Archive for May, 2009

strathwood-st-thomas-fire-with-round-tableAdd versatility when entertaining out of doors with a free standing fire pit which is available in a variety of styles and material types such as copper or stainless. Or you may prefer to incorporate a fire pit into a permanent brick structure.

Either way you will certainly enjoy the benefits of having the fire safely contained while cooking. Say goodbye to that rusty old barbecue and hello to the elegance of beautifully constructed fire pit.

There is nothing quite like huddling around a fire on a chilly autumn night and people will use every excuse to gather up enough wood to build a blaze. This is especially true during the month of October when bonfires are so popular.

The downside is that bonfires and dug-out firepits can cause a lot of damage to your yard. Outdoor firepits, on the other hand, are an ideal alternative to the primitive fire.

Outdoor Firepits: Enjoy the portability

Fire pits resemble large metal bowls and can be found in numerous designs to compliment any decorating style or personal preference. Some are quite simple, others are elaborate and breathtaking. In addition to the traditional firepit that resembles a bowl with short legs there are pits that resemble coffee tables and deep cauldrons. There are even pits that can be equipped with BBQ grill attachments.

Building a fire in a pit rather than making one on the ground is ideal because it uses less wood and it protects your lawn from damage. A pit with a spark screen can also protect your dry grass and leaves from sparks. And you won’t have to worry about the fire spreading beyond the confines of the pit.

The portability of the firepit also makes it a great choice. When you build a traditional fire, you pretty much have to continue building subsequent fires in the same spot or resign yourself to a scarred and scorched yard. With a firepit, though, you can move the fire easily every night.

And you won’t spend a lot for a beautiful pit. You can find some styles under $50 but the majority are priced around $100 to $200. Of course you can spend more if your taste and preferences lead you in that direction. You can also have a firepit custom made if you can’t find any styles that suit you and your space perfectly

Nothing brings warmth to your backyard like an outdoor fireplace.  But just like an indoor one it needs periodic cleaning. The joy of it being outside is you don’t have to worry as much about kicking up soot and dust. But you do still have to clean it up from time to time. Not sure about how to go about it?

Here are a few tips when it comes time to clean your outdoor fireplace.

  • The first thing you want to do is make sure that there aren’t any hot embers in the fireplace. Wait at least a day after use before scooping the ash out of it. You don’t want to catch your trashcan on fire.
  • After you’ve swept out the major ash piles just grab your garden hose. Spray the whole thing down from top to bottom. This should remove most of the soot and dirt from it. It also helps to wet down any dust and keep it from flying all over the yard and in your face.
  • The next thing you need is a stiff nylon brush and a bucket of hot soapy water. Crawl up into the fireplace. Starting at the top, scrub all around the inside working your way down to the base and back of the fireplace. Next work your way back out scooping all the dirty water towards the front.
  • If there isn’t much build up then this should be all you need to do to have a nice clean fireplace. If you still have some trouble spots though you’ll need to break out some harsher chemicals.
  • Use a fireplace cleaner specially designed for removing caked on soot. Be sure to wear gloves and goggles to prevent any skin or eye irritation.
  • Just spot treat the trouble areas then hose off. That should do it!

If you clean your outdoor fireplace on a regular basis you will minimize the effort required to keep the fireplace in excellent condition.

endless-summer-ewtr800sp-new-orleans-tabletop-electric-heaterIf you are an outdoor entertainer, you no doubt have been considering some of those deck heaters that will keep people warm when the nights get a little chilly out.

But you keep encountering problems. Perhaps you don’t want those large floor displays that take up so much room on your already space deprived deck or patio. Or maybe you just hate that no matter what heater you look at they are all unattractive and look like they are from some Industrial warehouse. Not anymore.

The Endless Summer EWTR800SP “New Orleans” Tabletop Electric Heater has taken those outdoor heaters you know and hate to task for their appearance. His tabletop unit is not only going to put out the heat you need, but also all the while looking like an attractive lamp that should be on display in your home or on your patio.

The Endless Summer EWTR800SP “New Orleans” Tabletop Electric Heater and it’s 1,200 watt heating element, putting out almost 4,100 BTUs, offer heat in a 12 foot circle around the unit.

Knowing that things can get a little out of hand or people can start talking with their hands a little too much at family and social gatherings, this heater also comes with safety features such as an automatic shut off if it is tipped on it’s side. This can keep it from becoming a fire threat if it is accidentally tipped over.

What We Like

  • It’s a very attractive heating option that takes both form and function into account.
  • This is a great way to extend a fun evening without everyone having to run inside for warmth. It is easy to set up and use.

Other things to consider

  • Part of the base is made of ceramic so it may break if knocked over.

 CLICK HERE to buy or read other reviews

endless-summer-table-top-patio-heaterIf you live in an area where the nights where you can enjoy sitting outside are limited because the weather often drops too low, you may want to consider finding a way to lengthen the time you can stay outside. The Endless Summer ES-GWT501A Table Top Patio Heater may be the answer.

Powered by a small propane gas take, this heater puts out 11,000 BTUs per hour. That’s a lot of heat for such a little system.

Unlike those large unwieldy heaters that stand from the ground up, this compact model will work to heat the area where you are going to be sitting without taking up too much space on your deck or patio. You can even move it with you if you start your evening at a table for dinner then want to move to a more comfortable sitting area to enjoy cocktails after dinner.

When it comes to safety, this is a great piece to own. It has an automatic shut off switch that kicks in if it is knocked over. If you are like most homes, things get knocked over on the table all the time, and it’s good to know this will not cause a fire if that were to happen.

What We Like

  • Unlike larger models that make a loud hiss while being used, this is a relatively quiet heater.
  • It’s easy to assemble. You only need a screwdriver.
  • Heats a good-sized area very effectively.
  • Can be hooked up to a small camp propane tank or the larger tanks if you want it to last longer.

Other Things to Consider

If you don’t have a big table to put it on, it may be too hot to also use the table as it has a pretty wide heat radius.

CLICK HERE TO BUY THE ENDLESS SUMMER TABLE TOP PATIO HEATER & TO SEE WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING

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