Gas Fireplaces: Vented and Ventless

Gas fireplaces are a brilliant way to incorporate the look, design, and warmth of a hearth, with the benefit of being powered by gas.  They can be created indoors or outdoors, and they generate more heat than a standard gas heater, so in addition to looking great, they are incredibly functional. In the past, ventless as well as vented fireplaces that were powered with gas logs were not known for being either stylish or realistic. Knowing there was a market for both, there have been great strides made to make the more attractive and appealing. When it comes to gas fireplaces, you have two options: vented and ventless. They are entirely different, and are specifically suited to your needs and space available.

            If you do not have a fireplace, but want one, a ventless fireplace may be a good choice to consider. Unvented gas fireplaces are powered by natural gas and liquid propane, which enables them to run indoors without a chimney, or any type of ventilation. They are equipped with sensors that monitor oxygen levels, to ensure that depletion is not occurring, and breathing conditions are safe. Thermocouple determines heat, while BTU’s are limited to keep gas fumes that have been burned in check. Specific patterns in design work to control the carbon emitted in the gas. Previously, one of the big drawbacks to ventless gas fireplaces was the unnatural look, the vulgar appearance of the Oxygen Depletion Sensors. Much effort was placed in redesigning this scheme, to create a more realistic look that imitated a traditional fireplace more exactly. To make the logs more lifelike, they are now hand-painted, with charring. Their movements imitate those characteristics of a regular wood-burning fire, for a very true-to-form version.

            Artistic approaches have been taken very far with these ventless fireplaces, and many different versions have been rendered with such accents as glass, river rocks, and geometric designs. If you opt for a ventless gas log, the possibilities are endless!

            Vented gas fireplaces differ from unvented as they are basically traditional fireplaces that are powered with gas logs, versus using actual wood. The process of sourcing wood, and then storing it can create a great deal of hassle. When using it in the fireplace, it is burdensome because it has to be stacked in a particular fashion, and then kindled as it burns. Often you have to take different measures to get it lit, using bricks or cubes. After the beautiful fire fun is had, you have to clean up the residue and remaining ash. Vented gas logs light easily, their temperature adjusts with control valves, and once you are through enjoying the fire, all you have to do is turn it off. And then, there is no clean up necessary.

            As with a traditionally set up wood-burning fireplace, in order to properly use vented gas logs, you need a chimney and flue, with a cap. A firebox is not necessary if the fireplace builder acknowledges the burner’s size and valve.

            The  size of the fireplace determines the BTU limit on vented gas fireplaces, and they are so easy to handle because of their control valves, which are in control of flame heights. Imagine simply having to flick a switch, during the coldest parts of the year, to achieve a great fire that warms the room! When you burn your gas logs, you can follow any pattern you wish. Re-stacking can be done as much as needed, to achieve desired the flame patterns, because the fumes released from gas are funneled out by the chimney. Vented gas logs can be burned all year long, safely, pleasurably, and effectively.

             

Recipes Worthy of Your BBQ Grill

Just because I’m sure your summer grilling is in full swing, I thought that sharing some of my favorite grilled recipes as of late would be entirely appropriate. Whatever type of bbq grill you use, whether it’s an infrared gas grill, a standard gas model, or a charcoal grill, you can get the job done right, and eat some pretty delicious foods!

            In our home, we try to eat healthy most of the time. Moderation is key, and we feel it gives us the freedom to eat as we please. So, here are my current picks for delicious summer eating grilled: sausage and pineapple skewers, grilled peppers stuffed with feta and garden-fresh basil, and chicken satay.

Stuffed Peppers:

Bell Peppers

Feta Cheese

Fresh Basil Leaves

Garlic Powder

Salt

Peppper

This isn’t a typical stuffed pepper dish, but it still rocks. You can use any color variation, and feel free to get as creative as you like. Simply clean your peppers, and slice them in halves. Coat with vegetable oil, or whatever oil suits your fancy for grilling. Grill them on the cooking grates, depending on your grill’s specs till they are tender, about 3 to 5 minutes, with the inside faced downwards. A little charring is amazing here. Once they cool a bit, stuff the feta and basil, with the seasonings sprinkled on top. Not only are these easy and fast, but they look great too.

Sausage and Pineapple Skewers:

Sausage

Pineapple

A really good bbq sauce; I love Stubb’s.

