Evelyn Roberson on August 17th, 2010

Power Heat infrared quartz heaterOur newest infrared quartz heater, PowerHeat, allows heat to evenly distribute quickly for all around warmth.  Larger spaces, measuring 1,000 square feet, are not a challenge for a PowerHeat space heater to maintain warm. Heat is absorbed by the heat exchanger and then as it’s released by Power Heat then circulated by humidity existing in the room. This infrared heaters thermostat automatically controls the room temperature and comes equipped with a safety thermal cut-off.

Our Power Heat models lead the infrared quartz heating category in safety and efficiency. Heating at a lower temperature, is not only safer, but output at a higher speed will warm a large space more quickly. While the portable heaters heat output is 6,000 BTUs, the wood cabinet and felt lined grill are safe to the touch. Introduce a new quality piece of furniture into your home, rather than an industrial looking heater,  and keep your family cozy this upcoming season.

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Evelyn Roberson on August 11th, 2010

The Gulf of Mexico oil spill, the largest in US history, still tops the headlines. No one knows the fallout of this  disaster which has already impacted so many lives.  Last week the United States crude oil inventory fell to a four month low. With the US dependency on foreign oil inevitable, a change in grilling habits and perceptions are long overdue.

If the US market shifted from traditional grills to green grills that performed at a higher level of efficiency, 100 million barrels of crude oil and billions of dollars could be saved per year. Even billions more saved in propane. Green grilling, with an electric grill,  delivers full grilling power at a fraction of the energy cost.

electric grillAccording to the HPBA (Hearth Patio & Barbeque Association) there are approximately 59 million gas grills owned by US households. If the usage averages 60,000 BTUs grilling 2 hours a week equals a whole barrel of crude oil. Led with a goal of reducing energy consumption in mind, The Outdoor Greatroom Company developed electric grills such as the Cook Number Grills.

Not only the environment is impacted by grilling over the gas grill’s open flame, medical researchers continue to study the health impact. Mounting research suggests a link between eating meats grilled over an open flame, especially those that are well done, and the risk for some types of cancer, including breast and colonrectal. The patented Cook Number System virtually eliminates the smoke containing carcinogens that arises coating the food when fat and meat juices fall into a flame. Since carcinogens continue to build as meat stays on the grill, electric barbecue grills with built-in cooking settings, found on the Cook Number electric grill, allows you to pre-select the cook time reducing time under the hood and avoiding overcooking altogether.

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Evelyn Roberson on July 20th, 2010

In TLC’s first game show, two design-starved families battle it out for a chance to win made-over rooms for their homes. You don’t have to be a trivia buff like those families to know smart design begins with a plan. Determine the layout of your room. Decide which furniture will stay and make a list of new pieces you want to include. Placing an electric fireplace in the winning room was possible because it was so easy to install. The decorative fireplace required no venting nor construction, once assembled it was simply plugged into a standard household outlet.

The electric fireplace provided the room with another focal point in addition to the bed. It is not only a good looking place for your eye to land but will be a nice supplemental heat source when the weather cools. Classic Flame fireplaces are suitable not only in bedrooms, like on this TLC show, but also in family rooms, dining spaces or even large stairwell landing areas, any space with an electrical outlet! Like other furniture, a faux electric fireplace comes in many different styles, dimensions and finishes. You can make over your own room similarly with a dramatic result by including an electric fireplace in your home.

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Evelyn Roberson on July 13th, 2010

Camping is a classic low-cost vacation idea that has always been popular. If left up to me, I would be at the Ritz but my children love camping so it’s off to the campground. I think the difference with camping now is that we have a lot more options. We also are more connected with the Internet. It’s easier to research the attractions and destinations within 100 miles. So, when it comes to camping, tailgating or RVing alike, take advantage of technology and new gear to make the trip as easy and convenient as possible.

Camping and RVing should be fun so camping gear that is quick to set up and easy to use tops my packing list. Thanks to outdoor electric grills, making yummy meals are possible without the worry of an open flame. Portable electric grills are easily transported, unlike those which use propane. You won’t have to haul wood or charcoal to the site either. Electric grills can be used in any spot that’s equipped with an electrical source, or a power inverter can be hooked up to your SUV adapter and transform the battery current into a conventional AC current for powering up the electric grill. We just flip down our tailgate and plug it in. Organize the car so the food and gear for cooking is unpacked last. I leave most of the food itself packed there, so animals aren’t attracted, plus the tailgate serves as counter space when I am ready to cook.

CBQ-120-ELE Electric GrillThe Convertible Electric Grill by Dimplex has a locking lid with a handle that makes it easy to pack and set up at the campsite. The entire grill surface of this electric grill heats up, without hot or cold spots like on a gas grill, so it prepares more than enough food for our family of four. An optional stand is available so the unit can be adapted to patio use at home. Secondly, this electric grill can be converted to sit on a shelf mounted bracket for those with limited space, like condo balconies.

