Forden's Fireplace Shop - San Luis Obispo, California

Jim B.

big selection, very helpful salesman

Anthony F. A.

Excellent reception via Jennifer.
Technician Johnny was timely, insightful and informative on intricate parts needed to repair our fireplace.
Highly recommended 👌 !!!

Tanya C.

I just had my fireplace serviced by Ben. He is amazing and the fireplace looks and works better than new.

Scott

I miss the downtown location on Monterey street as it was so part of the downtown. While I appreciate they're still in business it's just the downtown is not the same anymore with original stores that were all downtown are all gone, obviously parking killed it

Domenica D.

Don't know why it took me so long to write this review. But now I've had the fireplace for 4 years. Forden's folks were very helpful with the selection of our stove. We wanted a see-thru model and we found just the right one. the installation was very professional. And now we've had them out twice for general cleaning and maintenance. The service folks were clean and courteous. We really appreciate the professional and personal touch. Thanks

Marianna H.

Cannot compliment our fireplace servicing any higher. Ben restored to "new", takes pride in his work, and we are incredibly happy with him!

ranger U.

I called to have my gas fireplace serviced because the pilot light was having problems staying on. They came out the next day and did a great job. Replaced a few parts and cleaned it all up so it looks and acts brand new. Very happy!

Bill S.

Horrible experience buying a new gas fireplace - sales people (the owner and his son) misrepresented features and prices, so we agreed to the "revised" price. Then when it was delivered we realized that even the revised price did not include the accessories (fan/remote) that we were told were included in the price. So we agreed to pay more, again. The installers did not seem to know what they were doing, even though it was a simple install, one had to return to the shop for parts, then - when our contractor asked the installer if the new flue was to code, his response was "Yeah, I think so" The new fireplace works, but not nearly as well as the smaller insert we bought previously for another home from Pacific Energy in SLO. My suggestion is to stay away.

UPDATE:
I normally would let this go, but after seeing the misleading response from the owner, I need to add some responses of my own:
1) I waited over a year to post the review because the warranty was still in effect and the relationship with Fordens was already toxic.
2) I did contact Fordens numerous times during the entire purchase/installation process to express my frustration with their misrepresentations and timelines. We made it very clear from the beginning that the remote and fan accessories were to be included.
3) The County inspection was only a final inspection, the flue was not visible at the time - I was told by Fordens that we could close up the drywall before the inspection. I wonder about that advice now.
4) They claim they arranged for the recycling of the unit but in reality the installer got ready to leave after the installation - and when I asked about taking the old unit back, he claimed he was already packed up and our contractor could recycle it.
I don't consider myself a difficult customer by any means, and rarely write reviews unless they are outstanding or very poor. I realize Fordens has had numerous satisfied customers over many decades, but our treatment was very poor.