Let Bbq Islands Bring Home Entertainment Roaring to Life

Thursday, 25. February 2010

Everyone loves a good party. Add in the company of friends and family with some good barbeque and the party becomes an instant hit. Barbeques are an informal setting where people can forget about the stresses and hassles of everyday life and relax for a change. Take the planning one step further by incorporating bbq islands into a backyard design.

 

Entertainment Value

 

Every outdoor kitchen should contain essential elements that are needed to enhance the entertainment value of any backyard social gathering. There are the obvious pieces of equipment that must be included such as a built in grill and a sink for easy food preparation and after dinner cleanup. Another must have piece of equipment for entertainment purposes is an outdoor kitchen pizza oven.

 

There is a flat surface pizza oven that functions similar to that of a brick pizza oven seen in many restaurants. Another option is a stainless steel pizza oven that resembles a microwave oven. Finally there is a combination option that stacks an oven and a microwave oven on top of one another. This is the perfect option for making pizza for the kids and hamburgers for adults.

 

No party would be complete without tasty beverages. Add in a stainless steel blender that is perfect for mixed drinks, salsa or other sauces for party foods. Take the beer straight from the refrigerator to the tap in one step with a beer tap refrigerator. Make cocktails easier with a cocktail center complete with divided sections for ice and garnishes for drinks. Keep everything ice cold with the help of a drop in ice chest. This is the perfect place to store drinks for the adults and popsicles for the kids.

 

Summer will inevitably turn to fall and the cooler weather is not too far behind. There is no reason the arrival of cooler weather should bring an end to backyard barbeques. Simply add in an outdoor fireplace or fire pit to any BBQ islands setup for great cold weather parties. Outdoor fireplaces are available in gas, electric and wood burning formats. For a cozier feel, select an outdoor fire pit. These decorative pieces can easily be placed in the center of a gathering to bring warmth to a party once the sun has set for the evening.

 

Nothing creates a great party atmosphere more than a warm fire paired with music or television. Relive those old high school memories by blasting the favorite tunes of that year on a surround sound stereo system built right into the outdoor kitchen unit. Many of the outdoor stereos come complete with AM/FM stereo, CD and MP3 capabilities. There is even the opportunity to add in iPod and satellite radio capabilities.

 

Invite the guys over for the big game and relax in a comfortable backyard BBQ island setup complete with television. Select two or more televisions to be installed into the island layout to enhance the game even more. There will be plenty of room for storing ice, grilling up stellar burgers and popping a nice cold beer whenever the mood arises. It is a functional setting for family gatherings as well. Kids’ birthdays would not be complete until the latest kids show craze appeared on the outdoor kitchen television while hot dogs and fries were being cooked on the grill.

 

Design Factor

 

There are a variety of Outdoor Kitchens to select from in terms of layout design. A common selection is the standard straight line layout with at least two kitchen components. Rounded and L-shape layout designs provide additional countertop space and customized feature options. There is the opportunity to add bar stool seating around the counter. This provides BBQ guests with a front row seat to all the grilling action.

 

From a cost perspective, there are BBQ islands that fit within any budget. The overall price of an island depends greatly on what options an owner wishes to include. Economy cost islands consist of the straight line design with at least two kitchen components. From there the sizes and prices expand. A grand scale grill island layout can consume the better portion of outdoor patio areas and mirror that of a standard indoor kitchen.

 

Conclusion

 

There is nothing better in life than inviting friends and family over for a backyard barbeque. Outdoor kitchens complete with the essential entertainment features will make hosting a barbeque less work on the chef and ensure a good time will be had by all.

 

 

Angie Manson
http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/let-bbq-islands-bring-home-entertainment-roaring-to-life-733922.html

Outdoor Fireplace Designs – How to Plan

Monday, 22. February 2010

There is nothing cozier than curling up on a chilly night in front of your fireplace with the person you love. Fireplaces are one of the most romantic interior designs you could hope for, and it’s hard to imagine a person that couldn’t be drawn by its crackling warmth and the promise of a lover’s touch.

But have you ever thought of adding a fireplace to the outside of your home? If not, you should. They can be just as romantic and effective.

If you’re looking for how to plan your outdoor fireplace design, here are a few things to remember, so that, with the next change of weather, you’ll be ready with a fireplace you can be proud of, just when you need it most.

