that look like they come from the 1950s, with old-fashioned radial dials and instrumentation.
“On the opposite side, we offer some very modern looks, too,” says Pam. “Several new appliances to the sales floor, such as the Café Modern Glass Collection in Platinum, feature a highly reflective, glass-like look and contemporary profiles.”
Grilling and Griddling Season
With summer cookouts on everyone’s agenda, Ed says they offer a variety of Weber, and Broil King Ceramic grills and accessories.
One of the hottest trends in grilling this summer is the Weber Grill Griddle, which is crafted from slate and treated with an anti-rust coating.
“This allows an expanded cooking surface,” says Ed. “And people love it because they can add it to many of the existing Weber models.”
Stewart Family Archive Recipe
This decadently rich chocolate cake recipe from the Stewarts’ mom Jane’s side of the family is a beloved crowd-pleaser at every Fourth of July cookout.
Sour Cream Chocolate Cake
Ingredients:
2 C flour
2 C sugar
2 sticks butter
1 C water
6 T cocoa powder
1 t baking soda
2 eggs
1 C sour cream
Melt one stick butter with water, cocoa and baking soda. Mix flour and sugar, eggs and sour cream into butter mixture. Pour into jelly roll pan and bake for 10-15 minutes in a 400-degree oven. Let cool. For frosting, mix together 1 stick melted butter, 2 T water, 4 T cocoa powder and 3 C powdered sugar.
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. Stewart’s is currently hiring for all positions. Enjoy good pay and opportunity for advancement. Call 440-365-7321 or visit StewartAppliance.com for more information.