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from Patio and Hearth Products Report


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Energized by Optimism: The Scene at Casual Market

The 2013 International Casual Furniture & Accessories Market, held Sept. 17-20 in Chicago’s Merchandise Mart, may just be the evidence everyone is looking for that good times are on the horizon.

Everywhere the mood was upbeat and above all, a majority of manufacturers reported writing orders. It’s not about traffic, they repeated over and over. It’s all about writing orders and they said they were doing just that.CM_Photo_303ProductsGoldEagle

303 Products/Gold Eagle
A highlight at 303 Products/Gold Eagle was its 303® Fabric/Vinyl Cleaner™, a premium cleaner (pictured, right) specially formulated to clean all indoor and outdoor fabrics, carpeting and upholstery while rinsing residue free. It’s designed to accomplish even the toughest, heaviest-duty cleaning jobs safely, using no harsh chemicals. 303 Fabric/Vinyl Cleaner safely removes difficult stains, including dirt, oil, grease, coffee, tea, ink and pet stains.

CM_Photo_AgioAgio
“The biggest news at this show for us is also firepits,” says Doug Peppler with Agio. The trend is so strong that Peppler acknowledges that they’ve strategically placed firepits along the walking path of their exhibit so that everyone can see what’s in the offering. It’s all about extending the season and having the products in stock to do it.”

In addition, Agio continues to be the trendsetting leader in outdoor styles in all-weather wicker (pictured, above left). The Granada Deep Seating Collection features table and seating combination hand crafted of a heartily textured weave of durable, fade-resistant all weather wicker. With deep seating weather-resistant cushions in a warm, natural hue and coordinating floral print, the look says comfort with plenty of room for years of entertaining for your customers.

Alfresco HomeCM_Photo_AlfrescoHome
Alfresco Home featured the Roma Collection in Antique Topaz at market and it was tremendously well received. Alfresco Home is a designer and manufacturer of outdoor living casual, garden and gourmet products (pictured, right) and also showcased seven new cast aluminum collections and five new  Everwoven™ All Weather Wicker sectional and deep seating collections. And, for the first time the Fornetto Dual Purpose Wood Fired Ovens were highlighted in the showroom with exceptional response.

CM_Photo_BigGreenEggBig Green Egg
The Big Green Egg unveiled two custom cooking islands and new line of artisan hardwood tables.

The cooking islands are designed for XLarge and Large EGGS and feature high-quality aluminum and steel construction with solid stainless door pulls, heavy duty roller shelves and drawers, storage cabinets for charcoal and utensils and a durable, weather resistant powder coated finish (pictured, left).

Artisans use exotic woods grown in sustainable forests to handcraft the high quality hardwood tables. Choose from a distinctive imported solid teak or warm mahogany model. Each table offers ample convenient working and serving area for the Large or XLarge EGGS.

Brown Jordan Outdoor KitchensCM_Photo_BrownJordan
Brown Jordan hopes to cook up sales in its new all stainless steel outdoor kitchen. European frameless design full overlay cabinets (pictured, right) are fabricated with commercial grade 20-gauge stainless steel and are available in 24” and 27” depths. A quick look inside revels the craftsman ship as the interior is void of oany hardware and screw heads. Cabinets features include concealed stainless door hinges, solid core doors, trash pullouts, fixed and sliding shelves, “soft close, self-close” drawers and leveling legs.

CM_Photo_CalOutdoorConceptsCalifornia Outdoor Concepts
This upcoming season, California Outdoor Concepts has its firepit tables (pictured, left) with two new materials, copper and mosaic tile. The new Copper Top, designed for use on any of the California Outdoor Concepts firepit table line, provides a durable, weatherproof option that is also corrosion resistant for years of lasting enjoyment.

The Capistrano Mosaic Firepit Table Top recreates the images of California Missions. Warm tones of travertine and marble, harken back to the early California images of tiled rooftops and weathered plaster walls.

