Creating the Ultimate Outdoor Kitchen

In recent years, the outdoor kitchen trend has been on the rise. Outdoor kitchen appliances have never been so affordable and easy to install, and many families are taking advantage of these new, convenient options to create the ultimate outdoor kitchen space. These kitchens make social gatherings more vibrant and entertaining. Even better... they will likely increase the value of your home.

If you are considering adding an outdoor kitchen to your home, here are a few tips to get you started on your project.

It All Starts with the Grill

At the center of any outdoor kitchen is the grill. Which type of grill you select will depend on your kitchen layout. If you plan on building a kitchen, complete with counters for food prep, look for a high quality built-in grill. These grills typically come in natural gas or liquid propane varieties and may feature accessories such as rotisseries and warming trays. If you want the look of a built-in, but aren't exactly looking to build, consider a prefab island like the American Outdoor Grill Stack Stone 60" Pre-Fab Grill Island which will create the look of a built-in grill - no construction necessary. If you would like your grill to be portable, there are a number of high quality barbecue islands on wheels. Whichever grill style you select, be sure to procure a properly sized BBQ grill cover to keep it in tip-top shape when not in use.

Keep Things Cool

A small outdoor refrigerator is a great addition to any outdoor kitchen. It will keep raw meat fresh, veggies crisp and drinks ice cold. Choose between a built in refrigerator or a refrigerator cart, which literally wheels around the yard like an airplane drink cart and can double as a bar. If your budget is super tight, you could even place a small, inexpensive refrigerator in a discrete place. If you are feeling artistic, paint the fridge a bright color... or simply cover it was a colorful tablecloth and it can double as a table when you aren’t grilling.

Stocking the Bar

A bar is a very fun addition to your outdoor kitchen space. Whether keeping sodas on hand for the kids, mixing margaritas for a sunny afternoon, or concocting adult beverages late night, the bar will keep the fun going. Many outdoor kitchens are also including wine racks and liquor cabinets, but if you are looking for something less formal, there are a number of attractive, portable bars available in a wide variety of designs, from traditional to funky.

Patio Furniture Will Make or Break the Space

There is no point in creating an outdoor dining space, if is uncomfortable to use. Your guests will need a comfortable place to lounge and trust me, cheap plastic seats just won’t cut it. Instead, invest in a quality outdoor dining table and chairs. Budget permitting, I recommend also splurging on a set of outdoor sofas or love seats complete with water resistant cushions. This will really make all the difference. After making that investment, be sure to select the right patio furniture covers to keep seats clean and protect the furniture from the elements. If you plan on using the space in the evening and at night, think about including an attractive outdoor fire pit. This will give the space warmth and charm, while also serving as a focal point for the gathering.

About the Author: Derrick Riley is a Managing Partner at Patio Products USA, a subsidiary of Neighbors Marketing specializing in patio products and accessories for the home and commercial use. Patio Products USA is one North America’s largest distributors of products to improve outdoor entertaining, including a wide selection of patio furniture covers, patio fire pits and garden patio heaters.

Favorite Fire Pits for the Holiday Season

Fire pits and chimineas are welcome additions to most outdoor spaces, infusing the area with style, charm and warmth. A fire pit can easily transform a backyard or patio from a dull, inhospitable space to the social center of your home. Since the fire pit will likely become the focal point of your patio, you will want to pick out a piece that fits your aesthetic and personality. Look for a piece of functional art that fits properly in the space allotted and stays within your budget. The good news is, you can obtain a beautiful, high quality piece for an amazingly low price. The following are five outdoor patio fire pits and chimineas that our team are particularly excited about this holiday season.

1. Fleur de Lis Fire Pit

The Fleur de Lis fire pit by Fire Pit Art is a favorite because it proudly showcases the French symbol that often signifies perfection, light, and life. This high quality, hand crafted fire pit is also one of the most unique fire pits on the market. Each one is individually signed by the designer, Rick Wittrig, and is made from thick carbon steel.

2. Full Moon Party Fire Doom

The Full Moon Party Fire Doom is another favorite because it is affordable, unique and durable. This top of the line patio fire pit was designed in the USA and created with the finest materials possible, including powder-coated steel. The design is so exquisite. If you are looking for a fire pit that will turn heads and keep visitors talking, this is unquestionably the choice for you.

