The Firetainment brand is creating consumer interest as a unique product for the outdoor living space with its exclusive fire pit cooking features.

What makes the Firetainment 'All-Season' fire pit table unique is that it's three outdoor pieces combined: a patio table, that converts into a fire pit table, which also converts into a fire pit table cooking station.

With more versatility and convenience than a traditional wood burning fire pit, Firetainment 'All-Season' fire pit tables are full size and functional as a regular dining table, but also offer a universal cook mount with a complete cooking package to prepare meals at home in the center of the table.

According to Firetainment's Chief Executive Officer, Shawn Clark, "The idea behind the Firetainment 'All-Season' fire pit table is that it combines 3 key outdoor living items used on everyone's patio, all into one entertainment piece: a patio table + a fire table feature + a fire pit table cooking station. Thus providing the ultimate entertainment experience in a third of the space. Our tables have a function for every time of the year, fire pit tables aren't just for chilly nights anymore!"

Firetainment promises a high quality and durable product that's hand-crafted right here in the USA!

For more information on 'All-Season' Fire Pit Tables contact The Fireplace Shop and Grill Center at West Sport in Sudbury TODAY!!

It's not just entertaining, it's Firetaining!

Watch the video above to see how amazing this gas fire pit really is.

It's barbecue season, and there's a grill that manufacturers and chefs say makes meat healthier and taste better. They say that wood pellet grills use an indirect cooking method, which reduces the formation of carcinogenic chemicals.

Wood-pellet grills, pioneered more than two decades ago are growing in popularity. Pellets are made of only wood and come in flavors such as applewood, mesquite and hickory; they cost $1 a pound, which lasts an hour.

As for the flavor, experts have spoken: Pellet grills are gaining prestige among professional grillers. Two of the top five teams in the Kansas City Barbecue Society competitions exclusively used pellet grills.

In two tests, competition grillers took turns grilling foods on a pellet grill and on a charcoal grill. The pellet grill won the chicken-breast competition in part due to the subtle applewood flavoring it imparted. The charcoal grill easily won the burger and steak tests as tasters preferred the black grill marks it left and the more intense flavor imparted by the direct flame. The Traeger left faint grill marks.

The pellet grill won with the chicken 8-1, with four tasters saying they liked them equally. The pellet-cooked breasts were more moist than the charcoal-grilled ones, with a very slight taste of applewood smoke.

For the Pork baby back ribs, because of the time involved, there was no comparison made with the charcoal. The ribs were smoked for three hours on the pellet grill and finished by grilling at 225 degrees for 2½ more hours. They came out succulent and tender according to all tasters.

For more information on pellet grills, contact The Fireplace Shop and Grill Center at West Sport in Sudbury.

Wall Street Journal

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) declared last week that burning wood is carbon neutral.

The announcement, made by EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt during a meeting with Georgia forestry leaders, signals an administrative policy shift that will treat all burning of biomass as carbon-neutral, according to an EPA statement.

"[This] announcement grants America’s foresters much-needed certainty and clarity with respect to the carbon neutrality of forest biomass,” Pruitt said in a statement. “Managed forests improve air and water quality, while creating valuable jobs and thousands of products that improve our daily lives. This is environmental stewardship in action.”

Members of Congress have made similar legislative pushes to recognize wood burning as carbon neutral. In 2016, a group of Senators tried to pass the policy change through larger bipartisan energy bill. More recently, a provision included in the fiscal 2018 federal spending bill unveiled in March urged the heads of the EPA and Energy Department to “reflect the carbon-neutrality of forest bioenergy and recognize biomass as a renewable energy source.”

Donna Harman, president of the American Forest and Paper Association, said the policy decision reflects "long-standing scientific principles and Congressional direction."

“We are one of the largest manufacturing sectors in the nation, eager to strengthen the economy and boost U.S. job creation with the support of public policy that levels the playing field with competitors around the globe," Harman said in a statement. "This new EPA policy is an important milestone in implementing the Congressional directive to produce clear and simple policies and acknowledges the scientific record on the carbon neutrality of forest-based, renewable biomass."