Couristan
Couristan debuted two new collections of outdoor rugs designed by Emma Gardner of Emma Gardner Designs. They fall under the Emma at Home® name and include Infusion, a collection of loop constructed rugs, and Intermix, rugs with a structured weave.CM_Photo_Couristan

Infusion includes 13 rugs with mouth-watering colors and an eclectic mix of designs. “They are unified by a colors that are saturated and bright but not garish,” says Gardner. “They are easy to work with and fresh. With these rugs, we can tell buyers, ‘Yes, you can afford it and yes, you can use it outdoors.’”

Intermix, comprised of five SKUs, features lots of texture and color combinations. “Intermix has a very low price point and it is so amazing what Couristan has done with texture and color,” Gardner adds.

CM_Photo_EbelEbel
“The big thing for us this year is fire,” says Ebel’s Mark Bottenmiller. With that announcement, Bottenmiller pointed to their new line of firepits—two round and one square—with a wood grain aluminum top and choice of an aluminum slat base or woven base. “They all go with everything in the line.”

Also new are wing back accent chairs, which have been added to the Bellevue collection. The chairs are being cross-merchandised throughout the collection since they make great accent chairs. Host chairs, swivel clubs and club chairs are all available.

An all-new collection is Provence, a traditional deep seating and dining collection, which has a distinctive weave. It is available in two colors, Pecan and Driftwood.

“I foresee another very good year,” says Bottenmiller. Attendance has been good and there are lots of new dealers and growth from existing dealers.”

Paradise Cushions by FiberBuiltCM_Photo_FiberbuiltUmbrellas
Paradise Cushions by FiberBuilt got a good response to its new 13-foot umbrella, so large that four chaise chairs can fit under it. “The size of this umbrella alone generated a lot of excitement because it is so big,” says Debbie Maytidu with Paradise Cushions by FiberBuilt.

Also hot was its Rolled Up Channel Chaise Cushion. “We specifically had customers asking for a product like this because it rolls up and fits so many different kinds of furniture,” she says.

“We’ve had significant growth these last two years and anticipate more new products being introduced like these,” Maytidu adds. “We want to be a one-stop shop for cushions, umbrellas and accessories.”

CM_Photo_GaltechGaltech
Galtech had the show covered with its new 9-foot auto tilt umbrella with steel cable and a new contemporary chrome finish and cast metal housing. “We came out with this because we found people were putting our commercial silver umbrellas into residential settings. There’s a lot of contemporary furnishings being sold and this chrome finish has more of a contemporary appeal than a bronze or black finish,” Galtech’s Jeff Leisen says.

Also new is a new square cantilever umbrella that comes in a 10-foot or 11-foot model. Galtech redesigned the base from a tripod shape to a circular shape, which is fillable with gravel or sand. It now has wheels for full mobility. The umbrella itself has a full left and right tilt function and Galtech’s Easy Lift system that opens and extends the umbrella in one effortless, fluid motion.

“We’re projecting a 5% to 10% growth in 2014,” says Leisen.

Gensun CasualCM_Photo_GensunCasual
Making a huge hit at the show was Gensun Casual’s massive outdoor kitchen display. “It’s modular and fits any configuration the customer wants,” says Lynn Hanson with Gensun Casual, of the products that do not require any building. “You can shop in the morning and entertain in the evening.”

Going into 2014, outdoor kitchens will continue to be the focus, says Hanson, referring to their kitchen display. “This has been hot topic at the show. It is what everyone is talking about.”

CM_Photo_HomecrestHomecrest
Homecrest, long a leader in comfort furniture, is adding motion to its product line with a few select pieces that have a “nice, gentle, flex.” “We want retailers to buy what they are selling,” says Todd Wingrove of Homecrest. “Our new approach is to flow things quickly to our customer. There’s no need jam in early buys only to have it sit in a warehouse.”