Once mealtime is over, you can quickly clean up and be off hiking. No having to wait for the flame nor embers to completely die at the tailgate with portable electric grills. It is important to note that if you decide to use your car battery as an electrical source, make sure you always check your battery level before and after use. You don’t want to be stranded somewhere because of a dead battery, so remember to take precautions. If you have used an electric grill RVing, at your campsite or tailgate, I would love to hear from you!

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Evelyn Roberson on July 2nd, 2010

Now that we’re in the midst of summer, electric grills  allow you to gear up for more fun this season. Whether boating, camping or  enjoying a staycation in your own backyard, Kenyon Electric Grills offer safe grilling in all locations due to the outdoor electric grill having no open flame.  Not to mention they are easy to use, virtually smokeless and the portable electric grill non stick grates are easy to clean. Check out this video that takes boating to the next level by allowing you to grill shrimp and scallops while out on the water.

Recipe and technique for Preparing GRILLED SHRIMP and SCALLOPS presented via video by Chef John Engelhorn, on an All Seasons Electric Grill.

MAIN INGREDIENTS INCLUDE:
-8 Shrimp
-8 Scallops
-Jerk Seasoning
-Mango and Mango Juice
-Jalapeno
-Ginger
-Olive Oil
-Lime
-Cilantro

EQUIPMENT USED:
Kenyon All Seasons Electric Grill

Characteristic barbecue grilling markings are imparted on the food while searing in the flavor and juices. The 304 stainless steel is restaurant grade allowing the electric grill to stand up to use on the lake, high seas or even a water balloon launched by my 7 year old. If you have any occasion or spots you have enjoyed using an electric grill, drop me a comment. If you are interested in future sales, promotions or new products, you can also follow us on Facebook .

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Evelyn Roberson on June 24th, 2010

With form and function being a fundamental design principal, our newest offering within the media units leads the way. The Montgomery, by Dimplex, will easily incorporate into any room, especially now that designers break up sets to avoid the matchy look you get with a suite of furniture. The mitered moldings around the 25 inch wide firebox are a strong classic statement that draws the eye, making the corner fireplace a memorable focal point. The design allows the Dimplex fireplace, with a nutmeg stained finish, to transcend from modern to traditional interior decor.

montgomery corner electric fireplaceWith the prices of flat panel  televisions becoming so competitive, consumers are rethinking their interior design plan and considering a functional way to introduce modern LCDs TVs into their homes. I like curling up in front of the TV as much as the next, but don’t want a TV permanently bolted into the focal wall, hanging where a piece of art should. Nor am I willing to take on all that’s  involved with tearing up the drywall to conceal the electrical cords. Placing the flat screen TV on a stand, like this electric fireplace, gives an ability to relocate the television.

Why go to the big box store and get a common, nondescript TV stand when you could have a multifunctional piece of furniture? The Dimplex Montgomery Media Console is tested to support up to 200 pounds and houses electronic components on the interior shelf. The corner fireplaces design allows you to take typically underused square footage, and see it brought into service; especially attractive to homeowners with limited floor space. The television will no longer take up space in the middle of the room where a couch or bedroom chest may already live. With the flat screen TV at optimum viewing height, slid into the corner, now let’s talk about the fireplace.

Electric fireplaces are able to be used year round with it’s flame only setting, gaining the warm “feeling” inside while the temps skyrocket outside. In colder months, the electric fireplace insert provides supplemental heating taking the chill off sitting areas or bedrooms with the flick of a switch on the remote control. With the Montgomery TV fireplace in the corner, you will be cozy enjoying both a flat screen television and a warm fireplace.

Evelyn Roberson on June 15th, 2010
Cook Number Electric Grill

Cook Number Electric Grill by Outdoor GreatRoom

With Father’s Day gift giving quickly approaching, I prefer something that is practical and useful. What fits the bill for an aging Dad whom the latest techie gadget is lost upon? Simplification is the rule of thumb whether living in a retirement community or still in one’s own home. Electric grilling provides seniors a convenient way to prepare healthy meals with fresh foods. Using no open flame or combustible fuel, an electric grill plugs into any standard household outlet and appeals to dads who prefer the safety and convenience of reliable electric power.

Dimplex Power Chef Electric Grill BPC-3007

Dimplex Power Chef Electric Grill BPC-3007

Outdoor electric grills incorporate user-friendly features not found on traditional grills. The Cook Number has 10 cook settings, insert the probe and that’s it. A light on the panel and alarm beeps to alert Dad when his food is perfectly done, without having to open the hood over and over. Similarly, the Power Chef  chimes when it’s time to flip and time to serve, and in case of no response, automatically reduces to low. Boomer or not, who hasn’t forgotten how long meat has been on the grill? In locations, such as garden home patios, where other grills are impractical or prohibited by the HOA, the Dimplex Metro is the best choice for outdoor cooking. Compact, table top electric grills can be used indoors when properly vented and would be great RV equipment.