The debate over the emissions for burning wood took center stage during the Obama administration's Clean Power Plan discussions, as they considered how to treat wood-burning power plants.

Scientists have long thought that burning biomass, including wood, does emit carbon dioxide pollution and that labeling it carbon neutral is not only inaccurate but could have long-standing negative effects on regulations meant to thwart climate change. But foreign countries have more recently looked toward wood-burning as alternative energy sources that could help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

For more information on wood burning stoves, fireplace inserts or outdoor fire pits, contact The Fireplace Shop and Grill Center at West Sport in Sudbury.

thehill.com

Blaze Gas Grills, Where grilling starts and flavor begins.

Our new line of Blaze Gas Grills offers a combination of solid engineering, quality stainless steel construction and commercial-grade cast stainless steel burners to help ensure your new gas grill will last for years and provide maximum performance.

The Blaze 32” 4-Burner with Rear Burner on Cart looks great, cooks great and competes well with other premium priced gas grills. The basic model is beautifully made in high grade 304 stainless steel. Watch the video below for more information on Blaze Gas Grills.

Want to learn more? Contact The Fireplace Shop and Grill Center at West Sport in Sudbury and right now you can get up to $200 off a new Blaze Grill.

Malibu Furniture is made from a High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) which is a recyclable plastic. We pride ourselves on producing a product that is` not only beautiful and durable – but also helps our environment.

Beautiful, Durable All-Weather Furniture with a Thoughtful Nod to the Planet

At Malibu Outdoor Living, the personal mission is to help beautify everyday life – while preserving the environment for generations to come. Instead of harvesting precious woods like red cedar and pine, these superior quality poly lumber is manufactured from the recycled dairy and detergent bottles, keeping them out of our nation’s overcrowded landfills. The result is a remarkable line of all-weather furniture that won’t splinter, fade, chip or rust. Made here in the United States, low maintenance Malibu Outdoor Living products are brought to you with pride by our company’s most valuable resource: the diverse and dedicated team we continue to grow and nurture.

Yarmouth Collection

The Yarmouth Collection, our most popular design, features a tall rigged design for a full range of support. The available pieces include Adirondacks, gliders, and all dining style chairs. Add a custom cushion to these chairs and just sit back and relax.

Hyannis Collection

The Hyannis Collection, features a tall rigged design for a full range of support. The available pieces include Adirondacks, Gliders, Swivel rockers and all dining style chairs. Add a custom cushion to these chairs and just sit back and relax.

Maywood Collection

The Maywood Collection, popular for the customizable sling or no-sling chair options. The available pieces include a beautiful deep seating collection with a wide choice range of cushions, and all dining style chairs.

Newport Collection

The Newport Collection, our most casual outdoor dining collection. The available pieces include the Newport dining table and a selection of benches. You can add a custom cushion for the benches just to round it off.

Experience the Difference

• Virtually Maintenance-Free
• 20 Year Warranty - Residential
• 7 Year Warranty - Commercial
• Stainless Steel Hardware
• Color Stable UV Inhibitor

Reasons to choose Malibu

• Malibu manufactures using the highest-quality recycled plastic lumber available.
• Our fasteners are made with 316 marine-grade stainless steel.
• Almost all of the materials used in our products are CNC machined for precision and accuracy.
• We use aluminum tabletop frames for improved structural integrity and durability.
• Tabletop frames are CNC machined, fully welded, and finished with exterior UV-grade powder coating. This finishing detail allows us to space our tabletop slats while not having to see unsightly raw aluminum.
• Our 245,000 square foot facility has over 40 years of experience in manufacturing, assembly, warehousing, and distribution.

For more information on Malibu Recycled Plastic Adirondack Chairs, contact The Fireplace Shop and Grill Center at West Sport in Sudbury.

Grilling season is here. Everyone loves the smell of grilling in the warm weather; not to mention eating the delicious flavor of grilled food.