Kingsley-Bate
Kingsley-Bate showcased its Southampton collection, an updated version of classic open-weave wicker furniture that is both elegant and timeless. The CM_Photo_KingsleyBatecollection includes a dining armchair, side chair, sofa, settee, ottoman, lounge chair, chaise, rocker and occasional tables.  Southampton is stocked in Oyster, and available by special order in Driftwood, Mocha or Natural.

Leisure Design
Leisure Design showcased its all-new Charleston dining and lounge chairs. Boasting a traditional styling, it is CM_Photo_LeisureDesignavailable in two colors—Natural Cane and Driftwood. Notably, the collection features an oversized side table and chat table. “We’re hoping to capture the contemporary and traditional looks with this collection,” says Robert Burrows with Leisure Design. “It bridges the gap between city and country.”

Roberts is looking for Leisure Design to do a lot in 2014 with a variety of looks and different takes on color.

Mallin Casual
New for 2014 is Mallin Casual’s Celaya Collection. This clean contemporary design features a patent-pending unique attached cushion and a beefy oversized frame for casualCM_Photo_MallinCasualFurniture comfort with a luxurious feel. This collection is available in Cushion seating as well as Cushion Dining and Sling dining to accommodate any backyard décor. “Mallin pioneered the kind of creative comfort that is so desired in today’s lifestyle,” says Mallin’s Jay Weber. “Our continuing innovations lead us to make the most comfortable and fashionable line of outdoor furniture in the industry.”

As for the industry outlook, Weber says, “Everyone is positive. For us, the fact that we launched nine new collections makes a strong statement.”

Meadow Decor
Drawing raves is Meadow Décor’s Verona Collection with seating and dining pieces. Owner Lily Chen says this collection was designed CM_Photo_MeadowDecorwith the new generation of shoppers in mind. “We designed this for them,” she says of frame that features simple, clean, contemporary lines.

The dining table, in particular, attracted many onlookers who were amazed that it could extend from 84-inches to 108-inches by pulling the two halves apart on a special gliding mechanism and then inserting a leaf.

The collection is made of extruded aluminum, which Chen says is the next big thing. “We find that the market is looking for more extruded materials versus cast. But more important, customers are looking for value, good quality, design and price.”

Napoleon AppliancesCM_Photo_NapoleonAppliance
Napoleon’s latest entry is a Patioflame® Table with all aluminum construction. There are two configurations to choose from and it has a powerful 60,000 BTU burner, electronic ignition and thermo-coupled valve that shuts the gas supply off if the flame is extinguished. The propane tank is easily concealed inside the table base and it comes complete with table, burner, burner cover and topaz glass. “It can easily be integrated with black or brown furniture,” says Napoleon’s Kim Norris says of the versatile go-with-everything finish.

NorthCape International
Avant, NorthCape’s new high back collection made a big splash at this year’s Casual Show. The Avant Collection is offered in sectional, seating and dining configurations with optional alternative tabletops including Durawood, and features a unique high back design in a richly-toned CM_Photo_NorthCape15mm Aspen weave. The comfortable, welted headrest-style cushions are available in your choice of fabric, and cushions feature premium fill for extended bounce-back and virtually indestructible Tenara thread.

“High-back sections are big and so are steel curved collections,” says Kim Golson of NorthCape International. “Anything we stock is a hit. Instant gratification is what our customers want.”

O.W. Lee
New at O.W. Lee, is its Aero firepit, constructed of machine and hand bent plate aluminum for an industrial, yet elegant look. ButCM_Photo_O.W.Lee there’s more, says Leisa McCollister at O.W. Lee. “This table fits a fits a regulation size propane tank. Its functionality is what is getting everyone really excited.”

As for 2014, McCollister says indications are that the outlook is bright. “No one is talking about the economy being bad. Everyone seems to be very excited about the new introductions.”

Oriental Weavers
What can be done with just two colors? Oriental Weavers showed everyone with its Riviera line of outdoor rugs. They are simple, CM_Photo_OrientalWeaversyet elegant designs and show just how great two simple color combos can look, although a few rugs in the line feature more more colors. “We’ve taken our top-selling, trend forward colors from the indoor/outdoor industry and put them into these designs,” explains Pat Muschamp with Oriental Weavers.