PBQ-120-METRO Electric Grill

PBQ-120-METRO Electric Grill by Dimplex

Even on traditional backyard decks and patios, owners of gas or charcoal grills may find electric grills ideal to use on those days when they want the pleasure and taste of outdoor cooking but don’t want the hassle of firing up the gas grill or waiting for the charcoal to be ready. The thrill and challenge of being the grill king on the block has given way to ease and convenience for many fathers. The precision cooking and lack of flare-ups will be a pleasant revelation to Baby Boomer Dads who are given electric grills on Father’s Day.

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Evelyn Roberson on June 8th, 2010

Real estate staging helps a home seller make their home more appealing to a large number of potential buyers. The goal of staging is to simply make your home look its best while on the market. This may include repositioning furniture, allowing more natural light inside or replacing carpeting. Studies show staged homes sell for more money than un-staged homes. Where could a short term investment in your home have the greatest impact?

Troy Electric FireplaceThe first step is getting buyers to actually come see your house. Staged houses look better on the MLS pictures. Naturally these photos of your home would include a living or family room. The fireplace is the focal point within the space that catches the eye. What if your home has no fireplace? Stage the home with a faux fireplace. An electric fireplace requires no venting, plugs into any standard household outlet and come in finishes to match any decor. Re-arranging the furniture into a conversation area in front of the vent free fireplace could make the home memorable during a showing.

Review competing listings and compare your home’s features to others in your market.  Do-it-yourself updates don’t get any easier than this. Electric fireplaces are delivered right to your house and assembled in about a hour. Electric fireplaces give you the choice of either taking the fireplace with you to your new home; or negotiating with the buyer to include the decorative fireplace as part of the sale.

Putting a little work toward staging your home with an  electric fireplace could get more potential buyers to schedule a showing. More showings get you closer to seeing that “Sold” sign in the yard.

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Greg Miller on June 4th, 2010

This is a guest post from Greg who purchased an electric fireplace from Electric FireplacesDirect.com and installed it into his RV. If you want to guest post on this blog, check out the guidelines here.

Last year, we purchased a 36 foot, 1996 Southwind motor home. It was in good shape structurally, but definitely needed some TLC. One of the first things we did was replace all the carpeting. Then, just in time for Penn State tailgating season, I added a 32″ flat screen TV. I mounted it overhead, so when we removed the old TV (which was mounted in the dash), we had to find something to fill the hole.

RV-After-Fireplace

An electric fireplace insert seemed like the perfect fit. It would look great and be functional. A big benefit to having an electric fireplace in an RV is that you don’t have to use your own gas to run the furnace.  Typically you pay for electric hookup when you rent a site, so an electric fireplace saves money.

I measured the opening that the old TV left behind and then searched the internet for an electric fireplace insert that would fit. I found a fireplace in the perfect size and price from electricfireplacesdirect.com   I attached the ClassicFlame 18″ plug-in electric fireplace to the dash floor with brackets and plugged it into the existing outlet inside the dash (from the TV). I used the old vented cover from the TV to fill much of the space and then built a wooden mantel to trim out the fireplace. We haven’t experienced any issues with movement.

It looks great with the flat screen and does an excellent job of heating the living area of the motorhome. On really cold nights we have turned the rear furnace on for the back bedroom, but typically this little electric fireplace can heat the entire motor home without a problem. We like it so much, we often turn the light on even in the summer when we don’t need the heat, just to enjoy the cozy feel of a fire.

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Evelyn Roberson on June 3rd, 2010

We have all heard someone say, “I need a vacation to recover from my vacation.” The hassle of travel is the reason. A staycation allows a family to save money while spending more quality time together playing, grilling out and helping a local economy. Avoiding the hassle of travel is another big benefit. You’ll be in control of the itinerary instead of an airline that is rarely on time. No worries about what luggage you need to check and whether it will even make it to your destination. No waiting in lines at the airport, nor hassles with security on a staycation.

Electri Chef SafireIt’s so important to treat the staycation as much like a traditional vacation as possible. It’s a good idea to give the staycation a start and end date and devote as much of the time in between to relaxing, having fun, and breaking out of a rut. When it comes to meal planning, insure you have as much worry free time relaxing, by grilling out on an electric grill. You won’t have to worry about running to get the tank refilled because electric grills simply plug in.  These grills are easy to clean. No scraping and brushing grids, most electric bbq grills grates go straight into the dishwasher! There are models of electric grills with wheels and smaller portable versions that can be used anywhere; especially great if you are camping during your staycation. Electric grills are more economical than gas or charcoal.

For any vacation, staycation or traditional, you have to break free from work, from your chores, from the daily compulsion to get things done.

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