3. Azteca Gas Fire Pit

If you prefer a gas powered fire pit for your patio, the Azteca fire pit is a great option. The Azteca fire pit has the same textured look as clay, but the FirEx composition makes it more durable. Another plus is that the flame can be adjusted from 20,000 to 32,000 btu depending on your needs.

4. Grape Style Chiminea Outdoor Fireplace

Chimineas are very similar to fire pits in the fact that they add physical and design warmth to your outdoor space, however chimineas often have a more rustic look. The Grape Style Chiminea is the most popular outdoor fireplace because it is affordable, well made and functional. We love the Grape Style Chiminea for its detailed grape leaf design and cast iron grill insert.

5. Tidal Fire Pit

If you are going for a more modern look in your backyard or patio, you will love the tidal fire pit. Each tidal fire pit is made from one quarter inch carbon steel, the heaviest gauge metal used in any fire pit. Similar to the Fleur de Lis Fire Pit, it is also hand crafted by Rick Wittrig for his Fire Pit Art brand. The 1-1/2 rain drain in the bottom of the tidal fire pit is another highly functional feature that we appreciate.

Adding a fire pit to your outdoor space allows your family and friends to come together in a relaxed setting, making better use of your backyard or patio even in the chillier months of the year. Don’t be surprised if they keep coming back to enjoy the cozy and relaxed ambiance created by the warm glow of a new fire pit.

About the Author: Derrick Riley is a Managing Partner at Patio Products USA, a subsidiary of Neighbors Marketing specializing in patio products and accessories for the home and commercial use. Patio Products USA is one North America’s largest distributors of products to improve outdoor entertaining, including a wide selection of outdoor patio furniture covers, patio fire pits, and garden patio heaters.

Top 10 Restaurant Outdoor Dining Trends

As American culture continues to embrace the Foodie movement, more restaurants are choosing to elevate their atmosphere for a more multidimensional dining experience. The modern diner is looking for an enjoyable environment, and often prefers an outside dining option when the weather is nice. Whether it is a first date, a Friday happy hour or Sunday brunch with the family, dining outdoors is a desirable and fun experience. For this reason, restaurateurs are finding new and interesting ways to incorporate exterior dining options into their restaurant.

The following are the top 10 trends for outdoor restaurant dining we have observed in North America. If you are looking to add or remodel an outdoor space at your restaurant, the key to success is finding the right atmosphere for your brand as well as your particular climate. In many cases, seasonality and climate will limit how often your clientele will be able to dine out of doors. No matter which type of dining area you establish, adding in a series of commercial-grade outdoor patio heaters is a worthwhile expense that will extend your patio dining areas usability into the chillier months and evenings.

1. The Beer Garden

Alongside the Gastro-Pub movement, we have observed a rise in the fun and fabulous beer garden. These dining / drinking gardens are typically an inexpensive, casual addition featuring picnic tables, large patio umbrellas, and garden accents such as hanging plants and cheerful flowerbeds. Add in fun international accents such as beer steins and foreign signage, and you are most certainly going to attract lucrative, repeat visitors especially during happy hour and the weekend.

2. The Lounge

A swanky outdoor lounge is the perfect complement to an up-market restaurant.  Create an atmosphere of urban sophistication with comfortable, luxurious furniture as well as en pointe aesthetics. If you are a design novice, it is worth hiring a professional designer as nothing destroys the lounge mystique faster than amateur design. These types of lounges are a perfect pairing with ultra sophisticated cuisine, small plates or tapas.

3. The Sidewalk Café

The sidewalk café mimics the common street dining found in France, Italy and Switzerland. The set up can be executed in two simple ways. The first is small café tables with plenty of garden patio umbrellas to provide shade. The second is pairing small café tables with a spacious awning. Red and red stripped awnings that feature the restaurant's name are a particularly charming and authentic.

4. The Hipster’s Paradise

If your target demographic is twenty-something’s, consider a slightly more urban-meets-antique aesthetic. Eclectic furniture pieces, a graffiti-art mural and wi-fi access will attract hipster clients in droves. Make sure tables have space for both food and laptops.