Lagos is another collection with an entirely different vibe. It features eight-color rugs with a loop base and a frieze cut pile, which gives the rugs a textured look with a unique high/low effect. The vibrant colors are all replicated in the raised pile. “That really makes the colors stand out for a fashion forward look,” adds Muschamp.

The Outdoor GreatRoom CompanyCM_Photo_OutdoorGreatRoomCompany
At Casual Market, visitors were checking out The Outdoor GreatRoom Company’s new Montego firepit table. Billed as a “contemporary twist on casual,” the firepit comes in a a choice of a black or balsam wicker base. It has a Stonefire composite top, stainless steel burner, optional glass guide and can store a 20 lb. propane tank in its base.

Outdoor Lifestyle
New at Outdoor Lifestyle is the Claremont lounging pieces that coordinate with the Claremont dining collection, which was CM_Photo_OutdoorLifestyleintroduced last year but never made it into the catalog yet still accounted for a remarkable 10% of sales. “The dealers who brought it in, turned it over well, so we wanted to add lounging pieces to the collection,” says Virginia Hamilton of Outdoor Lifestyle.

Also new is the Spectrum, dining and seating collection. It uses the same frame as the Claremont, but offers a more contemporary design.

The Richmond Collection, featuring both seating and dining pieces, is another new addition to the product line. “It has a timeless design and comes in at a good price point,” says Hamilton

CM_Photo_PatioRenaissancePatio Renaissance
Patio Renaissance’s premiere collection is the Monticello. The collection has a new braided weave and was featured at the show in a Barley finish, though it also comes in Latte. The deep seating collection is traditional with a sofa, lounge, motion pieces and a sectional as well as dining pieces.

“We’ve gotten a tremendous amount of excitement at this show. I don’t know if it is the buzz of our new showroom, which just opened, or because the economy has picked up,” admits Andrea Dibello of Patio Renaissance.

Peak SeasonCM_Photo_PeakSeason
Garnering lots of attention at Peak Season was its new Panama collection, available in a teak finish with a mahogany top on both chat and end tables. “It’s a more relaxed presentation of our Somerby collection,” says Tim LeRoy of Peak Season.

The collection, which includes dining, seating and four different tabletops, balances out the line, according to LeRoy. More important, “depending on how you accessorize it, it can have a completely different look and feel.”

Ratana Home and Floral
The Park Lane collection took center stage at the show. This sleek, uniquely shaped, slanted high back masterpiece, gives a striking contemporary flair with an upscale appeal. Featured with rustproof extruded aluminum frame and brushed scratch resistance finish in sophisticated taupe color, and coupled with CM_Photo_RatanaHomeandFloraldeep plush cushions and extra back frame support, Park Lane offers extraordinary comfort that set the ultimate relaxing tone for friends and families. Park Lane is available in the living room, dining room, and sectional pieces in both straight and wedge corner to cater your desired outdoor lifestyles.

“We were so excited to showcase our products in the brand new showroom, accented with all these beautiful lightboxes, creating the welcoming environment for our customers to experience our outdoor line. Our customers love our 2014 collections, we’ve received tremendous positive feedback from them,” says Godfrey Leung of Ratana Home and Floral.

Solair by Trivantage
One of Solair’s introductions was not for consumers but for its customers. They introduced a new display option for dealers looking to transform their in-store awning sales experience for customers. Showcasing the retractable awnings in a new light, the Retail Awning Display (RAD) was developed as solution to better help retailers look like they are in the awning sales business.
CM_Photo_SolairByTrivantage
“While traditionally awnings have been installed on store walls, there has been a concern that the products can get lost in the décor of the store. This can make it difficult for consumers to identify the awnings as a product that is actually for sale,” says Solair’s Rett Haigler.

