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39 Years
experience
Your Trusted Fireplace & Heating Experts in Western New York
Black Hat has been dedicated to providing innovative and reliable fireplace and heating solutions since 1987. Our family-owned business specializes in gas inserts, wood appliances, electric fireplaces, and outdoor heating products, serving customers in Western New York with expert installation and design assistance. Our team of certified professionals brings over 150 years of combined experience, ensuring every project meets the highest standards of quality and customer satisfaction. We partner with top industry brands to deliver durable, efficient heating solutions tailored to our clients' needs. From initial consultation to final installation, we prioritize personalized service, technical expertise, and long-term client relationships.

Our commitment to excellence extends to maintenance and repair services, performed by manufacturer-trained technicians. With a showroom featuring diverse designs and fuel types, we help homeowners enhance comfort and aesthetics. Recognized for our integrity and community involvement, we maintain certifications across all product lines to guarantee professional results. Our focus on customer education and transparent communication ensures informed decisions for every heating project. Backed by decades of industry leadership, we remain Western New York's trusted partner for comprehensive fireplace solutions.
Services
Gas Fireplaces Gas Inserts Wood Appliances Electric Fireplaces Pellet Stoves Outdoor Fire Pits Fireplace Mantles Chimney Services Installation Maintenance
Details
  • Year established: 1987
Highlights and features
  • Over 150 years of combined experience in fireplace installations
  • Certified installers for all major fireplace brands
  • Manufacturer-trained technicians for precise service
  • Comprehensive showroom with gas, wood, and electric options
  • Free consultations for personalized heating solutions
What people say
Knowledgeable staff Quality installations Great selection Professional service Expert advice
Services
Gas Fireplaces
Our gas fireplaces combine modern efficiency with timeless aesthetics, offering clean-burning warmth for any home. These units provide instant heat control and low maintenance operation while maintaining traditional fireplace ambiance. Available in multiple styles, our installations ensure proper venting and safety compliance for optimal performance.
Gas Inserts
Gas inserts transform existing fireplaces into efficient heating systems with self-contained units requiring minimal structural changes. These cost-effective solutions maintain your fireplace's appearance while improving heat output and energy efficiency. Our certified technicians ensure proper sizing and installation for maximum performance.
Wood Appliances
From traditional fireplaces to modern wood stoves, our wood-burning solutions offer classic charm with improved efficiency. Our installations incorporate proper clearances and safety features while maintaining aesthetic appeal. We offer EPA-certified models for reduced emissions and better performance.
Electric Fireplaces
Electric fireplaces provide versatile heating solutions without requiring venting or fuel storage. These energy-efficient units offer realistic flame effects with adjustable heat settings, ideal for supplemental heating. Our installations ensure proper electrical requirements and placement for optimal functionality.
Outdoor Fire Pits
Custom outdoor fire pits create inviting entertainment spaces with durable, weather-resistant construction. Available in propane or natural gas configurations, our designs integrate with existing landscapes while meeting local code requirements. We handle complete installation from gas line connections to finished masonry work.
People
Robert Kladke
President
With over 35 years in the hearth industry, Robert leads operations and maintains industry certifications for all product lines. He actively participates in professional organizations to stay current with industry standards.
Cheryl Kladke
Office Manager
Managing administrative operations since 1988, Cheryl oversees day-to-day business functions and client communications while maintaining comprehensive knowledge of all company services.
Paul Bundt
General Manager
As sales director since 2011, Paul provides expert guidance on fireplace selection and coordinates installation scheduling while maintaining product certification across all brands.
Bob Roesch
Installer
Certified installer since 2007, Bob specializes in gas and wood fireplace installations, stone work, and outdoor kitchen construction with manufacturer-specific training for quality results.
Cody Ludwig
Installer
With over a decade of experience, Cody focuses on precision installations and custom tile work while maintaining current certifications for all fireplace product lines and safety standards.
Questions
What types of fireplaces do you install?
We install gas, wood, electric, and pellet-burning fireplaces with options for both indoor and outdoor applications.
Are your technicians certified?
All our installers are manufacturer-certified and maintain current industry certifications for all product lines.
Do you service all fireplace brands?
Yes, we service all brands we sell using manufacturer-trained technicians for proper maintenance and repairs.
Can you help design a custom fireplace?
Our specialists provide complete design assistance from initial concept to finished installation in Western New York.
What areas do you serve?
We serve all of Western New York with showroom locations and on-site consultation services.
Do you offer maintenance services?
Yes, we provide comprehensive chimney cleaning, fireplace inspections, and maintenance packages for all units.
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