5. The Sublime View

Not so much a new trend, but certainly a powerful one. If your restaurant is located in beautiful locale – be it desert, mountain or waterfront scenery – consider creating a patio that allows for broad panoramic views. In some instances this will require an elevated dining area. This investment, however, will almost certainly pay for itself as gorgeous views are in high demand and word-of-mouth referrals are virtually guaranteed.

6. The Intimate Courtyard

There are currently two predominant versions of the courtyard experience – the English and the French provincial. The English approach is a bit more formal and manicured and will require more rigorous garden upkeep as well as more formal dishware. The French provincial approach is a bit more casual… think dressed-up wooden picnic tables and authentically rustic - even mismatched - tableware. It should feel as though you were having a relaxed lunch at a winery in the south of France. Whether English or French in nature, the courtyard experience is all about pairing exquisite gardens with refined, continental touches, for an charming and intimate dining experience.

7. The Rooftop Party

The rooftop party mimics the highly sought after NYC rooftop space. These dining areas tend to be relaxed and often transition into a more bar-type atmosphere as the night progresses. Add in colorful lanterns, sparkling lights, and modern urban accents. A rooftop dining area is a fabulous addition to laid back, casual restaurants. Safety can be an issue, so invest in proper railing and consult a lawyer about mitigating possible liabilities.

8. Life on the Farm – Only Better

Many restaurants are placing a greater emphasis on using organic, local produce... and some are even growing a portion of their own produce on site, including vegetables, fruit and even poultry. The farm patio experience seeks to extend the dining room into the garden area, so the diner is truly immersed into the locally-grown experience. Unfortunately, with nature also comes the elements and it’s not fun to dine where it’s muggy and buggy... so these restaurants must vigilantly police the area for critters and flies using non-toxic methods inline with their organic branding.

9. The Convertible Patio

There has been a conspicuous increase in convertible patios - indoor dining spaces that can transform into patios by removing walls or portions of the roof. Many restaurants have installed garage doors and electric awnings so that entire walls can open up on more beautiful days. This tends to be more appropriate for casual dining destinations, but – with the right architect / contractor and sliding glass walls - can also work for a more sophisticated experience.

10. Southern Hospitality

Southern cooking and comfort food are definitely on trend in the US right now… and many restaurants are extending the experience beyond the dish to the restaurant's atmosphere. Wrap around porches with southern charm are becoming very popular in the comfort food circle. Think flower boxes, pickle jars and large overhead fans that transport the restaurant-goers to a gentile Southern home.

About the Author: Derrick Riley is a Managing Partner at Patio Products USA, an online commercial and residential patio products store. Patio Products USA is one North America’s largest distributors of patio furniture covers, patio fire pits on sale and garden patio heaters.

The Eco Friendly Patio

If you love nature and embrace a green lifestyle, chances are you also love spending time outdoors. The outdoor patio space is quickly becoming the primary "living room" for many green families. More and more of our clients are asking us how they can enhance their outdoor living space in a responsible, eco-friendly manner. Thanks to buying online, green living is easier and more affordable than ever. Here are a few easy tips for making your outdoor space a comfortable, eco-friendly retreat.

Build with the right materials

While concrete slabs are still, perhaps, the cheapest material for creating an outdoor patio space, concrete has a significant carbon footprint due to the manufacturing process. Some better options would be recycled or salvaged materials, bricks, hempcrete (a hemp based concrete alternative) or natural stone slabs. Poor drainage is the arch enemy of a healthy patio space. Be sure to space pavers or stone out so that water can drain, thus lengthening your patio material's life.

Choose the right patio furniture and décor pieces

Look for furniture made with natural materials that can withstand the elements – especially moisture. Teak, eucalyptus or recycled wine barrels are all popular and attractive choices. If you do choose wood furniture, be sure to purchase from patio furniture manufacturers that employ responsible forest management when harvesting timber. Other eco-friendly furniture options include recycled wicker and plastic furniture. Accent the space with recycled fabric pillows and an all-weather rug made from recycled plastic bottles – which are surprisingly beautiful and affordable. Gather the seating around a copper outdoor patio fire pit or rustic chiminea and stock your patio with high efficiency firelogs that burn clean, with fewer carbon emissions.

