provided by: Casual Living With winter waning and the peak summer outdoor season fast approaching, homeowners are eagerly anticipating a return to backyard living. Some had such an exceptionally mild winter they could have literally moved their New Year's Day celebration to their deck and served guests a barbecued meal; others were so busy digging out from record snowfalls they couldn't find their grills, much less cook on them.
Now, as they contemplate frequent cooking, eating and entertaining outdoors, consumers start evaluating what furniture and equipment needs refurbishing, replacing or supplementing. That automatically triggers questions about what's new in outdoor living to make it easier and more fun.
Retailers selecting merchandise for spring and summer will find an abundance of great new products to help entice consumers into their stores. One of the most convenient, cost efficient ways to explore what's new is to visit the 450 exhibitors at HPBExpo in Reno, Nev., March 15-17. Here are some things to look for:
Barbecue Grills
There are many new grills with a variety of impressive features. Specialty retailers will be pleased to find more upscale charcoal and pellet grills that are stylish, convenient and provide terrific flavor. More variations of infrared continue to be introduced.
Diamond Charcoal Grill Island - The secret is unique incorporation of an electric element and fan blower to light the coals quickly. Easy to clean with a garden hose, it has a built-in disposal and the mess goes down the drain. Available in built-in or freestanding. www.diamondbbq.com
Cal Flame - One of the newest entries in the charcoal category, this stainless grill is available in built-in or modular units. A unique convection fan system circulates heat and smoke from coals and wood chips to enhance flavor. www.calspas.com
Kingsford - Masterbuilt has licensed the Kingsford brand name, which enjoys a high level of consumer awareness and confidence. The company now offers an extensive line of charcoal grills and smokers ranging from kettles to barrel grills to premium console models in stainless or black. www.masterbuilt.com
Louisiana Pellet Grills by Dansons Group - These premium stainless steel grills with styling to rival a gas grill come in three sizes and rely on heat and wood/smoke surrounding the food to produce flavor. www.dansons.com
Napoleon's Prestige Series - The Gemini has twin cooking systems with two grill heads, one with high intensity ceramic infrared bottom burners for searing perfection and restaurant style grilling. The other has stainless steel commercial grade tube burners for optimum indirect and convection style cooking. www.napoleongrills.com
Weber's Genesis E-310 - This striking grill combines stainless steel with blue, green, copper or black porcelain-enameled door panels and hood for an exciting and exclusive new look that provides an option to the vast array of all-stainless grills that dominate the gas market. The copper color will be available only to specialty dealers and hardware co-ops. www.weber.com
Accessories and Accoutrements
A proliferation of new seasonings and flavor enhancers, cleaning products and tools and accessories will intrigue and satisfy novice or master barbecue chefs.
Steven Raichlen's Best of Barbecue Stainless Steel Seafood Rack is perfect for grilling mussels, clams and oysters with the shells upright so you don't lose precious flavors from the inside. His Ultimate Steak Sauce is a grown-up cocktail of tangy tamarind, green peppercorns and Dijon mustard, plus an exotic blend of spices and flavor not found in ordinary steak sauces. www.companion-group.com
Grill Dog, a stainless steel rotisserie hot dog cooker fits any grill while freeing up space on the cooking grid. www.grill-dog.com.
Fire and Flavor Grilling Co.'s Poultry Perfect Brine Mix creates a tender, juicy, flavorful chicken or turkey that's ready to cook in just 30 minutes. Perfect Brine Mixes for turkey and pork also are available. www.fireandflavor.com
Picnic Time Vulcan 770-00, is the ultimate, all-in-one, insulated tailgating cooler with a gas grill, three-piece BBQ tools and fully removable waterproof cooler section. Conveniently packaged to take anywhere. www.picnictime.com
GasWatch helps prevent running out of gas while barbecuing with its electronic level indicator, emergency flow limiter and its dangerous leak detector for propane tanks. It has an LED light and low level alarm which is ideal for appliances with the tank inside a cabinet. www.gaswatch.com
Companion Group Dual Handle Monster Grill Brush tackles grill cleaning with force. Two handles help scrub off even the toughest foods stuck on the grill. www.companiongroup.com
Bayes Premium Stainless Steel BBQ Exterior Cleaner is non-toxic, non-abrasive. It cleans, shines and protects, guarding against harmful UV rays. www.lab-clean.com
Twin Eagles has added a gas patio heater to its line to help extend the outdoor season and add comfort to cool days or evenings spent on the patio or deck. The company also offers an electric model heater. www.twineaglesinc.com
Detroit Radiant Products Company Patio-Pal infrared heater is attractive and reasonably priced. Ideal for outdoor and indoor applications. www.detroitradiant.com
This is just the tip of the iceberg. Look for more new product information including inviting new barbecue cookbooks in Casual Living's March issue.
Donna Myers, president/CEO of DHM Group in Colts Neck, N.J., is a well-known promoter of the grill industry.
author: By Donna Myers
Casual Living. Copyright © 2007 Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.