May 4, 2008
If you're starting to scrounge for gift ideas for Father's Day and coming up with blanks, perhaps Pop would dig a brand new barbecue grill complete with personalized grilling surface.
Custom grill cooking surfaces are an option for the grills from Kalamazoo. Different styles and sizes of holes are supposed to be specifically suited for cooking different things.
For example, the meat pattern "features wide open spaces to allow maximum exposure to your gas, wood or charcoal fire" while the vegetable pattern "features an open pattern with narrower spaces specifically designed to prevent asparagus, green beans and other vegetables from falling through." There's also one for fish, and don't forget the solid/Hibachi surface for griddle-work and Japanese teppan-style cooking.
The cool part is that you can have different surfaces on the same grill. Oh, and as for the personalization aspect, you can get initials, logos, or other artwork designed into the grilling surface. Dad would probably think he'd gone to grill-master heaven.
Kalamazoo
April 27, 2008
If you're looking for birthday presents or Father's Day gifts, an electric charcoal starter could be great for that BBQ-junkie in the family.
Hammacher Schlemmer's "60 Second Electric Charcoal Starter" ignites the briquettes without the need for lighter fluid. That's a plus in my book, since it always seems dubious dumping some flammable liquid onto the same coals that will be sending smoke up onto my meat.
"Similar to the heat-focusing technology used in paint-stripping hot-air guns, the charcoal starter emits hot air at 1,290° F, providing a constant, precise flow of heat from the tip of the unit."
Since this is an electric charcoal starter, you do need to have access to an outlet. To use it, you plug the device in, place the metal tip in the charcoal, and hold down the button. It sounds almost as easy as pressing the igniter on a gas grill.
If you've got an outdoor fireplace (or an indoor one for that matter), you can also use the starter to get the wood going.
Price: $79.95
60 Second Electric Charcoal Starter
April 26, 2008
I've always enjoyed hammocks, and if I could fit one on the balcony of my condo, I probably would (I'm still eyeballing the compact XChair hammock). It's just nice to read or nap outside on a summer day, enjoying a breeze that you don't get if you stay inside the house.
If you've got a good tree to use, hammocks don't cost too much, but if you need a free-standing hammock, expect to pay $200 and up. Now if you want real luxury, check out this quilted-weave model from Brookstone.
"Individual padded strips are interwoven for a luxurious lofted effect that allows the air to circulate more freely, keeping you cool. Instead of a cushion atop a network of ropes, the padding is actually the hammock itself. Your body only touches plush SoftWeave® material, resulting in even weight distribution and unprecedented comfort."
Yay, for plushness! The hammock is over-sized, too, so it can support two adults or up to 450 pounds.
The hammock is $200 or you can get a package for $350 that includes a stand and the hardware to set everything up. Alas, the quilted-weave pillow extra.
Quilted-weave Hammock
April 24, 2008
Setting up an outdoor canopy is an easy way to add a shaded area to your patio or deck, and it can also protect a hot tub or outdoor dining area from those passing rain squalls.
If you think of boring square or rectangular constructs when you picture canopies, you might be pleased by some of the more modern offerings out there. For example, check out this model from Base Structures.
The Concord Curved Post Hypar is a contemporary outdoor shade canopy that is suitable for patios, hot tubs, outdoor dining areas, and could even work as a car port. The company says the powder-coated steel frame is designed to withstand 75-mile-per-house winds, too, so there's no need to hurry out to take the canopy down if a summer storm is coming through. If your outdoor entertaining often extends into the twilight hours, you might even consider some of the options, such as integral heating and lighting.
Sounds pretty posh for a simple outdoor canopy, doesn't it?
Base Structures
April 21, 2008
As a long-time inhabitant of a northern state, outdoor beds aren't something I spend much time thinking about, but I chanced across a lovely looking bed while I was browsing for information on gazebos, so why not write a little post about it?
This "Lagoon" outdoor bed looks like a pleasant place to relax and enjoy the breezes while the canopy protects you from the sun. Even better if you've got a view of the ocean and some palm trees swaying above you! Alas, I'll probably only ever need something like this on a tropical vacation.
To get more information on this model or peep at some more outdoor beds, hit the Jardinico company's website:
http://www.jardinico.be/
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