Official Outdoor Living Blog

What makes a contemporary fire pit design?

In today’s market, people want styles to complement their home decor and to fit with their own sensibilities and lifestyle. Fire pits are no exception. In addition to graduating from being a rugged circle of rocks, in one’s back yard, the fire pit of today has evolved into a functional piece of furniture that works in a variety of outdoor settings, from patios and decks to outdoor pergolas and gazebos. Fed by natural, clean burning gas fuel, a fire pit table will work wherever you want it to.

The contemporary styles of today’s fire pits are designed for both looks and usability; they add a whole new dimension to the world of fire.

Key Largo - A contemporary gas fire pit that displays a bed of fire on top of reflective glass.

A contemporary design deals with “the present moment”, the style of the design is of the day. Lots of polished marble, Lucite and stainless steel details can be embedded in the design. The other materials used in contemporary design can be recycled materials and variations of chrome, plastic and plaster. Other factors go into selecting a fire pit and should be considered before purchasing a fire pit for your home.

Contemporary fire pit designs can include:

• Reflective surfaces
• Clean and sleek lines
• Linear burners
• Innovative graphical patterns
• Unusual colors
• Rounded forms
• Asymmetrical designs

The Uptown - Gas Fire Pit Table, with clean asymetrical lines

Get Fired Up! with a Gas Fire Pit Table.
As the economy improves and the days get longer, now is the time to start thinking and planning backyard enjoyment. At the heart of most outdoor rooms is a warm place to gather with family and friends. A place that provides comfort and relaxation. You guessed it, an outdoor fireplace.

A fire is a gathering place for family and friends.

This category of product is one that puts me in my comfort zone. A smarter person than myself once said, it is important to have the right product so you can create the right experience. My background (with my brothers we created Heat-N-Glo fireplaces) has included involvement with fire-related products for most of my career with a recent focus on outdoor products.

So, let’s talk about outdoor fireplaces. For many people today, the most popular choice (due primarily to clean burning, no smoke, ease of operation and oh yes, price) is a gas fire pit table. This category has rapidly developed in the last few years.  It is a great product for entertainment and gathering around the fire. It is also very functional as a chat table and with some you can even get a “lazy susan” to cover the fire when not operating.

Sierra Gas Fire Pit Table

If a gas fire pit table is your choice, what should you look for?
Sturdy construction, something that blends in nicely with your backyard plan and if you are not going to run a gas line to it, provisions for an LP tank (similar to your BBQ grill tank) for fuel supply.  One of the most important decisions in this process is selecting the right gas burner.  Choices include round, square, rectangular or the more recently introduced linear.

Choosing a burner for your gas fire pit table.
When choosing a burner, there are several key considerations including material (make sure it is stainless steel so you avoid rust problems), good flame so it is aesthetically appealing and last but not least make sure it is UL Listed.  Why you ask?  Because this ensures it has been safety tested, rain tested (the right materials such as stainless steel burners), wind tested (so it properly operates outside), clean burning (so minimum carbon monoxide is generated and soot is not), ignition tested (so it safely ignites) and tested with the material that covers the burner (ie. Glass gems or other such items).  While fire still needs to be very respected and watched closely, the UL listing provides many positive benefits and makes shopping easier.

So, Fire-up this year and create an outdoor room that gives you a great place to gather your family or friends and “enjoy the experience”.

-Dan Shimek

If you just purchased a condo, or maybe just signed a lease for a new apartment – what can you do if you love to grill but you don’t have a large outdoor space or can’t have a fire? Because Multi-Family Properties have different fire codes than single family homes, you need to make sure what you can and cannot use for outdoor cooking! You could actually be issued a citation by the Fire Department, so make sure you check with your local authorities and your Insurance Agent. You could possibly void your insurance coverage.

Electric Grill on condo balcony

The National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) states that Liquid Propane (LP) tanks cannot be used in a Multi-Level Property unless one pound or less in size. Relax!  You still have choices beyond a “George Foreman”™ type Grill! The technology in Electronic Grills has advanced to the point where you can do the same things with an Electric Grill that you can with a Gas Grill which typically can cost thousands of Dollars more. An example would be the Stainless Steel Electric Grill by the Outdoor GreatRoom Company. They manufacture a grill that can Sear, Roast and even comes with the Patented “Cook Number System™. The real point is you can still have all the amenities found in a large back yard in the suburbs…and actually be on the 34th Floor Down Town!

Cook Number Grilling System – See How it works

Wait! Don’t put that gas fire pit table into storage.  So, the snowboarders and ski fanatics are a little bummed with the lack of snow this winter, but why not make the most of the unseasonably warm weather in the Midwest? As a hearty Minnesotan, there is no better way to enjoy this weather than sitting around a gas fire pit table.  Sure, there may be a chill in the air, but with 60,000 BTU’s any of our tables will bring warmth and a beautiful glow to your outdoor living room.  And because it burns with either natural gas or propane, there is no need to stack and store wood. Just flick a switch and you will have a beautiful, warm glowing fire i seconds.  And because it is a fire pit table – you can use it to set your drinks and food on too.

Warm up this winter with a fire pit table.

A fire pit table is a great way to take advantage of winter weather.