Also new is the PS1000 retractable awning. With a 10-foot width and 8-foot projection, the PS1000 offers homeowners with smaller outdoor living spaces the opportunity to effectively shade beyond the average patio umbrella. “The PS1000 is a convenient shade option for enhancing the outdoor room that offers streamlined standard features at an enticing price point,” Haigler says.

South Sea Rattan
Brand new is the Arcadia deep seating collection, where it is all about scale. “It is grand enough to stand out on its own, but it is not overpowering,” says Joyce Kuo of South Sea CM_Photo_SouthSeaRattanRattan.

A lot of attention was paid to the wicker and the finish. “We spent a lot of time giving it the right balance of color and depth to go with its function,” Kuo explains. The finish is Driftwood, a rustic weathered look, which Kuo says is trending. “We’re seeing a real move toward gray and rustic weather looks.”

The last few years have been tough, Kuo admits, “but so far, everyone has been really optimistic.”

Sunbrella by Glen RavenCM_Photo_SunbrellaByGlennraven
The 2014-2015 collection of Sunbrella upholstery fabrics offers 30 exciting new fabrics, including bold new colors and patterns and sumptuous textures.

Also new this year is Sunbrella Rain, a 100% waterproof version of the legendary Sunbrella upholstery fabric, available in a large selection of your favorite Sunbrella fabrics.

Sunset West
“This is beautiful! This is furniture!” states West Stewart of Sunset West, when referring to the company’s new Cambria collection. “It has a classic indoor silhouette that’s been around for a century. There’s not a lot of bulk or heft, yet it is large in scale and tall in terms of back cushions.”
CM_Photo_SunsetWest
The collection includes everything from deep seating to dining and bar stills. “Every new account we’ve written at the show has included this collection,” Stewart says.

He’s happy and there’s no reason not to be. “Business has grown substantially over the last year years at a comfortable pace, but what is neat is that our existing customers are growing our line on their floor space. That says the line is working for them.”

Telescope Casual Furniture
Constructed of its very popular Marine Grade Polymer, the St. Catherine MGP Cushion Collection combines the comfort Telescope Casual Furniture is known for with its durable worry-free MGP. The curved wide MGP arms allow for added comfortCM_Photo_TelescopeCasual and complement the gentle curves of the legs. The durability allows the use of this product either under cover or out in the open without concern. The collection uses stainless hardware that is hidden whenever possible. This sort of attention to detail is what sets this product apart from the competition. This collection coordinates with Telescope’s St. Catherine MGP Sling Collection.

The Hammock Source
If you want to relax in what The HammockSource touts as the “most comfortable hammock produced in 130 years,” you’ll want CM_Photo_HammockSourceto lie back in their Tufted hammock, which is part of the Hatteras line. It is overstuffed and tufted, just like a high-end sofa, which makes it so comfy. It is eco-friendly, too. The batting is made of recycled Sprite bottles. It has a suggested retail price of $379.

Also making news are curtains. “If you’re looking to enhance your outdoor experience, you can get all the Sunbrella fabrics and a resort feel, from these outdoor curtains,” says Reid Roney of The HammockSource. The curtains are part of the Hatteras and the Pawley’s Island line. Other new items in the Pawley’s Island line include outdoor rugs and outdoor pillows.

“We’re writing a lot of orders and we’re excited about 2014 based on what we’ve seen during this show,” Roney says.

CM_Photo_TreasureGardenTreasure Garden/Shademaker
Rugs! It is what Treasure Garden featured prominently at Casual Market. There are 10 styles in two different sizes designed to coordinate with the company’s umbrellas. “It’s a complete outdoor environment,” says Treasure Garden’s Jeff Dorough of the exclusive rug styles made in Belgium. “The rugs are design to sell the umbrellas and the umbrellas are designed to sell the rugs.”

