The Key is Innovation

The Key is Innovation

By Richard Wright

The Vesta Awards program was started in 2001 with one goal in mind: to honor and highlight those companies that propel their industries forward with products that are well designed and innovative.

Photos: 2015© Amiee Stubbs Photography. www.amieestubbs.com.

The 15th Annual Vesta Awards Ceremony was held on Friday evening, March 6, at the Music City Center in Nashville, Tennessee. At 4:45 pm, the doors were opened to the Grand Ballroom on the fourth floor of the Center; a large crowd of show attendees poured in to enjoy the largest gathering of industry members, a glass or two of wine, and an awards program that is one of the highlights of the Expo.

The Vesta Awards Wine Reception lasted for 45 minutes and was once again sponsored by Schott Robax. It was the first stop for attendees prior to taking their seats.

This year, 50 manufacturers entered 74 products in 16 categories. That number was a far cry from the 160 products entered in 2007, prior to the downturn. Uncertainty regarding actions by the EPA and DOE certainly had an affect on R&D activity.

Nevertheless, there was plenty of innovation in the products entered.

A best guess would put attendance at approximately 1,800, which is still 1,000 below the 2,800 number in 2007. The Vesta Awards Ceremony is obviously linked to the size of the HPBExpo, and both are on the way back up.

Jack Goldman, president and CEO of the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association, welcomed everyone and he proudly discussed attendance numbers for the event. He also updated everyone on key issues in which the association is involved.

For the third year in a row, Stan Hays, one of the founders of Operation BBQ Relief (OBR), brought everyone up to date on the organization’s activities (it was a year of few disasters – four or five), during which OBR conducted training. Operation BBQ Relief is the charity of choice for both the HPBA and Village West Publishing.

Excellence in Retailing Awards

Now in its third year, the Excellence in Retailing awards program is in need of greater participation by industry members. All HPBA members are entitled to nominate three retailers in the Hearth category, and three in the Outdoor Room category. The top five in each category are considered finalists and required to write a lengthy description of their store’s design, visual merchandising, marketing/promotions, design services, installation services, employee training and customer services.

They are also required to send images of the interior and exterior of their facility. The three expert judges review all information, examining the nominees’ website and activity on social media, and discuss the operation with others who are familiar with the nominees’ operations.

In 2013, its first year, the program went very smoothly.

Ample nominations were submitted and five finalists were selected for the Hearth Retailers of the Year award, as well as the Outdoor Room Retailer award. Winners were Brent and Christy Buchan of Energy Products & Design in Rochester, Minnesota for the Hearth award, and Doug and Sharon Sanicola of Outdoor Elegance in La Verne, California, for the Outdoor Room award.

In 2014, however, there were ample nominations on the Hearth side, but not enough on the Outdoor Room side for that portion of the program to go forward. The award for Hearth Retailer of the Year was presented to Brad Leonard and Alex Soubliere of Friendly Fires with three stores in Ontario, Canada.

Now we come to the 2015 program. Once again, no retailer secured enough nominations for the Outdoor Room portion of the program to go forward. On the Hearth side, only four, not the usual five, retailers received enough nominations to become finalists.

They were as follows: Jed and Jody Martin of Earth Sense Energy Systems in Wisconsin; R. Patrick and Mary O’Donnell Shappert of Hearth & Home in Mt. Prospect, Illinois; David and Alexis Rettinger, Rettinger Fireplace Systems, Voorhees, New Jersey; and Dean’s Stove & Spa in Plantsville, Connecticut.

The winner of the Hearth Retailer of the Year award was Dean’s Stove & Spa.

Ed. Note: The Vesta judges have complete autonomy in determining Winners and Finalists. They may designate a Winner and two Finalists in any category, or any combination of the above, including designating no award in a category.

It may seem odd that a category would have a Finalist but no Winner, but in that case the judges felt that, while the product displayed some innovation, it was enough to reach the Finalist level, but not sufficient to warrant a Winner’s award.