Cooking over a fire is one of the oldest and easiest ways to cook food. With all the new grills today, grilling is less messy, healthier, more flavorful, easier and more fun. All summer long, grilling is a favorite way to entertain with a casual supper, picnic or potluck.

Almost any food can be grilled: meats, poultry, fish and some vegetables and fruits are all great for grilling. Don’t stop at hamburgers, hot dogs, and steaks. Creative recipes will add variety and interest to your summer menus.

Creative grills will add a new dimension too. Have you tried a pellet grill? Pellet grills are the easier way to grill over hardwood. Pellets made out of hard wood are made specifically for grilling give your grilled food a whole new level of flavor.

Pellet grills are also easy to use, just like gas grills. Fill the hopper, push the button and your grill is lit and ready to go. Not only is it virtually impossible to burn or overcook food on a pellet grill, you can also use your pellet grill as a smoker and oven.

It’s important to have a grill that fits your needs. Charcoal, pellet and gas are the options that all fit different needs. Gas is popular because it’s the most convenient to use. It lights fast, heats quickly and is easy to operate. But now pellet grills are just as easy, and they come in all sizes, shapes, styles, and price.

For more information on the right style grill for you, contact The Fireplace Shop and Grill Center at West Sport in Sudbury.

Grilling season is here. Are you ready to buy a new grill? Are you wondering which grill type is best? In this post we will break down the pros and cons of charcoal grills and gas grills.

To help you pick the perfect grill for your needs, we'll explore the charcoal vs. gas grill debate.

Grill Cost

There's little doubt that a charcoal grill, generally, is an inexpensive outdoor grill. Of course, a high-end charcoal grill costs more, but can really be worth the money.

Advantage: Charcoal grills

Operating Cost

Gas grills run on either natural gas or propane canisters. A 20-lb. propane gas tank will cost around $30. A 20 pound tank will last about 20 hours. This translates to $1/hour of grilling after the purchase of the tank.

Meanwhile, the chimney starter in a charcoal grill can hold up to six quarts of bricks; six quarts of sustainability sourced charcoal costs about $1.70 per cookout, while briquettes cost roughly $3.35.

Advantage: Gas Grill

Flavor

Most dedicated grillers will say that you cannot get the same flavor on a gas grill that you can with charcoal. However, adding flavored wood chips like mesquite, apple, and hickory should get your taste buds going. However, nothing will caramelize a fine cut of steak or chicken like a charcoal grill using natural wood lump charcoal.

But for hamburgers and hot dogs, a gas grill does its job well enough that most folks can't determine the difference in grilling. What's more, it takes some experience to learn how to tame a charcoal grill just right, whereas finding the right temperature on a gas grill is as simple as dialing up a knob.

Advantage: Charcoal Grill

Portability

Lugging a gas grill to a park or beach cookout is going to be a headache, unless you have a big minivan and some able hands to help. That said, lots of folks like cooking in their backyard or back deck, and no one is going to steal your large, gas grill if it's a pain to move. But for ball games and rooftop cookouts a smaller Charcoal Grill is an ideal portable choice.

Advantage: Charcoal Grill

For more information on gas grills and charcoal grills to determine which is best for your lifestyle, contact The Fireplace Shop and Grill Center at West Sport in Sudbury.

CS Monitor

Outdoor kitchens remains popular as homeowners seek to add lasting value and functional living space to their homes. Whether it's a do-it-yourself patio or a professionally installed outdoor kitchen, the beauty, usefulness, value and ease of maintenance in outdoor living space is limitless.

Extending living space outdoors makes sense. Adding charcoal grills, gas grills and fire pits give you space you can relax in and enjoy.

Adding value

Outdoor kitchens can add value to your home without adding walls or a huge budget. Outdoor kitchens can be added to any size home or yard. Many homeowners in the Sudbury area, who are interested in embracing more of the outdoors and adding value to their homes, have been creating outdoor living spaces in the form of an outdoor kitchen or patio with a fire pit. Real estate experts say that for every dollar you invest in landscaping projects, you could see a large return when you sell your home.

There are so many different types of gas grills to fit any budget and need.