Do you want to create that nostalgic Christmas look? Here is a great way to get the old time look with a modern technology product! The French Colonial Gas Lantern by the Outdoor GreatRoom Company can help you create the look of Christmas’s of days before…this year!

This fun product is designed to operate on a one pound LP tanks available at most Hardware or Home Center store and lasts 15-18 hours on a single tank. You can enjoy the dancing flame and think of simpler times.

The technology is a battery operated electronic igniter for on demand operation and no waste of a pilot light. You can even attach the weighted base to the for with brackets included in every light.

This is a product for everyone who enjoys the Beauty of a Gas Flame….enjoy and Happy Holidays!

If you are just like me, then holiday shopping gets a little stressful- especially when you wait til the last minute hoping to find the perfect gift for the pickiest person!  Well look no further- The Outdoor GreatRoom Company has lanterns to help create the perfect ambiance for a relaxing night at home!  The French Colonial lanterns are 90” tall, made with rust-free aluminum with a brushed bronze finish, run on a one-pound LP tank and they are UL listed!  All you need to do is hook-up your tank, flip the switch and you are good to burn for over 15 hours!  The French Colonial lantern is also portable and comes with a wind-resistant base so it can be put just about anywhere!  This lantern is sure to make even the pickiest gift receiver, very happy this holiday season!

There is nothing better than sitting in your back yard with friends and family enjoying an evening Fire (I prefer gas because I won’t get smoke in my direction!) The Glow on everyone’s face and being able to pop your toes close to the fire and really warm up is so……relaxing.

Wait a minute!….why not take this to the next level!

It's a table and a fire pit - all in one.

A Fire Pit Table gives you two products in one….you can start out your entertaining with Snacks, chips & Dip…favorite beverage…”you know the drill”  You may choose to eat dinner around your Fire Pit Table then when the sun is setting the evening temperatures are starting to cool, all that is needed is to take off the Burner Cover start your igniter – slowly turn on your gas and WOW! You have a beautiful – warm – glowing fire! Everyone can enjoy the evening and when it’s time to go in….just turn off the gas supply valve, replace the burner cover and you can go indoors for the evening. The end of a great day!

The Inspiration Fireplace, the first ever UL listed gel-fuel fireplace, may be the most versatile, fireplace on the market today. It can be hung on the wall in just minutes and works both indoors and out.

Everyone loves a fire: bonfires, gas fires, fire pits and fireplaces. Traditionally, fireplaces were a standard built into most homes. Over the years, fireplaces had many important uses. They served as a place to cook food. They were used to stay warm and provide heat on a cold day or night. Fireplaces also serve as a gathering place or a location where people meet together in a place of warmth. Today, people still crave to be in front of a warm, cozy fire.

The Inspiration Fireplace, created by the Outdoor GreatRoom® Company, now makes it possible for anyone to have a fireplace in any room of their home, condo or apartment. The Inspiration Fireplace does not require venting and the ease of installation allows anyone to have the beauty and warmth of a fireplace in any room of the home – indoors or out – in just minutes. There are no gas lines to run or special construction required. Making it a great option for a first fireplace, or the perfect way to add a second fireplace to the home to complement to an existing wood or gas fireplace. It would also make an unusual gift.The product is extremely versatile and portable and perfect for indoor and outdoor living. From bathrooms to bedrooms and backyard patios to tiny alcoves – the opportunities for use are endless.

The Inspiration Fireplace takes a small, non-descript gel flame and instantly turns it into an active piece of art. The fireplace even installs like a work of art, simply hanging on a secure wall mount. The gel fuel is clean-burning and safe to use. This one-time-use can of gel burns for over 1.5 hours.

The Outdoor GreatRoom® Company was founded by Dan Shimek in 2003. The company builds everything needed to create and outdoor living room. Products include: pergolas, fire pits, fireplaces, outdoor kitchens, lighting and heating.

Electric Grill by Cook Number

So you have the dubious task of finding that “perfect” gift for the person that has everything? If they like the Outdoor Life Style look for the Electric Cook Number Grill! This is not the cheaply built typical electric grill. It is made from #304 Stainless Steel, includes the patented “Cook Number System™” technology and operated on a standard 110 volt electrical outlet. Your gift will bring the ability to grill almost anywhere an outlet is located. I can speak from personal experience this smaller size still does everything the BIG Grill was designed to do but easier. If your gift recipient lives in an apartment or condo it’s even better! Many residents of Multi-Level properties don’t have the choice of Gas or Charcoal due to Fire Codes…but electric is approved! Shopping can be challenging but maybe you just got one more checked off your list! To learn more visit Outdoor Rooms and have a safe and  happy holiday!

The Ideal Outdoor Event took place this year during the High Point market at Padma’s Plantation’s  fantastic 6,500 square foot outdoor showroom space.  Hosts for the event included The Outdoor GreatRoom Company, TUUCI, Henry Hall Design’s, 40 West, and Padma’s Plantation. Sponsored by Casual Living Magazine, the voice of the leisure market. Guests enjoyed live music entertainment, a pig roast, and margaritas as they previewed the latest and greatest new products for outdoor living. The category of outdoor living has remained strong and continues to grow with consumer interest in new technology and designs that extend their living space. View Event Press Release Here

High Point Market - 006

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