The "Wilkening Fireplace" was invented in the fall of 1972 by Albert Wilkening of Walker. Al was frustrated with the inefficiency of the "Heatilator" fireplace recently installed in his retirement home. Being a steel fabricator all his life, he set out to build a better model. A steel heat exchanger that used outside air to feed the fire with a masonry surround to store heat and a circulation system that did not rely on fans.
As the word spread about this new invention Al and his wife Ruth had people from all over the state and country visiting their home. Their living room turned into a show room with sales transactions at the kitchen table. Many evenings and weekends were spent showing customers their products as people traveling through the area stopped to see the fireplace in operation.
As the word spread about this new invention Al and his wife Ruth had people from all over the state and country visiting their home. Their living room turned into a show room with sales transactions at the kitchen table. Many evenings and weekends were spent showing customers their products as people traveling through the area stopped to see the fireplace in operation.
Services
Let our highly trained staff help educate you on the options available for your home. We have NFI certified sales and installation crews that can help you with every step of your selection and installation process. The criteria used in selecting other manufacturers' products have always been the same criteria we apply to our own products; quality construction that creates a durable product while maximizing performance.
Today most wood burning fireplaces, stoves and fireplace inserts are highly efficient, heat producing systems that direct the majority of the heat from the fire into your living space. It is important to select the right type of product and location to meet your needs and expectations while addressing all safety concerns related to clearance and installation requirements.
A gas fireplace allows you many finishing options ranging from stone to stucco or tile. New designs, termed "Full View", create an open fireplace appeal with large viewing areas simulating a traditional look. Finish these off with a mantle or a cabinet surround and you have a beautiful focal point in any room.
An electric fireplace adds the glimmer of a fire with additional heat to any room in your home. Most models simply plug into any wall outlet and operate by remote control. You can build them in and personally create the look you desire or purchase them with a cabinet surround and in hours have a completed project.
Pellet fueled appliances are the perfect option for customers looking to stabilize their heating costs when other forms of energy fluctuate in price. Venting options are more versatile and less costly than traditional wood fired appliances. Thermostatic control and automatic ignition make them a great back up or primary heat source.
Reviews (6)
Matthew Jost
Sep 30, 2021
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Frank W. Jones
May 18, 2021
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For those of you who are interested in installing or converting an existing wood burning fireplace with an insert, I strongly suggest Wilkening Fireplace Co. Due to my age, I decided to convert my wood burning fireplace to a Mendota Gas Insert and contacted Michelle & Gary at Wilkening They both were so very helpful with guidance all through the process from selection to installation. Gary was most helpful by providing specific details / procedures as to what it would take to make the conversion. His many years of experience/ expertise were generously provided to make this project a complete success
Ron Ray
Oct 02, 2020
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I was having an issue with the way my fireplace insert fan seemed not to auto-start. So I visited Wilkening and asked for some help. They looked up my insert information and showed me how to remove the fan unit and locate the fan thermodisc. The also said to double check and make sure I allow enough time for the unit to heat up before the fan will start automatically. So, I went home and built a fire and waited. Sure enough, the fan started on its own. I just needed to give it a bit more time. Thank You Wilkening for your simple to understand advise.
Elizabeth May
Jul 03, 2020
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Brian Goodspeed
Dec 31, 2019
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I purchased and installed the Original Ultra Great 20 years ago. We have the doors open and enjoy a crackling fire, or closed / fan on and it thoroughly heats the lower level of our home.
While doors are closed we still enjoy the beauty of the fire through the large glass doors. Great investment. Thanks.
While doors are closed we still enjoy the beauty of the fire through the large glass doors. Great investment. Thanks.
Jim Oster
Dec 01, 2019
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