These make an excellent party dish. It’s almost silly to even call this a recipe, as it is so simple, but it really is delicious. The presentation is fabulous, and they taste amazing. I use pork sausage, but feel free to use any kind you like. Cut the sausage and pineapple into 1.5” chunks, and skewer them. Lay them on a large plate and pour some bbq sauce on them so they are nicely coated. When your grill is ready, get them onto the heat until you have nice grill marks. Onto your serving platter they go, and are ready to be eaten!

You can buy fresh pineapple already cut in chunks at your grocery, in the produce department, which help cut down time and energy. If you use frozen sausage, it will slice much nicer if it’s about 50% defrosted, rather than totally defrosted. I’ve used spicy Italian pork sausage, as well as pork sausage with parmesan laced through it, and both have had delightful results.

Chicken Satay

Chicken Breast

½ Small Onion, Chopped

2 Spring Onions

¼ Cup Chopped Peanuts

¼ Cup Coconut Milk

¼ Cup Soy Sauce

3 Garlic Cloves, Chopped

Though not a properly authentic recipe, this satay is my take on the dish, and mimics the flavors well. This recipe also makes an excellent party food. Both satisfying as well as a finger food being on the skewer, it does double duty. It is best served with a delicious peanut sauce (recipe follows). Cut the chicken into 1.5” pieces. Finely chop the garlic and onions. Pour the soy sauce and coconut milk over the chicken, and add everything else. Let this marinade work its magic for 25 minutes. Afterwards, skewer the meat and they will be prepared for grilling. They will be done when they have apparent grill marks, and caramelization, about 10 minutes.

Peanut Sauce

1 Cup Creamy Peanut Butter

½ Cup Soy Sauce

½ Cup Coconut Milk

3 Tbsp Raw Sugar

2 Inch Piece of Ginger Root, Grated

2 Garlic Cloves, Minced

2 Spring Onions, Minced

Juice of Half a Lime

Put all the ingredients into a food processor or blender, and puree until smooth and creamy. If you would like it thinner, add more coconut milk and soy sauce, to taste. With the chicken, this makes for an incredible appetizer!

These three simple, grill-happy recipes are my favorites right now. They’re healthy, satisfying, and really tasty. Enjoy!

Custom Outdoor Kitchens: Get it On Outside!

One of the greatest reasons people flock to Florida is the weather, and the fantastic climate. If you live here, chances are that you appreciate how easy it is to enjoy the outdoors. Grilling fits perfectly into the equation, as it can be done all year long in outstanding conditions. Grilling obviously results in amazingly delicious foods, but the process is a huge part of the success.

            BBQ grills come in so many shapes and sizes, and you can literally find anything you may desire in an outdoor cooker. The ultimate experience for the at-home grilling professional has got to be the fully-equipped, custom-designed outdoor kitchen. What could possibly make your backyard more inviting, than adding a kitchen that is made to your own specifications? They can be lavish or simple, and include every possible amenity, or can be a perfect spot for grilling, and only grilling with ample counter space and storage options. We use top of the line grills, such as those by Solaire, for exceptional performance. Whether you have an enormous patio to work with, or limited space, a custom grill island can be designed specifically for you.

            For more than ten years in South Florida, the possibilities have been endless. We’ve constructed hundreds, and tested a variety of methods that have proven to withstand the temperamental rainy season, the severe heat, tropical storms, and even major hurricanes. Construction has always been performed on-site, to ensure absolute precision in support and stability. With this kind of background, we have the ability to create the outdoor kitchen of your dreams. Working with other contracting professionals, nearly any design scheme can be executed. Electricity can be run in multitude of ways, to make arrangements for additional lighting, appliances like ice machines, refrigeration, and even to house a television. Plumbing can also be custom rigged for custom running water. Grill islands are as varied as homes and personal taste, so there is no design that cannot be built.

            In the beginning, our outdoor kitchens were done with masonry. While good quality, this method was extraordinarily time consuming. Poured concrete was used for a short time, but this was not only a long process, but it was also not as sturdy. Galvanized steel framing was the answer to constructing in a timely manner, with extremely secure construction. It is comparable to the galvanized steel used to build the walls within homes, however it is commercial grade, and much more dense and resilient than the galvanized product sold in retail store. This method is now used in our summer kitchens, fire pits, and fireplaces. In building, we exceed the mandatory legal standards for our construction. Our designs have been tested by homeowners over the years in tropical storm and hurricane conditions, and certainly prove their excellence. The only grill repair that has ever been necessary due to the elements has been minor. Scratched grill hoods, broken tiles are the worst damages we have faced – a testament to the strength of our superiorly built grill islands.