Protect your investment

The elements are not only hard on your patio, but they will also weather and age your patio furniture. Invest in quality patio furniture covers that will protect your furniture for the long-haul and keep them from the landfill. Look for garden furniture covers that fit snugly around the piece so that water does not seep through and puddle in crevices. There are specially crafted covers for all types of patio items, from BBQ covers to outdoor patio table and chair covers in a myriad of sizes.

Select energy efficient accents

If you want to use your outdoor patio space year round in an eco-friendly manner, it is important that you also invest in an eco-friendly patio heater or heating system. Solaira heaters are especially popular heaters that utilize cutting edge LED technologies to provide highly efficient heat. Solaria heaters utilize 92% of the available energy, making them a cost effective and eco-friendly alternative to propane and natural gas heating systems.

About the Author: Derrick Riley is a Managing Partner at Patio Products USA, an online commercial and residential patio products store. Patio Products USA is one North America’s largest distributors of patio furniture and BBQ covers, patio fire pits and gas, electric and propane patio heaters.

Backyard Patio Trends for 2012

Since the economic downturn in 2008, the home has become an increasingly popular entertainment venue. Families have replaced expensive vacations and outings to restaurants and bars, with more intimate and economical outdoor gatherings and barbecues. With this shift, the patio and backyard space has become increasingly important and many families choose to strategically invest in their outdoor space for maximum enjoyment and home value. Many families have been pleasantly surprised to find that an enhanced patio and yard space significantly improves overall quality of life.

If you are looking to upgrade your outdoor entertainment space this year, the following are the top 5 backyard patio trends for 2012.

1. The Backyard as Destination

Rather than sinking money into expensive vacations, many home owners are making their backyard space a destination in its own right, by installing water features, sculpted pools with water slides, outdoors kitchens and luxurious garden accents such as bridges and porticoes. When making your yard a destination, it is important to first decide what sort of environment is compatible with your climate and of course what sort of space appeals to you and your family. From Japanese Zen gardens to a Miami-circa-1960 retreat, there are a number of wonderful themes that you can utilize in your yard in stunning and surprisingly affordable ways. The trick is careful planning and resourcefulness.

2. Embracing the Natural World

Part of the recent cultural shift is a return to meaningful connectedness and simplification. This includes a conspicuous move towards embracing nature and environmentalism - a shift that is decidedly reflected in the modern American yard. Many American home owners are opting for a more natural looking outdoor space… a space that is less manicured and decidedly lush… perhaps even a little wild.


Patios are using more natural looking materials such as slate, rock and gravel. Likewise, more families are choosing to incorporate edible vegetation into their spaces, from garden herbs and vegetable patches to fruit or olive trees. Some particularly committed individuals have even started raising chickens, complete with decorative coops! The result is a charming space that has a comforting agricultural feel.


3. Strategic Patio Sculpting

Patios are taking on very unique shapes these days, with two extremes being the most popular: sharp mid-century lines ala Mad Men and more organic, gently curving spaces that blend into their natural environment. If you choose to do mid-century chic, choose patio furniture and features that complement that area. Remember that traveling to Miami and Cuba was all the rage in the 50’s and early 60’s, so these sorts of accents can be very fun additions. Check out local second hand stores for fun era-appropriate ceramics, which will add a lot of personality for a very small cash investment. If the ceramics appear a bit beat-up, feel free to spray paint them super bright or metallic colors, an easy trick that gives old pieces a new life for less than $3.

If you prefer a more curvaceous, organic layout, it is important to focus on ways to have the space spill into the natural space effortlessly. Use a variety of small potted plants to blend hard lines and add texture. Incorporate outdoor patio products that have an elemental feel, such as water features or outdoor fire pits and chimineas. Choose patio furniture in materials that jibe with the natural tone, such as teak.

A very easy and inexpensive third option blends the two before-mentioned styles. Instead of a solid patio area, use a number of large square pavers to define the patio space. These pavers will allow grass, moss or gravel to poke through, merging the very structured mid-century aesthetic with a more naturalistic feel, giving you the best of both worlds!

4. A Hidden Patio Location

Not long ago, the patio was always located immediately outside your back door. This is no longer the case. Many home owners are choosing to create "getaway patios" slightly removed from the house, creating a sort of escape destination from the home. These types of patios can exist as small islands in a shady nook of the garden, or be connected to the home with a charming pathway. In some cases, home owners actually screen the area or strategically place plants or water features so that the space is shielded from view and truly feels remote.