The following descriptions of products are the words of the manufacturers.

Best-in-Show
Outdoor Room Products

Best-In-Show Saber Grills Saber Grills

The Edge

The Saber Edge 2-Burner, Fully Infrared Cooking System has 304 construction, and ceramic glass incorporated into the lid. It connects via Wi-Fi to your iOS or Android device to monitor grill performance (gas level, temperature, burner(s) on and lit, and battery life). There is a fully-featured cookbook and social media platform. It converts to natural gas via Saber EZ NG, and will go from 0-700 degrees in 10 minutes or less.

Call (877) 967-2237 or visit www.sabergrills.com

Gas Barbecues

Saber Grills
The Edge
(Category Winner)


Rob Schwing

Daniel J. Melcon Award
Best-in-Show
Hearth Products

Best-In-Show Saber Grills Stellar Hearth Products

Epiphany Glass-tube Burner Fireplace

The Epiphany Glass-tube Burner Fireplace from Big Woods Hearth Products is the first and only glass-tube burner fireplace. Where all other fireplaces have a solid metal or ceramic burner that has to be hidden from view, the glass tube is elevated above the fireplace floor and provides the illusion of a floating flame from any side of the fireplace. While burning, the glass reflection of the flame also gives the illusion of water floating through the tube.

The glass construction of the burner also provides the ability to be lit from LED lights below so the unit can provide ambiance year-round in a way not available before. A glass transition piece below the burner provides the opportunity for customized etching with a personal or corporate name, or slogan. Overall, this product provides a completely unique and multi-dimensional look of fire that can be adapted to many different lengths, shapes and sizes in order to work with any type of room.

This product exemplifies the goal of the Vesta Awards program – innovation that moves an industry forward.

Call (952) 224-4072 or visit www.stellarhearth.com

The Art of Fire

Stellar Hearth Products
Epiphany Glass-tube Burner Fireplace
(Category Winner)


L to R: Rob Sloan at the podium, Gary Butler, Rick Berg and Ross Morrison.

Outdoor Room Products: Category Winners

Charcoal, Wood Barbecues & Smokers

Vision Grills

C-Series Kamado Grill

According to the manufacturer, Vision Grills has eliminated the common complaints of traditional Kamados: starting and clean-out. The C-Series ProZone includes an electric starter port for fast and easy ignition of the charcoal, while the removable ash drawer takes care of the arduous task of ash clean-out.

The C-Series also innovates in how the consumer purchases the grill. It offers a Complete Package of side shelves, extra cooking grate, lava stone/heat diffuser, electric starter and cover complete and in one box.

Call (314) 428-3166 or visit www.visiongrills.com


Al Cockrill.

Barbecue Accessories

TVL Internation

Smart GasWatch BT

The Smart GasWatch utilizing Bluetooth communications and a Smartphone app ensures that backyard entertaining never runs short of propane. Smart Home, Internet of Things, Connected Devices – all come together in new “Smart GasWatch” technology. Now your Smartphone will tell you a) how much propane is left in the gas tank, b) when it’s getting low, and c) how much cooking time is left.

Call (704) 814-0930 or visit www.gaswatch.com


Shailendra Suman.

Outdoor Room Equipment

Housewarmings Outdoor

Outdoor TecRoom

The Outdoor TecRoom by Housewarmings Outdoor is a complete Outdoor Room in a package; all outdoor living elements have been incorporated as well as the technology elements one expects to find only inside of a house: video gaming, music, computer access, cooking, a fire feature, water feature, dining and relaxing. This complete room is a package that can be sold through retail outlets.

Call (859) 948-6026 or visit www.housewarmingsoutdoor.com


Ajay Gupta.

Barbecues, Other Fuels

Camp Chef

Pellet Grill Lux

The Pellet Grill Lux from Camp Chef is designed to simplify the process of smoking. It has select features giving you the ability to transform your backyard patio into a personal barbecue pit. Automated digital controls maintain temperatures ranging from 160 degrees F. up to 500 degrees F. inside the 875 sq. in. cooking area.