            Another reason customers are so pleased to refer us, is that we get the job done in a short amount of time, sometimes as little as four day for delivery of a grill. The process from design to manufacturing and construction has been perfected to the point of science for us, and can be completed without an excessive time frame.

            A custom summer kitchen can turn your home into the ultimate home resort! We use the finest American bbq grill heads, as well as a whole range of accessories such as drawers and access doors, all in 304 stainless steel for lasting quality, that can remain strong in South Florida’s humid, hot, and sometimes intense weather conditions. A grill island is the perfect addition to any home!

American Outdoor Grills Are the American Dream

If outdoor cooking is your preferred method of cooking, you know that having a top notch grill is extremely important. When the weather warms up, there is nothing that can beat the experience of enjoying the beautiful outdoors while preparing a meal for your family. The beauty of grilling is about the journey as much as the destination. The experience should be fantastic, and the grilled food should be delicious.

            Perhaps the single most important aspect of choosing a grill is versatility with value. When you consider the enormous range of grills on the market, it can seem a bit overwhelming to know exactly what the best value is. Understandably, performance is also a key factor, because if you are a serious grill master the last thing you need is a grill that can’t handle major grilling. If you’re looking for well-rounded execution, America Outdoor Grills probably has the grill for you. If you want the ability to slow-rotisserie as well as perfectly sear, you need a grill that can handle it. Searing has become the preferred method amongst steak connoisseurs, and there is good reason why. No other method can create a steak so juicy and tender, while unbelievably caramelizing the exterior.

            American Outdoor grills are the perfect balance of price value, stellar performance, quality, and dependability. So dependable in fact, that when purchased they are equipped with a 15 year warranty on the burners, and all other parts carry a 10 year warranty. And even despite this safety net, American Outdoor grills are built to last decades, and should not require much in the way of grill repair. Their burners are not ordinary, run-of-the-mill burners; they are crafted of titanium alloy steel. Every grill boasts an exterior of 304 stainless steel, with a structurally-sound fully welded frame. Stainless steel cooking grids deck out the cooking surface. A rotisserie is set on the back burner, while an additional side burner offers the ultimate in options for outdoor cooking. This kind of craftsmanship is the sort found on the finest grills on the market, yet with American Outdoors, the prices run around what you might pay for lower end grills with additional frills.

            The name “American Outdoors” may not ring with familiarity as Weber or Char-Broil do, however they are manufactured by R.H. Petereson Co, one of the most trusted, beloved names in the grilling industry. With more than 65 years in the grilling industry, they stand for quality, and  being American-made quality. This company is also responsible for Fire Magic Grills, one of the most respected, high end giants among grills. American Outdoors grills stack up very well next to their luxury counterparts, except when it comes to price. With these grills, you really do get a high end grill without the hefty price tag. One of the ways costs are kept down is by offering just three models. These grills, nonetheless, are quite versatile, and the size differential is large; from 24 to 36 inches, with cooking areas ranging from 432 to 648 square inches. BTU’s on these grills range from 32,000 to 70,000. Even still, American Outdoor bbq grill parts are of outstanding quality, and are definitely among the best built on the market.

            American Outdoor grills can be used as built-in grills, as the perfect centerpiece in your outdoor kitchen. They are also available as portable models, for the ultimate convenience and mobility anywhere you wish to use them. Different doors and drawers are made to provide you with storage on your terms. Once you are set with your model and style, you can then fit your grill with a variety of different accessories that can customize and enhance your experience with your grill.

            American Outdoor grills are simply one of the best investments you can ever make for your grilling lifestyle. Providing you with high-end quality, performance, and durability, while being totally cost effective is the American dream: American Outdoor Grills.

Ducane Gas Grills Were Meant for Long Living Quality

Ducane is a longtime loved brand for their sturdy, well-performing grills. For over thirty years, they’ve been trusted for their dependability and ability to handle bbq.

