Wiseway Pellet Stove AKA Gravity Feed Pellet Stove

The Wiseway Pellet Stove is a remarkable pellet stove that requires NO ELECTRICITY!  Are you one of those people who wouldn’t purchase a pellet stove because they don’t work in a power failure? Wait no longer, The Gravity Feed stove has no moving parts and will continue to run as long as you maintain pellets in the hopper. The simplicity of the design is what really sets this apart from it competitors. At 58,000 btu’s on high this pellet stove will heat up to 1,800 to 2,000 sq. ft. Pair this stove with a ECOFAN and you will have an unbeatable combination to defeat the cold this winter.

The Wiseway Pellet stove is available locally in Eastern Connecticut at www.hottubfireplace.com

If you are not in Eastern CT please see the gravityfeedstoves.com website for your nearest dealer.

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Shop LOCAL

I have written about varied interests over the last 6 months. One interest that I haven’t touched on is the issue of Shopping Local. Shop LOCAL can mean a lot of things, from just shopping within a few miles of where you live to keep fuel costs down or the convenience of being just down the road from your house. To me as a small business owner it means patronizing local small businesses. I shop at small mom and pops as often as I can. In this day an age of Big Box retailers, you can’t possibly get the same level of customer service from the BB’s as you can from a small independent retailer. I am not suggesting that all your purchases have to be from a local independent shop, but at least give them a chance.

Rebuild our Local Economy

In my experience the idea of shopping at the Big Guys involves the time it takes to navigate the cavernous aisles and then get in and out of the giant parking lots.  Sure some of the prices are lower, the door stoppers and lost leaders, look around and the prices are not that much cheaper. The level of quality is usually not that good and the throwaway value is always present. Why purchase a product that will degrade and fall apart in a short amount of time when a quality product will give years of service.  If you do go to a small retailer and the owner or employee is not very friendly or appreciative of your business let others know, which always happens. If you are treated with respect and the service that you were given was good or even exceptional – give a shout out on Facebook,  Yelp, Google Places or Yahoo Local. Speak up and take the time to do a review. I see the negative reviews, seems people always find the time to write those, but when they get super treatment you don’t see those.

The 350 Project

When you do visit a smaller retailer, service business or trades person thank them for putting themselves out there and if you don’t see what you are looking for mention it to them, most of us would be more than happy to add that service or product if available.

Thank you to all my Customers – I truly appreciate you and your patronage. Over the years I built friendships with you and continue to add new friends on a daily basis. On this Memorial Day Weekend lets thank all the Service Men and Women who protect us now and those that have past.

We will never forget

Pork Tenderloin Tips w/ Apple-Pear Marinade

This past weekend, May 12th and 13th, I had the pleasure of displaying my products for Long Pond- Hot Tub | Fireplace | Fence at the Zoo Crew – Relay for Life Carnival at the Brooklyn Fair Grounds in Ct. During the event I had time to meet some of the other vendors. One in particular was Shannon’s Jammin’, Shannon makes homemade jam from scratch in her kitchen in Old Lyme, Ct. I sampled a couple of her jams and bought the Bacon Jam and the Apple-Pear Jam. I told Shannon I would create a marinade and pass along along the recipe and results of the pork tips. The tips were great and you could get a little hint of the Apple.  BTW – I put the Bacon Jam on an egg sandwich this morning – Yummy.

Here’s the recipe, ENJOY!

Pork Tenderloin Tips

Pork Tenderloin Tips w/ Apple-Pear Marinade

1 1/2 lbs Pork Tenderloin Tips

2 TBS Apple-Pear Jam

2 TBS Bourbon

3 TBS Olive Oil

2 TBS Soy Sauce

2 TBS Fresh Sage Chopped

1 Garlic Clove Chopped

1 tps Kosher Salt

Fresh Ground Pepper

Combine all ingredients in a bowl, whisk together and add Trimmed pork tips ( remove silver skin ), marinate for at least 8 hours, overnight is better.  Set grill or smoker to 300°, smoke with maple chips until internal temp is 165°, let rest for 5 mins. and serve with favorite sides.

Outdoor Cooking with Grills and Smokers

SearMagic Grates

I have been fortunate to retail Grills and Smokers for the last 3 years. This has given me the opportunity to cook on some of the best equipment that is not found at the Big Box retailers. I retail some of the best brands – Kamado JOE, Green Mountain Grills, MHP and Broil King. I have cooked Ribs, Chicken of all configurations, Boston Butts ( Pulled Pork ), Pie, Pizza, Burgers to die for, Steak and Prime Rib. I have to say for a Gas Grill you can’t beat the MHP ( Modern Home Products ).  Made in the USA, Lifetime Warranty and cooking on Searmagic cooking surface is unbelievable. The MHP’s have great accessories including rotisseries, Cooking Tools, Baskets and Infrared Burners.