The built-in meat probe monitors food temperatures so you know when it’s time to slice and serve. Changing pellets is easy with the hopper clean-out system. After smoking, the clean-up is simple; with the pull of a lever the ash can be discarded with no fuss, leaving your pellet grill ready for the next barbecue.

Call (800) 783-8347 or visit www.CampChef.com


Kent Millecam.

Hearth Products: Category Winners

Pellet Products

Osburn

Volta

The Volta, Osburn’s newest pellet model, incorporates the latest generation components with direct current (DC) and can easily be hooked up to batteries, solar panels or other secondary sources of renewable energy so it can keep on delivering even if the power goes out.

Its thoughtful design features intuitive touchscreens to help buyers flatten the learning curve. Most users can become comfortable operating the stove in just minutes.

By adding Bluetooth two-way exchange technology, Osburn designers have made it possible for Volta users to receive plenty of helpful data – even remotely – when their stoves are in operation.

The Volta’s unique control system lets users enjoy the temperatures they want, where they want, by optimizing system settings to eliminate cycling and temperature fluctuations.

Call (418) 878-3040 or visit www.sbi-international.com


Marc-Antoine Cantin.

Hearth/Barbecue Components & Controls

M&G DuraVent

DirectVent Pro Horizontal Termination

The DirectVent Pro Horizontal Termination has a dramatically reduced wall footprint and enhanced aesthetic appeal. The termination will allow interchangeable and customizable shrouds allowing customers to tailor the look of the termination. Shrouds will be available in a variety of materials and/or colors.

The heart of the termination is a patent-pending combustion air control. This control reduces the need for internal appliance baffling and allows for improved combustion performance across a variety of gas-burning direct-vent appliances. The external footprint has been minimized to achieve an industry-leading 11-by-11 in. for both 4-by-6 and 5-by-8 sizes.

These features will give OEM partners greater design flexibility in future appliance development. End users will also appreciate the number of aesthetic options available for their homes.

Call (800) 835-4429 or visit www.duravent.com


Ryan Devine.

Electric Products

Dimplex

XLF74 Multi-Fire XD Electric Linear Wall Fire

The XLF Series is the first ever linear fireplace to include the versatile and patent-pending, non-repetitive Multi-Fire XD flame. XLF is capable of creating moods both vibrant and subtle with varying levels of intensity and brightness complemented by a base of light themes in a full spectrum of LED colors.

With the addition of the Comfort$aver safe ceramic heating system, gone are the days of having to constantly adjust the heat to find the right setting. The XLF will comfortably and quietly warm a space up to 1,000 sq. ft. using intuitive controls to manage the distributionof energy for maximized efficiency and temperature regulation.

Call (519) 650-3630 or visit www.dimplex.com


Denis Normand.

Hearth Accessories

A.J. Manufacturing

Ember King

Ember King – Type 1 Floor Protection Mat is constructed of 10-gauge plate steel. It’s the strongest and most durable product on the market, and available in all the most popular sizes for freestanding stoves for standard and corner applications and for fireplace inserts. It is handsomely designed to complement any traditional or contemporary heating appliance, and is finished in a durable polyester powder-coat.

Call (860) 963-7622 or visit www.emberking.com


Jim Bellevance.

Gas Products

Big Woods Hearth Products

Stellar Custom Fireplace

This is a fully customizable UL-certified gas fireplace and

Has seven different chassis options
Can be installed with the Safe-T-Touch glass system (meets new barrier requirements without mesh) or as an open hearth
Can go from a two-in. width to an infinite width
Has up to a six ft. opening height
Has seven optional burner choices
Has elevated burner options
Has the first-ever glass-tube burner option
And the list goes on

Call (952) 224-4072 or visit www.stellarhearth.com


Rob Sloan.

Wood Products

Stûv America

Stûv 30

The Stûv 30 has three modes of operation.