Visitors to the show also got a sneak peak at Treasure Garden’s new outdoor flooring system, which will launch in 2014. It’s a do-it-yourself product that clicks together. Buyers can choose from wood composite with built-in solar lights, real stone or sod flooring panels. The product can be installed on any hard surface.

“Best of all, if you live in a condo or townhome, you can take your outdoor deck with you if you move,” adds Dorough.

Tropitone
From casual chat lounges, to outdoor alfresco dining, to socializing around the pool, EVO Deep Seating pieces address each need. TheCM_Photo_Tropitone EVO collection is quite elegant with subtly tapered legs and arch across the back of each piece. EVO Deep Seating pieces are offered in Kaffe, Shadow and the newly introduced Vineyard weave in Latte. Also pictured here is the 48” Square Banchetto Fire Pit. Tropitone offers an expansive line of firepits, fire tables and tabletop cooking and entertaining products.

CM_Photo_TUUCITUUCI
TUUCI has three aluma-Teak finishes called Natural, Java, and Weathered Teak. The fresh styles complement several new gorgeous looks for the company’s umbrellas.

“We’re giving people options, and we know people love how wood looks but like the durability of aluminum. Now we have even more ways to customize the product. Buyers can choose their canopy, finish and their base,” says TUUCI’s Amy Hudwalker.

Windward Design Group
Lay back and relax in Windward Design Group’s new Adirondack, Adirondack sling and reclining Adirondack chairs. They are part of its Marine Grade Polymer line, which has been CM_Photo_WindwardDesignGroupwildly popular, so much so that customer requests for an Adirondack prompted the addition of these designs to the line. “The reclining Adirondack has been a home run,” says Marc Morales of Winward. “It is the only reclining Adirondack in the industry that I know of.

“For us, it is a complement to our Marine Grade Polymer line and it combines the look and feel of a traditional Adirondack with the comfort of a sling. Plus, the recliner doubles as a chaise, so you get dual usage,” he says.

Woodard
An urban-sized sectional is a personal highlight of the new introductions if you ask Bill Herren of Woodard for his opinion. The new sectional is part of the Jaz Collection, which is constructed of iron and has its own dedicated firepit. The sectional has a unique cornerCM_Photo_Woodard treatment and comes with its own corner table for added functionality. “It’s one of my favorite groups and one of the few contemporary iron groups out there.”

As for the coming year, “2014 won’t be 2008,” says Herren. “Everything is looking up. I know because we’ve written a few nice orders.”


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The F5100 Extra Large Wood Stove is the Latest Creation from Regency Fireplace Products

Regency_F5100_Photo

The F5100 features impressive heat performance and modern styling.

After almost 35 years in business, Regency Fireplace Products continues its remarkable run of hearth creations. The company’s latest is the Regency F5100 Extra Large Wood Stove.

The extra large hybrid catalytic wood stove features Eco Boost Technology, impressive heat performance, and clean modern styling. Sleek lines, a contemporary door design, and a large clean viewing area provides great visuals of a roaring wood fire.

“Regency engineers have carefully designed the firebox to create airflow around the wood so that it burns completely,” says Robert Little, founder and designer, Regency Fireplace Products. “The result is very little ash and almost no polluting smoke into the environment.”

Standard Features of F5100 are:
• 4.42 cu. ft firebox accommodating 22” logs
• Single lever bypass control to engage catalyst
• Single-lever air control to adjust heat output
• Brick-lined firebox
• Rear heat deflector
• Airwash system helps keep the glass clean
• Discreet ashlip
• Contemporary cast iron door in black with 180-sq-inch viewing area
• 170 degree opening door for easy loading
• Thermometer

Optional Features:
• Extra large ash drawer with cover
• Two-speed blower
• Convector airmate
• Outside air kit

Regency products are proudly made locally in North America using the finest materials. A state-of-the-art facility spans over 240,000 square feet and is constantly being upgraded with the latest tools of the trade. A commitment to quality is practiced at every step of the process, including a final inspection before anything is approved for shipment.

http://www.regency-fire.com

 


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Lennox Hearth Products Offering Hot Accessories and a New Fireplace to the Mix

Envy_Traditional

The Envy Gas Fireplace is Lennox Hearth Products’ newest addition.