Kamado Joe is a ceramic grill that is made from High Fire Heat-Resistant Ceramics. These grills use ONLY lump charcoal or real wood. The ceramic holds in all the heat and keeps food moist while cooking. I have had great results using this type of cooker. In fact some of the best tasting pork came from this grill. I used the Kamado Joe lump and added a chunk of apple wood. Extremely yummy! One of the most delicious meals I recently produced involved a men’s night. I cooked 2″ thick New York Strip steaks first on the Kamado Joe to sear at 600° then finished them on the Green Mountain Grill at 250° for about 15 minutes. The guys eating these were almost drooling. Grills and Smokers of this type are found at fine retailers and specialty shops. Big Boxes can’t compete with these type of retailers, we take pride in knowing and using everything we sell. I have vast knowledge of the performance of everything I sell and most retailers also. If you’re in Eastern Connecticut stop by Long Pond – Hot Tub | Fireplace | Fence in the Plainfield, CT village of Wauregan and see these great grills and smokers. Always cooking on Saturday’s around lunch time.

Spa Marvel – The All Natural Spa Treatment

Spa Marvel Hot Tub 100% organic and Non-Toxic Water Treatment

Spa Marvel is an amazing product to keep your Hot Tub water sparking clear. I began to use Spa Marvel 2 months ago, I am very impressed. I used to use a Bromine based chemical treatment that left my hot tub deteriorated from the harsh chemical reactions.  All of my exposed vinyl and plastic components became discolored and worn out looking.  Since switching to Spa Marvel my water is clear and odor free. I only have to add one tab of Chlorine or Bromine once a week to maintain proper sanitation. No other chemicals are needed for this hassle free method of treatment.  The manufacturer states the benefits as:

• No More Itching or Rashes
• No More Odor
• No More Scum Lines
• No More Chemical Hassles
• Gentle to skin, hair and bathing suits
• Balances pH & Alkalinity
• 100% organic and is non-toxic to all living creatures and the environment
• All natural seaweed enzymes

•  Water soft & clean not leaving you that feeling like you need to shower after using your  spa & hot tub
• Conditions water for sensitive skin
• Lasts for up to 3 months
• Only need to drain spa & hot tub water only once a year
• 100% Guaranteed!
• Alternative to adding harsh chemicals such chlorine and bromine

Spa Marvel is made from a unique formulation of natural seaweed enzymes, minerals and plant extracts and contains no chlorine, bromine or other harsh chemicals. Spa Marvel is made with seaweed, lanolin and other natural compounds as well as Vitamins C and D which contain skin conditioning properties. Frequent spa & hot tub use leaves skin feeling soft and moisturized.

Spa Marvel is sold at authorized dealers in the United States and Canada, including Long Pond – Hot Tub| Fireplace| Fence in Wauregan, Ct

Troubleshooting – www.spamarvel.com offers a troubleshooting section on-line, along with corporate support, for any instances that require special attention.

Spring

Today is March 14th, 2012 and Spring is definitly in the air. Temperatures are in the mid 60’s and a whole lot of sun. Who would of thought after the winter of 2011 we would have gotten off with such a mild winter this year. Very little snow and mild temperatures, today’s weather brings thoughts of BBQ, Outdoors, Backyards and Good friends.  Are you thinking of beautifying your property this summer. Don’t be the person that procrastinates in the spring and when summer does get here your upgrades are not to be seen. Spring is a great time to start a project that adds value to your home. Some great ideas are Pavers, Fencing, Landscaping and Hot Tubs incorporating all these.

Bullfrog Spas

Long Pond – Hot Tub | Fireplace | Fence in the Plainfield Ct village of Wauregan is proud to be the Authorized dealer for Bullfrog Spas and Evolution Fence

Landscapers and Contractors are already booking into the summer – don’t get caught being one of the customers put off until later in the season, plan ahead. With the fuel prices continuing to rise this may be the best year to plan a back yard remodel and a stay-cation this summer.

Fire Pit and Patio

Grillin’ Time – Green Mountain Pellet Grill

The Green Mountain Grills are absolutely fabulous. I have been cooking on these grills going on 4 years this April. I have seen these units go from basic small pellet grills/smokers with only Smoke/Med/High settings to the new units that have digital controls from 150°f to 500°f. Standard now is a meat probe that reads on the control panel the internal meat temperature without having to open your grill lid. Some other great standard features are the textured paint finish, all urethane green wheels, casters, low pellet alarm and fan only setting to blow the pellets out of the burn pot when you have completed your cooking. The grills come in two sizes –

GMG Daniel Boone

The Daniel Boone with 27X16 (432 sq. in.) stainless steel grate, and 13.5” clearance inside weighing 152 pounds and the Jim Bowie with stainless steel grate measures 37.5” X 16” (600 sq. in.) and the inside clearance is 13.5”. It weighs 183 pounds.

GMG Jim Bowie

Both grills have optional Stainless Steel Lids and Remote Control available. The peaked lid is unique to GMG and allows the cooking of Beer Can Chickens and Turkeys without the birds touching the lid.