            Today, Ducane is owned by another historically reputable brand: Weber. In New Jeresey, 1946, the Ducane Bothers Metal Fabricating company was started, and their focus was making hot air furnaces, powered by oil. In 1975, they changed their name to simply the Ducane Company, moved down south to South Carolina, and began creating the unrivaled Ducane gas grills. These were some of the finest grills to ever hit the market, and were an instant hit amongst backyard grill masters everywhere. To this day, they are still considered one of the best, and many people are still crazy about their vintage Ducanes grills. With the availability of grill repair, and purchasing replacement parts, there is nothing that keeps these marvels of grilling from still running powerfully today.

            Part of the history behind Ducane gas grills was the ideal of quality that every grill was built on the premise of. The founders believed that grills should be made from the best materials available. Die cast aluminum was always a standard, as was the best USA stainless steel, and a stunning finish of baked enamel paint for the exterior surfaces were all standard features on Ducane grills, in a time when most manufacturers were looking to cheapen their commercial grills, and cut costs every way they could.

            Ducane eventually went out of business, and was bought out by Weber. It is a sad story, that because of their sincere commitment to never lowering standards, they actually turned customers away. It is a very unfortunate tale, that because of their refusal to follow the trend curve, and use less expensive, even cheap materials like their competitors were doing, they were unable to sustain themselves and remain in business. On the flip side, however, being bought by Weber meant that the Ducane name was able to remain, and that lifetime warranties remain honored by Weber. As many people bought Ducane gas grills for their stupendous quality, and ability to last through decades of use, wear and tear, and weathering  of the elements – many today are still proud owners. For those who continue to use their original grills, Ducane gas grill parts are sold for repairs.

            The newest generation of Ducane grills feature great additions like rotisseries, smokers, and high BTU outputs. Large scale, and small models are available to suit the needs of every grilling enthusiast. As accessories, top-notch grill covers are also sold to make keep your investment protected no matter what the weather, or humidity level brings.

            Today, Weber continues to manufacture grills under the Ducane name, however they are in no way the same quality as the original Ducanes. You will still get a high quality, well performing grill, but costs have definitely been cut in terms of the fine materials that were once a given. In a sense, if you are a fan of Weber, you will most certainly be a fan of Ducane, even with the changes that have occurred. In terms of customer service, Weber is known for being excellent, and Ducane is definitely under that umbrella as well.

            Whether you’ve known of Ducane grills for the past 35 years, or if you’ve recently discovered them in a quest for the perfect grill, its great to know about the company as a valid option. Ducane gas grills were built to last, and through all these years, many people still use their original grills, and just replace parts as needed- they were that durable. Ducane’s legacy is fantastic, and it is pretty awesome that if you wanted to purchase a brand new Ducane, that option remains as well!

Solaire Infrared Grills: Brilliance Like the Sun

In a world of grills that merely look pretty and do little to perform, Solaire Infrared Grills are so much more than patio bling. Crafted to outperform all other grills on the market, these are top of the line, professional-quality grills made to grill the most delicious foods you’ve ever eaten.

            Designed with an intensely powerful infrared red system, in a short three minutes they are fully preheated and ready for grilling. Ideally, infrared grills are the perfect accoutrement to the perfectly grilled steak, as most of the top steakhouses would attest to this fact. However, as with any grill only with better results, you can grill to perfection all forms of meat, chops, seafood, and vegetables.

            If you’ve never used infrared heat for grilling, or perhaps never heard of it, it can be the very deciding factor in a perfectly grilled food. Infrared heat is extremely high, and provides the ultimate in searing capabilities. This high heat delivers such a searing, that flavors and juices remain locked into your foods, while shrinkage and shriveling are a thing of the past. In terms of time management, Solaire’s infrared heat is also the front-runner because they cook in about half the time it takes conventional grills, and even lesser quality infrared grills. This time factor is something many grill lovers adore about infrared technology; it allows them the opportunity to grill on a daily basis, rather than as a weekend hobby. And in terms of the old saying, “work smarter, not harder,” I’d say, Solaire grills are right on point. Made to last, grill repair will keep everything on your Solaire in tip-top shape for many years.

            Infrared heat is perhaps the most technological method of heat available on the cooking market. It is within the electromagnetic spectrum, which also incorporates visible light, radio waves, and X-rays. When it comes to cooking, especially in terms of grilling, these infrared heat waves make for incredible moisture retention, because contrary to traditional grilling methods, infrared heat does more than just provide a hot surface. Infrared heat energy has a vibration to it, and when used in grilling, it causes the molecules in the foods to vibrate. It forces moisture on the surface to be pushed well inside the foods being grilled. The taste this method creates in incomparable, enhancing natural flavors, maximizing moisture, and retaining the health properties.