Lennox Hearth Products is already known for one of the most diverse hearth product lines in the industry. The Nashville, Tenn-based company’s newest addition is the elegant and highly efficient Envy gas fireplace (pictured).

This versatile heat source is available in many designer and customer-coveted looks, sure to please even the most discerning tastes.

Hot new accessories are also available, including striking glass stones that give the Envy Fireplace a bold, minimalistic interior that’s designed to fit in—and stand out.

For dealers looking to offer a more traditional style, a new realistic log set combines with a Merlot brick liner to make the Envy fireplace a classic addition to the home.

Whether you’re looking to display indoor fireplaces, outdoor fireplaces, fireplace inserts, pellet, wood, or gas burning stoves, gas log sets or fireplace accessories – Lennox has an incredibly diverse product selection.

Buyers looking for a custom setup can design a virtual fireplace on the company’s web site, a feature that allows users to explore the design and accessory options available for select Lennox fireplaces and inserts. You can see the results instantly by clicking here and following the steps.

http://www.lennoxhearthproducts.com/


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High-Performance Glass from SCHOTT Continues to Raise the “Steaks”

Glass_Photo_2

Nextrema™ is an important feature of infrared technology that eliminates the risk of drying out a great steak.

Glass_Photo_1

The “concept grill” showcases infrared technology that sears the perfect steak at extraordinary heat.

Since its introduction earlier this year, the SCHOTT Nextrema™ high-performance glass-ceramic grate system has continued to feed the public’s appetite for grilling techniques that duplicate the flavors of high-end steak houses.

Specifically, engineers at SCHOTT observed that many steak houses used high-temperature infrared (IR) grilling technology to sear meats evenly at 700 degrees or hotter. Chefs watched carefully through glass to avoid burning the meat. This same advantage is possible for the home barbecuer via the use of glass in grills.

The “concept grill” raises the stakes for home barbecuing, showcasing IR technology that sears and cooks the perfect steak at extraordinary heat. The SCHOTT Nextrema high-performance glass-ceramic grate system ensures no loss of IR heat, which helps to seal in juices and flavors.

An easy-to-clean glass-ceramic panel catches juices that infuse a rich, smoky barbecue flavor while a 25-by-29 inch SCHOTT glass-ceramic transparent viewing panel allows even novice barbecuers to keep a constant watch on their steaks.

SCHOTT’s heat-tolerant glass-ceramics are able to evenly disperse heat, which a study commissioned by SCHOTT discovered is among the most important features in a grill. In fact, the study showed that 80% of barbecuers want features of IR grilling that only SCHOTT Nextrema™ can deliver.

Nextrema™ is an important feature of IR technology that eliminates the risk of drying out a great steak by efficiently transferring IR heat directly to meat with reduced airflow. With Nextrema™, heat of 700 degrees or more allows for that perfect sear. But cooking at such extremes doesn’t come without risk. Seconds can make the difference between a great steak and a disaster. SCHOTT’s inventive, transparent, heat-resistant glass-ceramic panel allows cooks to keep a constant eye on their meal without opening the grill top.

“Every backyard barbecuer knows that opening the hood crashes the temperature,” said Karen Elder, marketing manager at SCHOTT North America Inc. “Our glass-ceramic monitoring panel allows any cook to tend to their steak while keeping flavor and juices in the meat, and heat and smoke inside the grill.”

At the same time, a Nextrema™ surface, made from the same easy-to-clean, heat-tolerant SCHOTT glass-ceramic material, protects the IR burners and allows the meat to be infused with sweet, smoky flavor.

