Although Erb’s Stove and Lawn Furniture serves the local community very well (especially the Amish), “More and more people in surrounding counties are getting to know us, including customers from the Cleveland and Columbus, Ohio area and even Wheeling, West Virginia,” according to Duane Erb, the son of Edward M. Erb, founder of the company.

That’s not bad for a business that operates mostly by word-of-mouth. Apparently the message is getting around that, “We’re here to serve the customer, answer questions and service equipment as quickly as we can.”

It all started in 1982, when Edward Erb began selling and working on gas appliances at his father’s farm shop, west of Sugarcreek. By 1988, he had built a new shop, about a quarter-mile from there. The business kept growing -- gas fireplaces and lawn furniture were added in 1993 -- and, in 1994, it was moved to the prior location at 4455 TR 367. Their new location is just up the road from the previous one and is a must-see store design with twice the display space, and an easy access floor layout. The added space allows them to showcase a large variety of lovely fireplaces and mantles. In addition to the mantles on display, any mantle design can be custom built to match your taste.

Besides Edward, who continues to sell and install the equipment, Erb’s Stove Center, Ltd now has five employees: Tina, who is the secretary and Laura, who doubles as a secretary and is in sales; Ed, Eugene, and John handle installation; and Duane takes care of the ordering, sales and office work. Duane officially started in March 2000, but before that, he was a woodworker, building some of the products the store sells.

The company’s name gives only a tiny hint of the items and equipment sold by the store. “We’re heavy into gas refrigerators and ranges,” Duane Erb said. “And our fireplace line is very busy year round.” (Those are gas fireplaces -- free standing. Some have vents that go through a wall, and some are vent-less. Gas Logs for existing fireplaces are also included.)

You must stop in to see the new addition of pellet and corn stoves, and inserts. Be sure to ask them about the advantages of an alternative fuel supply and how it can save you money this winter on your heating bill. “We also have a selection of wood-burning stoves and gas heaters of all sizes, vented and vent-less,” Erb said.

“We offer custom fireplace mantles in oak, cherry and birch with many choices of stain,” says Duane. The showroom offers a large display of what Erb’s Stoves has to offer. Erb’s delivers and installs the merchandise, although most items can be handled by do-it-yourselfers. They also service and repair the items they sell.

One unique aspect of the store is the rental of gas ranges for catering at Amish weddings. (These are especially “hot” items during the summer months.) Describing the service, Erb said, “We set up the ranges, they cook on them, and we pick them up.”

Be sure to stop in and see their brand new location, that houses 5,000 square feet of space. They are at 4100 State Route 39, only 1.5 miles East of Berlin. Don’t hesitate to ask them how they can help you design the fireplace of your dreams.

Business hours at Erb’s Stove Center, Ltd are Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The phone number is (330) 893-3903.