5. Incorporating Patio Shelters

Since we are spending more time outdoors it makes sense that we are also incorporating shelters into the space, including gazebos, pergolas, arbors, canopies and even cabanas or small cabins. A sheltered area will extend the use of your patio space, providing shade in the hot months and head cover in the cooler or wetter months. The structure you choose will depend on your climate, personal needs, outdoor space and overall budget. If you live in a cooler climate, and do not have the space for a cabana or cabin feature, consider outfitting your space with outdoor patio heaters that will keep everyone warm and comfortable in the cooler months.

About the Author: Derrick Riley is a Managing Partner at Patio Products USA, a subsidiary of Neighbors Marketing specializing in patio products and accessories for the home and commercial use. Patio Products USA is one North America’s largest distributors of products to improve outdoor entertaining, including a wide selection of patio furniture covers, patio fire pits and garden patio heaters. 

Get Your Patio Ready for Cold Weather

The backyard patio is easily one of the most important outdoor spaces in American culture. It is the center of get-togethers, barbecues, bunches, and special events like baby showers and even weddings. There is something special about a private outdoor setting. Unfortunately, as the seasons change and temperatures drop, the patio area may not be as comfortable as it was in the spring and summer.

To get the most out of your outdoor entertainment space, there are a few easy strategies and patio products that will extend the use of your outdoor space significantly. In fact, with the right gear, you will find that the cooler months will be some of your favorite times to linger outdoors with friends and loved ones.

Choose the Right Patio Accessories

Plastic and metal patio furniture may hold up well year round, but they certainly don’t retain heat. Outfit your seating with comfortable cushions that will insulate your family and guests. The more cushions the better. Select cushions constructed from water resistant fabric that complements the overall design of your backyard space. Purchase 2 or 3 soft blankets or throws that are designated for outdoor use. There is nothing quite like being wrapped up in a blanket under the stars on a cool winter’s night. I also recommend that you invest in some quality patio furniture covers to protect your furniture and keep seats dry between uses. Nothing spoils an evening outdoors quite like sitting in a puddle of ice cold water. If you have a barbecue grill, be sure to outfit it was a proper patio BBQ Cover as well. That way your BBQ won't be water logged all winter long.

Install Wind Barriers

If your patio space is exposed to fall gusts and winter winds, you can expect the wind chill to decrease the temperature by 10 degrees or more. Instead of exposing your social space to direct wind, place a barrier on the wind-exposed side or sides. This could be a temporary barrier constructed of bamboo or lightweight wood, or a permanent structure that you can keep up year round.

Invest in a Quality Patio Heater

There are a number of different style patio heaters to fit any entertainment space. The first thing you will need to decide is where the heater will go… which in turn will determine what sort of energy source you will need. If a socket is not nearby (and they rarely are) I recommend an outdoor propane patio heater. These devices are portable, last for years and years and really transform the environment in something special.

Incorporate Lighting Features

As the days get shorter light becomes scarce. You will need some lighting in your outdoor patio area, but it’s important to keep lighting soft and subtle so that it doesn’t distract from the stars and mood. I recommend stringing up strings of large white light bulbs – a classic look that will work year round. Adding an outdoor fire pit not only complements the natural setting, but it provides the perfect amount of flickering light to the space and can act as a visual focal point for the social area.

About the Author: Derrick Riley is a Managing Partner at Patio Products USA, a subsidiary of Neighbors Marketing specializing in outdoor patio products for home or commercial use. As one of North America's largest distributors of outdoor patio products and equipment, Patio Products USA delivers a wide selection of outdoor garden patio heaters as well as a wide selection of patio furniture covers.

Top 10 Turkey Fryer Tips

With Thanksgiving around the corner and Football season in full swing, now is the time to invest in a turkey fryer if you haven't already. We’ve compiled our top 10 turkey frying tips to help you use your fryer to its fullest, most delicious potential.

1. Reuse the oil: Depending on the size of your turkey, you’ll find that you need around 5 gallons of oil to fry it effectively. The good news is that you can reuse this frying oil with a few simple steps.