First of all, there are two basic fireplaces you’ll wish to consider for your backyard: the built-in fireplace and the portable fire pit. You’ll have to decide which you prefer. The permanent fireplace is most preferred in larger backyards. Once you’ve decided how you want to proceed, research different looks. There is a lot of information available online. You may even know someone who can give you ideas. Recommended suggestions:

Outdoor Fireplace Designs Sure to Hold Up

Stone, rock, and brick, are all great choices. Whether you decide on marble, limestone, slate, granite, brick, or river rock, these solid materials will give your outdoor fireplace design a classic look that is sure to impress the neighbors.

These materials are sturdy enough to battle the weather and are not all that difficult to clean. Careful, though?some choices are more expensive than others. Rock tends to blow away stone in the cost department, so investigate prices as much as you do your potential designs.

Special Considerations

Once you’ve picked out your materials, decide on any special considerations:

* To mantel or not to mantel?

* Will it be a corner fireplace or no?

* What about the hearth?

Look at what others have done before you. Choose what will suit your tastes and what will not. You may even wish to draw it up on paper before breaking ground. Once the details are worked out, it’s time to build. Are you paying to have it done, or do you wish to save a few dollars and try it out yourself?

Whatever your choice, keep this in mind: Location is important.

Make sure your outdoor fireplace is in a position that will not cause any fire hazards with grass or garden. A stray spark can be very destructive if given the opportunity. Plan effectively!

Secondly, make sure it is a safe distance for guests. It’s a good idea to stay about three feet away for the fire, but you’ll want to make sure you and your guests can enjoy its warmth and each other’s company at the same time.

Last but not least, make sure the materials you purchase are rated for fire safety standards as applicable. Make safety first and enjoyment a close second!

Gen Wright
http://www.articlesbase.com/diy-articles/outdoor-fireplace-designs-how-to-plan-954842.html

iam making a fire pit out of a "44" gallon drum and dont have a plasma cutter what can i use to cut design out?

Wednesday, 14. October 2009


I’ve never heard of a 44 gallon drum..I know they come in 35 gallon and 55 gallon..we have used them all of our life…a saws all will cut right thru them though

I am trying to build a fire pit.?

Sunday, 4. October 2009

I need some design ideas. What materials should I use? Where do I need to call to find out if I am breaking any laws? Just anything regarding fire pits/barbecues would be appreciated.

You will first have to contact your municipality and see if they allow outdoor "recreation" fires. We built one in our back yard and used redbrick to do it. Dig a pit aprox 1 to 1&1/2 feet deep, and as wide as you need it. Level out bottom. Line with redbrick. Leave sides earthen. You have to remember to not stack the bricks around the top, this will prevent air flow.If you want a finished look for the top use one layer of bricks turned on their side so the holes in the bricks let the fire get air. If you just want an outdoor fire ring that you can cook on look on Gander Mountain’s website. You will need to order a catolog, it’s free. They sell fire rings that are somewhat inexpensive and you can put your cooking racks right on top to cook. We have both and use the ring more than the pit it’s easier and can be taken inside over he winter. I hope this helps you out. Good Luck!!!
http://www.gandermountain.com

I am trying to build a fire pit.?

Friday, 2. October 2009

I need some design ideas. What materials should I use? Where do I need to call to find out if I am breaking any laws? Just anything regarding fire pits/barbecues would be appreciated.

You will first have to contact your municipality and see if they allow outdoor "recreation" fires. We built one in our back yard and used redbrick to do it. Dig a pit aprox 1 to 1&1/2 feet deep, and as wide as you need it. Level out bottom. Line with redbrick. Leave sides earthen. You have to remember to not stack the bricks around the top, this will prevent air flow.If you want a finished look for the top use one layer of bricks turned on their side so the holes in the bricks let the fire get air. If you just want an outdoor fire ring that you can cook on look on Gander Mountain’s website. You will need to order a catolog, it’s free. They sell fire rings that are somewhat inexpensive and you can put your cooking racks right on top to cook. We have both and use the ring more than the pit it’s easier and can be taken inside over he winter. I hope this helps you out. Good Luck!!!
http://www.gandermountain.com