As for the cooking – what can I say YUMMMMM! I have cooked everything from your standard baby backs, brisket, burgers, steaks and even PIE. The choices are endless and each one comes out perfect. Just the right amount of smoke and the best smoke ring. The recipes on the GMG site by Mountain Man Steve are all designed to be cooked on the GMG. It is great when people love a product, photos of great looking food cooked on the GMG are posted on Facebook pages and pellet grilling forums across the USA. The ease of cooking really good smoked food on the GMG is surprising, until you’ve done it you just don’t know. I do tastings regularly and once you eat the food you are hooked.

Appetizers

The Best Pulled Pork

The grills have a burn pot like a pellet heating appliance, but unlike a pellet stove the burn pot has a flash shield over the pot and a drip tray below the cooking grates. This setup protects your food and you practically can’t burn your food. The fan puts just the right amount of smoke into the grill and with a convection principle your food gets cooked.

GMG Friends

Green Mountain Grills can be found at select retailers in the USA or at Long Pond – Hot Tub | Fireplace | Fence in Wauregan CT

Sonos – WOW!

The Sonos HiFi  system is fantastic. I recently had the opportunity to put this system in our showroom.  Simple Play Integration from Wauregan, Ct set up the system as a demo for his business. I am totally blown away by the simplicity of the system. From the set-up to the sound quality this wifi player is amazing. I read reviews on line in regard to the user interface and how the IPOD, Android or Sonos controller were able to fully operate this system. Now with my own eyes and EARS I am experiencing a new gadget that I can’t live without. I can’t wait to get to the showroom everyday to listen to great streaming sound from online sources, to my playlist or a customer that stops in and pops their IPOD in the Sonos dock and I control the music.  Simple Play today downloaded and set up the PC control for Sonos, now I can send all my music from my desk to the Play.5 in the showroom or the Sonos Connect.amp with incredible in wall speakers. I am hooked on Sonos. Our showroom is in Wauregan, CT located at Long Pond – Hot Tub | Fireplace | Fence

Pro Fab Empyre Elite 200

New to the Pro Fab line of Gasification Wood Boilers is the Empyre Elite 200. The Empyre Elite 200 delivers all the comfort and convenience of conventional furnaces while protecting the environment. The 200 accepts wood length to 25″ with peak output of 200,000 BTU’s, this output will heat up to approx 4,500 sq ft.  The Elite 200 is an Indoor High Efficiency Wood Gasification Furnace that can heat many types of heating systems, from Radiant, Hot Water Baseboard, Hot Air Ducted with a water to air exchanger, or a Hydronic Air Handler.

Epmpyre Elite

The Empyre gasification boilers are open systems and the advantages are:

– the burning of the wood in the unit is controlled and can be stopped and restarted by the amount of air going into the burn chamber.  So consider the loading chamber as a hopper.

– Controlling the burn means no need for a water storage tank

– When there is a power outage the unit has enough water on board to absorb  the heat of the fire as it goes out, when the blower shuts down .

-No need for a dumpzone, wild loop, expansion tank, water feeder, auto fill system, back flow preventer or stand by power system.

– After the power is restored to the unit in most cases the fire will restart on it’s own. If there was fuel in the unit when the blower shut off, the unit will relight after hrs of laying dormant because of a power interuption or if the thermostat was satisfied.

Pro Fab Empyre Elite

Specifications:

Furnace Specifications – Model 200
Heat Output (Peak)* 200,000 BTU/hr 58.6 KW/hr
Heat Output (8 hr)* 110,000 BTU/hr 32.2 KW/hr
Heat Output (12 hr)* 72,000 BTU/hr 21.1 KW/hr
Log Length 25” 64 cm
Log Diameter 6” 15 cm
Furnace Width 31.5” 80 cm
Furnace Length 61” 155 cm
Furnace Height 57” 145 cm
Loading Door Opening 20.5” x 16.5” 52 x 42 cm
Firebox Volume 10 ft3 283 L
Firebox Dimensions 22.5”w x 26”h x
31.5”d
57w x 66h x
80d cm
Water Capacity 112 US Gal. 424 L
Furnace Weight 1,400 lb 635 kg
Flue Collar Diameter 6” 15 cm

Features
4.5 KW Electric Elements 1 to 4 Elements (Optional)
Flue Cleaning Brush Included
Ash Rake Included
Minimum Clearance to Combustibles
Flue Pipe/Side & Back Wall 12” 31 cm
Front 48” 122 cm
Ceiling 24” 61 cm
*Results may vary based on fuel type, moisture and quality.

Long Pond – Hot Tub | Fireplace | Fence is the Connecticut and Rhode Island dealer for the Pro Fab line of Boilers.

New Year 2012

Hottubfireplace would like to wish everyone a joyous New Year. We look forward to bringing more information about our products and new products to you. The Hot Tub and Hearth business looks very good for the coming year.

Bullfrog Spas

Bullfrog Spas is on the cusp of being #1 in the industry and Enviro has positioned themselves with the M55 line of Multi Fuel stoves to be the leader in the Pellet stove business.

Enviro M55 Free Standing

The Empyre Elite indoor gasification wood boiler now has a big brother the elite 200. I will be posting an entry first of the year on this new boiler.

Empyre Elite 100

Happy New Year

Steve – Hottubfireplace