• When frying, never let the oil heat above 400 degrees Fahrenheit (oils break down at this heat)
• Let the oil cool
• Strain the oil into an airtight container in order to remove the turkey particles
• Don’t reuse more than 3 times and discard after 6 months of storage

2. Use the fryer to cook other foods besides turkey: Despite its name, a turkey fryer can, and should, be used to fry other foods.

• Use for fish frys
• Use water instead of oil and bulk boil seafood like clams, oysters or lobsters
• You can also throw in cajun seasoning, corn on the cob and potatoes with the seafood and boil a complete meal all at once - so good!
• For whatever food you decide to fry, make sure it is completely dry before submerging it in oil

3. Measure for the right amount of oil: To avoid wasting oil or over-filling your turkey fryer, use a water displacement method to determine the precise amount of oil you need to fry

• Place your uncovered turkey into the fryer pot and cover it entirely with water.
• Remove the turkey and make a mark on your fryer coinciding with the new water line
• Instead of marking directly on your fryer, you can pour the water out into jugs and use that same amount when filling the fryer with oil
• Be careful: too much oil is the main cause of spills and fires

4. Use turkey fryer outdoors: Even though we tend to use our fryers during the chillier winter holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas and Superbowl Sunday, do not move the frying indoors to beat the cold. It's just not safe.

• Oil above 450 degrees can begin heating up rapidly and cause a grease fire.
• The oil bubbles and pops often and can be messy
• You can always use a gas fire pit or outdoor patio heater to help provide warmth against the cold temperatures.

5. Completely thaw out the turkey before lowering it into the fryer: Placing a partially frozen turkey into a pot of hot oil is very dangerous. Give yourself enough time so that you can allow your turkey to completely thaw in the refrigerator before it’s time to fry.

• Lower the thawed turkey slowly into the hot oil.
• The oil will be bubbling a little, so wear long protective gloves when lowering the turkey to prevent burns

6. Inject your turkey with marinade: For maximum fried turkey taste, use a syringe to inject marinade into your turkey before frying.

• The less injections you make, the better.
• To help oil drip off the turkey when you’re finished frying, make a cut on the skin at the joints of the leg and thigh.
  
• You should also rub dry seasoning on the outside of the dry turkey if you want more flavor

7. Watch the temperature of the oil! When cooking with large amounts of hot oil, it’s imperative to have someone constantly monitoring the temperature of the oil to ensure it not exceed 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

• Don’t let the oil exceed 350 degrees Fahrenheit for safety reasons and for effective reuse of the oil
• Use peanut oil because it smokes less than other oils and has a higher smoking point

8. Cook the bird 3 – 3.5 minutes per pound of meat: Typically, a turkey cooks to its desired temperature after 3 minutes per pound of meat. However, to be safe, beyond just monitoring the temperature of the oil, you’ll want to also watch the temperature of the turkey.

• Use a reliable thermometer to check the meat’s internal temperature from two points: the deepest part of the breast and the thigh
• With the stem of the thermometer at least two inches into the bird, the thigh temperature should reach 180 degrees Fahrenheit and the breast should achieve 170 degrees Fahrenheit.

9. Lay down a pan with paper towels where you can let the turkey rest, post-fry: You’ll always want to give your meat time to finish cooking and finish soaking up its juices before carving into it.

• Before you begin frying, be prepared and have ready: aluminum foil with which you can wrap the turkey after the fry and a safe place to rest your bird before carving
• You can put paper towels down on a tray or big cookie sheet for the bird
• Don’t wait until your hands are full and you’re pulling out the heavy bird and realize you have nowhere to put it!

10. Clean the fryer when it’s cool To have the longest turkey fryer life, make sure to clean it after each use. This also helps eliminate burning and problems with later frys.

• Wait at least 2 hours for the fryer to cool and make sure the oil is removed and stowed or discarded safely
• Wash the fryer out with a hose and dish soap, using a brush with bristles to help remove tough spots

We hope these handy top 10 turkey frying tips will help your cooking, entertaining or tailgating experiences.

About the Author: Derrick Riley is a Managing Partner at Patio Products USA, a subsidiary of Neighbors Marketing specializing in outdoor patio products for home or commercial use. As one of North America's largest distributors of outdoor entertaining products, Patio Products USA delivers a wide selection of outdoor fire pits, outdoor heaters and other patio heaters.