WES Blog

With the arrival of summer’s sultry days, grilling season is fast upon us.

Everywhere you look there are great new grill recipes, grilling gadgets, grilling sauces and, of course, the grills themselves. But none of these will do us any good if we have no idea how to use them.

So we talked to grilling expert Jamie Purviance and asked him for some tips.

Over the past few years, he's noticed some big changes in the way we grill.

``The repertoire's expanding quite a bit,'' he says. ``It used to be that the focus was on the meat and the main course, and the deserts and appetizers and side dishes were done in the kitchen. Now people are trying to do more and more of that kitchen stuff on the grill.''

We're grilling more ethnic foods and more vegetables, and we're using the grill more than ever for all sorts of entertaining. And that ties into the fact that grills, especially gas grills, are changing. They're practically outdoor kitchens, with rotisseries, extra burners and built-in refrigerators.

Along with the sophisticated grills are a whole bunch of sophisticated toys, such as silicone basting brushes, grill pans, griddles, smoke boxes for fragrant wood chips and the very handy Looftlighter. Charcoal purists will love this gadget, which blasts charcoal or wood with air heated to more than 1,000 F, igniting it in seconds without the need for lighter fluid.

In fact, charcoal is another big trend, especially with smoking food.

“Grilling is as thrilling as learning a new sport.''

Charcoal Purists

"If you're a charcoal purist, it's only a matter of time before you're going to get into smoking,'' Purviance says. "Think about getting a smoker or a Kamado Joe.'' The advantage of a smoker is that it maintains a low temperature for a really long time without the need to feed the fire. Also, get to know your charcoal - briquettes give you consistent, long-lasting heat, while lump charcoal has a more natural aroma and higher heat, but is more erratic and faster burning. The best results are if you use both.

One of the hottest trends in grilling these days is going meatless.

Where not so long ago lighting the grill meant steak or burgers, now it can mean anything from salad to dessert. After all, our grills are becoming outdoor kitchens, so why couldn't you cook anything on them you'd cook inside?

Original article by Joanne Sasvari

Memorial Day is the official kick off to the summer grilling and BBQ season. We celebrate the start of summer as we celebrate our nation’s heroes. But, are you still looking for the perfect Memorial Day menu?  You know you can cook every part of your meal on your grill, including dessert! Here are a few of the best grilling recipes from The Grill and Fireplace Shop at West Sport.

Side Dish: Grilled Garlic Parmesan Zucchini

• 3 zucchini
• 3 tablespoons butter, softened
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Preheat an outdoor gas or charcoal grill for medium-high heat, and lightly oil the grate.
Cut the zucchini in half crosswise, then slice each half into 3 slices lengthwise, making 6 slices per zucchini.
Mix the butter, garlic, and parsley in a bowl, and spread the mixture on both sides of each zucchini slice. Sprinkle one side of each slice with Parmesan cheese, and place the slices, cheese sides up, crosswise on the preheated grill to keep them from falling through.  
Grill the zucchini until the cheese has melted and the slices are cooked through and show grill marks, about 8 minutes.

Main Meal: Blue Cheese Burgers

• 3 pounds lean ground beef
• 4 ounces blue cheese, crumbled
• 1/2 cup minced fresh chives
• 1/4 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon dry mustard
• 12 French rolls or hamburger buns

In a large bowl, mix the ground beef, blue cheese, chives, hot pepper sauce, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, salt, and mustard. Cover, and refrigerate for 2 hours.
Preheat grill for high heat. Gently form the burger mixture into about 12 patties. 
Oil the grill grate. Grill patties 5 minutes per side, or until well done. Serve on rolls.

Dessert: Grilled Peaches and Cream

• 4 peaches, halved and pitted
• 2 tablespoons clover honey, or brown sugar and cinamon
• 1 cup soft cream cheese with honey and nuts
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Preheat a gas or charcoal grill for medium-high heat.
Brush peaches with a light coating of oil. Place pit side down onto the grill. Grill for 5 minutes, or until the surfaces have nice grill marks. Turn the peaches over, and drizzle with a bit of honey (or brown sugar and cinnamon). Place a dollop of the cream cheese spread in the place where the pit was. Grill for 2 to 3 more minutes, or until the filling is warm. Serve immediately.

Backyard grilling is an American pastime. Choosing which grill to buy can be a challenge, and it is true: you get what you pay for.

Today’s most popular and versatile gas grills have lights, accessories, side burners and different fuel options: gas, propane and charcoal. Stainless-steel grills are also the most popular.

But buyer beware. Stainless steel is a process not a product. Many grills look alike when they are new, but over time, and not that much time, it is very obvious which is the better grill. So shop with a magnet because actual stainless steel isn’t magnetic. If your magnet sticks to the grill, keep on shopping.

High end outdoor grills

Grill technology makes a difference whether you’re looking for a backyard grill for minimal grilling or a professional-grade gas grill.

When you are talking about high grill temperatures, good materials are essential. That’s why better grills cost more, $600-$1500. Higher heat means better cooking, grilling, searing and more consistent temperatures, but it also means the grill needs to be built better. In high end outdoor grills, customers will begin to find American-made products. There is a resurgence in American-made grill products. American consumers are growing more wary of manufacturing and quality-control standards.