            In the cooking process, Solaire Infrared grills are nearly immune to annoying flare-ups, because without a secondary heat source, grease does not trapped in the grill. The powerful heat instantly vaporizes drippings, which will then not fall, and will add additional flavor to your grilled foods.  

            They build their grills to exceed commercial standards, and all models boast exquisite features. Solaire Infrared bbq grill parts are some of the finest you will ever see made. Standard features include a push-button rapid start electronic ignition, mirror finished accents, and a lifetimes warranty on the stainless steel construction, V-grilling grids, and main burners. The main burners are constructed with ceramic infrared, double-laced ported U-burners, or a combination of both. For conversion or cleaning, they remove easily. The stainless steel construction has been gorgeously welded with heli-arc seams, and contains no metal fasteners, which makes these grills stunning to gaze upon. Warming rack and drip tray, comprised of stainless steel, are removable for easy clean up and access. Pedestal, post-mount, and cart models feature folding side shelves. For models that come with a rear infrared rotisserie, heavy-duty motor, spit rod, and forks are included. All models 30” and larger come with a durable, premium cover.           

            When it comes to their grills, and when it comes to grilling, Solaire Infrared does not mess around. They have designed the ultimate in satisfaction- a stunning marvel of infrared engineering, to produce a great cooking experience, and an even better tasting experience as opposed to traditional grills. 

Affordable Quality is Uniflame Gas Grills

            Lower cost does not always mean lesser in quality or performance. Uniflame has built themselves a solid reputation for manufacturing great grills, that offer a wide range of features, while still being extremely affordable. With such a devoutly loyal following of customers, it is easy to see why they have received such rave reviews for their grills. Uniflame BBQ grill parts are often needed for routine wear and tear, and are made of supreme quality.

            Uniflame gas grills stack up next to more expensive brands with total ease. When it comes to competition, they are forerunners, and they are loaded with great reasons to choose. They are known to include such features as brass burners on some of their grills, which require less replacement over the years, because contrary to typical iron, brass does not accumulate rust. Uniflame also do not skimp on such vital details as construction. Using materials like galvanized stainless steel for the bodies of grills always impress. Beautiful design is also apparent with Uniflame. Many models boast seamless finishes, with welded stainless steel doubly lined tops. Porcelain-coated, cast iron cooking grids, porcelain/ steel wire warming racks, and porcelain heat plates are also part of what Uniflame is loved for. They also have managed to slide in some little extras like a towel bar with a tool holder on some models. Drip pans and flame guards are created to slide out for easy clean up, which is a much easier alternative to outdated designs that required immense power to clean them. Knowing that most consumers value convenience, many units are fitted with storage shelves and compartments to help to stay organized. Temperature gauges are also part of many packages, to help keep things convenient while grilling. Knowing what their customers want, they understand the needs of many include grills with fast lighting, and the ability to reach full capacity heat a short amount of time. Uniflame has managed to create grills that can handle a large amount of food- with cooking areas that boast as much as 720 square inches. Uniflame also understands that in a gas grill, most people want power in addition to space and good design. For their low prices, it can really be delightful to have BTU’s  in the range of 62,000. In addition to being ultra-powerful, these grills also tout a reputation for providing an excellently even heat during cooking. Large knobs lend an ergonomic approach to easily using the burners.

            Also in terms of design, many grill-masters love how easy to assemble their grills are. Known for their incredible parts, Uniflame customers boast that the quality is evident from the moment you begin to put your grill together. Usually the first things that need updating are the burners, and these are made to fit flawlessly.

 Should grill repair be a necessary option down the line, replacement grill parts for your Uniflame are easy to locate, and should not be a hassle to exchange.

            In terms of maintenance, your Uniflame should always be kept very, very clean. By staying clean, especially during cookout, you bypass the risk of flammable flare ups or dangerous, spontaneous bursts of flames. This, of course, is pretty easy to do because of clever design techniques, these grills are very simple to clean.

            When it comes to grills that are made well, of high quality parts, simple to assemble, perform beautifully, can handle a large amount of food, and all the while are extremely affordable – it does not get better than Uniflame. Considering the low cost, Uniflame grills are also made to last many years. Finding replacement parts, should any repairs be needed, is not hard to do.