“SCHOTT Nextrema already plays an essential role in infrared grills now available on the commercial market, such as those offered by TEC® Infrared Grills,” said Elder. “SCHOTT’s concept home barbecue combines the advantages of IR and high-performance glass-ceramic materials to inspire the next generation of grills for the benefit of home cooks and chefs everywhere.”

www.us.schott.com/english


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Wood Still Shines at Creekvine Designs

Creevine_Designs_Photo

Designs such as the one above continue to use classical, high end western red cedar.

In a sea of synthetics, craftsmen at Creekvine Designs continue to use classical, high end western red cedar in most of their designs. Other woods, such as oak, cherry, poplar, mahogany, pine, and many others are also available upon request.

The privately owned wholesale business in Gibsonia, Pa, supplies products and drop shipping services to catalogs, brick and mortar stores, and e-retailers all over the world. The handcrafted selections can be purchased in individual pieces, or buyers can receive discounted pricing by ordering in large quantities.

Dealers looking for unique merchandise to set off the showroom floor can create their own exclusive products. With a keen eye for conceptualization and manufacturing, Creekvine Designs’ qualified designers and expert artisans will work with dealers to handcraft these “dream pieces” into marketable realities. Dealers who like an established product, but prefer it in another material, need only to ask.

Products and features include:
• a popular, elegant dining set;
• curved seating for maximum comfort;
• long lasting Western Red Cedar;
• all natural oils that are rot resistant and prevent decay; and
• a modern look with an affordable price.

Creekvine Designs


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Blaze King Industries’ New Cast Iron Wood Stove: “Sold Out Moments After Roll-Out”

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After more than three decades of success, officials at the venerable Blaze King Industries, Walla Walla, Wash, have introduced their first cast iron wood stove. The Ashford 30 (pictured) is now in full production, and will begin shipping in the next couple of weeks.

“We expected demand to be great, and thus far we have been proven correct,” says Chris Neufeld, vice president, Blaze King Industries. “The first production run was sold out moments after roll-out. With more than 600 dealers in North America, dealers everywhere should have the new Ashford 30 on display soon.”

As a familiar name in the Pacific Northwest, Blaze King founders have long focused on efficient, eco-friendly hearth products, and building them to last.

The company’s growing selection of wood and gas burning freestanding stoves (and inserts) are a tribute to “good old-fashioned values” like quality and safety.

Designers build each stove with an eye toward generating minimal pollutants and conforming to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards. And for a wood stove to be truly efficient, it must also burn less fuel and heat for longer.

“Our wood stoves provide extremely long burn times and phenomenal heat production,” adds Neufeld. “Overall, Blaze King stoves burn up to a third less wood than our competitors’ stoves and with no heat loss. That means you spend less time, money, and effort chopping, hauling, stacking, moving, and loading wood for your stove. It also means less ash.”

www.BlazeKing.com


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Hudson River Stove Works: Pellet Stoves with Timeless Construction

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The Chatham free-standing, enamel-coated with legs model offers timeless construction with detailed patterns and curves.

Chatham pellet stoves, from Hudson River Stove Works, have all the cast iron features that customers have come to expect. The free-standing, enamel-coated with legs model (pictured above) is one of many combinations that offers timeless construction with detailed patterns and curves.  

On the practical side, designers at the Hudson, NY-based company have incorporated large heat exchanger tubes to maximize BtU output. Whisper-quiet fans are a standard feature.

The Chatham enamel coated insert stove (pictured below), and the overall line of 10 individual models, all use the same control board, auger motor, combustion fan, convection fan, pressure sensor, and snap discs. The large selection of models, combined with simplicity of service, amounts to a unique combination.  

ImageSpecific features of the Hudson River Stove Works pellet stove and insert collection include:
• Cast Iron Construction
• Remote Control Capable
• Functionality with Cast door open or closed
• 160 cfm variable speed fan
• Large Heat Exchanger
• 2,500 sq-ft heating capacity
• 3-inch venting
• 87% efficient
• 10,000 – 50,000 BTUs
• up to 30+ hrs burn time
• 45-lb hopper

Hudson River Stove Works