The costlier the grill, the more it has to offer. When you start looking at grills around the $2,000 range, they are even better, heavier and hotter, around 1,000-degrees. These grills will often last 20 years or more, and customers that buy these grills love their grill. Food tastes better when it is cooked on more expensive grills.

There is a definite difference in the flavor and juiciness of the food; and if you are building a built-in grill, you must consider higher end grills. In Massachusetts we have seen an increase in outdoor entertainment areas and built-in grills are back. Many homeowners in the Metrowest area are putting in full-size outdoor kitchens. The best grill for an outdoor kitchen is based on your needs, how often you grill, and what you grill.

Nothing says warm weather better than sitting around in the yard grilling up a hamburger or delicious steak on an outdoor gas grill. Gas grills, fueled with either propane or natural gas, have become the grill of choice not only because of their convenience, but because they are efficient. Today’s gas grills are even more convenient and user friendly than in days past. With side burners, automatic ignition, infrared burners and other amenities, grilling on gas is better than ever.

Among those who love to grill food there is a great deal of utility in gas grills. But gas grills are also great for the novice or weekend griller. They heat up extremely quickly, and there are no messy coals to deal with. Better yet, the temperature is so easy to control, just turn the knob for a high or low flame. Because they are so easy to light, you can light the grill when you are ready to begin grilling, rather than waiting until it heats up.  This makes it much easier to make the decision to have a healthy grilled meal for dinner.

Enjoy the convenience of a new, updated gas grill. If you’re cooking for the family, or if you love to entertain with friends and neighbors in the backyard, with modern gas grills, you can use your grill to sear meat, use it as an oven, or a slow roaster, and cook any food you’d like. At West Sport we assemble, service and deliver every grill we sell.

OK, the Red Sox are starting to get it together, but a little more team spirit wouldn’t hurt! For all you sports fans out there who spend more time tailgating in the back yard rather than in the lot, have you seen the team grill? Route for Red Sox by outfitting your back yard patio with a team grill. Just in time for spring, you’ll be the talk among fans.

The Team Grill is a high-end gas grill designed specifically for sports fans. Combining professional-grade cooking capabilities with officially licensed logo and colors of your favorite team, Team Grill creates a one-of-a-kind grilling experience for game day and every day. The finish cleans easily with soap and water and is designed to withstand the high-heat of the grill as well as the weather.

Team Grill is the premier manufacturer of professional-quality gas grills for sports fans. These gas grills combine the cooking capabilities of high-end grills with the look of your favorite sports teams, so you can show your team spirit on game day and every day. Team Grills are available through the Grill and Fireplace Shop at West Sport. Call or visit us today.

Home and gardening experts are seeing increasing trends that are integrating outdoor living spaces more and more into daily life. This is mainly due to the increase of "staycations" due to the sluggish economy. Locally, there is a growing demand for outdoor living areas. Homeowners are adding outdoor living spaces such as outdoor kitchens and patios, with all weather furniture and fireplaces.  Outdoor fire pits are big now, and so are Kamado Joe and Primo Smokers.

A week-long family vacation for four to Walt Disney World can cost $5,000 or more. Instead, homeowners are opting to increase the functionality and value of their homes with outdoor living areas. These spaces also provide relaxing backdrops for time with family and friends.

This type of project can be easily budgeted as well. Homeowners can put in the patio and outdoor grill area first, and then add the sink and counter space or the more expensive furniture later on. As long as it's well planned, it won't look piecemealed together.
 
West Sport in Sudbury specializes in upscale exterior living spaces and can handle everything from helping with grill styles and needs, to cabinet and counter configurations, to outdoor kitchen plans and installation. Larry, the owner of West Sport says "You should have an idea of what you want in your outdoor living space and to be sure to make the area big enough to handle it. Often people want to fit a table and chairs, a grill and a fire pit, but then they don't have room to walk around."

West Sport prides themselves on their breadth of products and new showroom. It provides an area where customers can visualize and touch the products. The showroom features many components of an outdoor kitchen, fireplaces and fire pits; and a new patio is being built in order to showcase pavers and patio benches.
 
"Bring us a general idea of what you want or would like to have," Larry says. "Come on in and look at the stuff; touch it, feel it, and see what you like and what will work for you."

The foods and meals that are being grilled out these days are really evolving. You need a grill that can accommodate all of your needs. Surveys have been done that show when grilling, people have moved far beyond standard picnic fare to grilling turkeys, gourmet meals, seafood, ethnic foods and more. According to the study, 14 percent have even grilled their breakfasts! Trends have inspired the marketplace to develop grills that meet consumers changing needs. You can now add versatility to your gas grill with accessories like rotisserie spits, side burners, smoker attachments and cast iron cooking grids. Beefeater Gas Grills even makes a pizza oven component for their  grills!

At West Sport in Sudbury, near Framingham, consumers can choose from a wide range of sizes and styles of gas grills and grilling accessories. We offer all types of makes and models built from stainless steel and porcelain enamel. When buying a new gas grill, consider your outdoor area, there are so many sizes and styles of gas grills, including built ins, that whatever you need, you can find here.
 
The old way of grilling, only hot dogs and hamburgers, went out of style a while ago. It is time for a new grill for the new way of grilling. Invite the neighbors, invite your friends, and host the block party. With a new gas grill from West Sport you are going to want to grill all the time. We offer free assembly and delivery on all the grills we sell. Stop by today.