In glass-door mode you can enjoy the view of the flames safely and with excellent efficiency.
In open-door mode you can hear the crackling logs and enjoy the pleasant smell of burning wood, or even have a barbecue.
In closed-door mode you can leave and the fire will burn gently behind the shield door. It hides the combustion chamber when the stove is not in use. To change the mode of operation, rotate the drum to bring the corresponding door to the front of the stove.
The Stûv 30 Compact H can be equipped with heat accumulating stones that store part of the heat produced by the combustion of wood. This accumulated energy will continue to dissipate for several hours after the fire has died out to prolong the sensation of heat and well-being.

Call (514) 262-2769 or visit www.stuvamerica.com


François Thiry.

Central Heating Systems

(No Entries)

Hearth Products, Other Fuels

(No Entries)

Outdoor Hearth Products

(No Winner)

The Green Award

(No Winner)

Vesta Finalists

Hearth Products

1. Wood Products a. Beacon Hearth Products HWAM 4640C - IHS (803) 327-5900 www.hwamna.com b. J. A. ROBYCUISINIERE SE (418) 932-8095 www.jaroby.com 2. Hearth Accessories a. Anderson & Forrester Orifice Reamer Cleaner (303) 423-7744 www.andersonforrestr.com b. Everburn Manufacturing Deep Distinct Detail (859) 948-6027 www.everburn.com 3. Electric Products a. Modern Flames NOVA Indoor/Outdoor (602) 268-9395 www.modernflames.com 4. Hearth/Barbecue Components & Controls a. Copreci S. Coop Detectoff - SUM (678) 560-2154 www.copreci.com 5. Gas Products a. Jøtul North America Jøtul - GI 635 (800) 797-5912 www.jotul.com/us b. DaVinci Custom Fireplaces The L (425) 609-2510 www.da-vincifireplace.com 6. The Art of Fire a. European Home Element 4 - Sky T (781) 324-8383 www.europeanhome.com 7. Central Heating Systems No Entries 8. Hearth Products, Other Fuels No Entries	1a.
	1b.
	2a.
	2b.
	3a.
	4a.
	5a.
	5b.
	6a.

Outdoor Products

1. Charcoal, Wood Barbecues & Smokers a. Vin de Flame IL Fumatore (707) 477-1234 www.vindeflame.com 2. Barbecue Accessories a. Alfresco Home FERVOR Paper Towel and Trash Bag Holder (239) 240-9011 www.alfrescohome.com b. Vin de Flame IL Finale pizza kit (707) 477-1234 www.vindeflame.com 3. Outdoor Hearth Products a. Waterstone Fire Tables Real Rock Fire Tables (763) 360-8040 www.gasfirerocks.com b. Hearth Products Controls Fire On Water Bar 360 (877) 433-7001 www.hpcfire.com 4. Outdoor Room Equipment a. Challenger Designs Elite Grill Island (574) 773-8200 www.challengerdesignsllc.com 5. Barbecues, Other Fuels a. Downtown Grill Electric Hibachi (581) 309-4638 www.downtowngrill.com b. Boneless Grills Senator (+34)665353919 www.bonelessgrills.com 6. Gas Barbecues a. Alfresco Home FERVOR ICON 655 (239) 240-9011 www.alfrescohome.com b. R&V Works Cajun Express Smoker (318) 258-3037 www.cajunfryer.com 7. Outdoor Room Furnishings No Entries	1a.
	2a.
	2b.
	3a.
	3b.
	4a.
	5a.
	5b.
	6a.
	6b.

Since weather most likely has been the main driving force behind the surge in hearth purchases over the past two years, it was perhaps appropriate, if not pleasant, to have cold temperatures and snow settle on the HPBExpo 2015 in Nashville, Tennessee.

In early March, Hearth & Home faxed a survey to 2,500 specialty retailers of hearth, barbecue and patio products, asking them to compare February 2015 sales to February 2014. The accompanying charts and selected comments are from the 215 useable returns.

Hearth & Home April 2015