For more information on gas grills and fire pits for outdoor kitchens and living spaces, contact The Fireplace Shop and Grill Center at West Sport in Sudbury, MA.

Wood burning stoves are a way for home and business owners to assert their energy independence by using wood pellets or logs as an alternative heating fuel.

But many of those stoves were early models designed in the 1970s and ‘80s and lack the energy efficiency and cleaner burning capabilities of later models.

The administration of Gov. Charlie Baker and Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito recently announced $450,000 in funding for the 2018 Woodstove Change-out Program that provides rebates to homeowners who replace older stoves with cleaner, EPA-certified models.

“The Woodstove Change-Out Program gives all Massachusetts homeowners access to affordable, highly- efficient, and clean heating systems,” Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Matthew Beaton said.

Launched in 2012, the Commonwealth Woodstove Change-Out Program is administered by the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center.

The program has so far helped replace 2,000 less-efficient stoves.

Through these rebates, Massachusetts residents will have access to clean heating systems that are EPA-certified, use less fuel, and provide cleaner air for our communities. The Woodstove Change-Out Program has helped thousands of residents across the Commonwealth adopt clean, efficient heating technologies and we’re pleased to offer this program for another year.

Standard rebates under the program range from $1,000 to $1,750, depending on the emission levels and type of stove purchased. Residents who meet certain income guidelines can qualify for rebates up to an additional $1,500.

For more information on wood stoves for your home, or for information on our wood stove floor model sale, contact The Fireplace Shop and Grill Center at West Sport in Sudbury, MA.

Additional information about the program can be found at masscec.com.

thesunchronicle.com

Burgers, brats and dogs are just as much of a staple of summer as water and sun tan lotion. This means, you may be in the market for a new grill in the coming weeks -- whether it’s your first charcoal grill or an upgrade to a deluxe gas grill.

There are a few important questions every shopper should ask before they purchase a grill.

How often am I going to use it? How many people am I going to cook for? How long do I want it to last? The answers to these will help you decide on the price range you should spend.

Let's take a look at how gas, charcoal and alternative models stack up against each other.

GAS: Gas grills are considered the luxury cars of the grill market. They're durable, full of features and come in several sizes. However, they also cost more to purchase and maintain.

The big upside to gas models, of course, is convenience. Unlike their counterparts that require coals or wood chips to heat, gas grills have gained popularity because they're ready to cook in less than 10 minutes.

A gas grill also makes it easy to regulate the heat and to cook at several different temperatures at the same time. They offer greater versatility, allowing you to cook burgers and vegetables and heat buns at the same time without burning any of them.The more burners a grill has, the more cooking flexibility you'll enjoy.

Gas grills come in various sizes, too. Grills with small footprints are ideal for a terrace or townhouse. If you have the space (and the money), look for a 30-inch, 42-inch or even bigger stainless-steel model. These usually offer add-on modules or appliances like wet bars, refrigerators, wine coolers, sear stations and more.

Gas grills require thorough and prompt cleaning as they have delicate parts that must be replaced and maintained to ensure longevity.

CHARCOAL: If you ask any number of chefs and professional BBQer’s whether they would choose a gas or charcoal grill, their pick would be charcoal every time. Although gas grill enthusiasts claim there is no difference, they’ll say the charcoal choice lies in the taste.

Not only do charcoal models provide great flavor, but they're generally easier on the wallet, too.

A charcoal grill lasts forever. There's no maintenance or anything, you just get some new charcoal and put it in there. Cleaning involves little more than scrubbing the grate and dumping the ashes.

The downside: Charcoal grills require a lot of time and patience because the coals take longer to heat.

Those who try to speed up the process with lighter fluid often eat meats that -- believe it or not -- taste like flammable chemicals. Mr. Lampe recommends lump charcoal, which lights much faster than traditional charcoal briquettes.

Indirect cooking is also far more difficult on a charcoal grill. While several burners can cook various foods at different temperatures on a gas grill, a charcoal model requires grillers to build a fire on just one side of the grill.

ALTERNATIVES: As the price of gas has risen in recent years, several grillers have turned to pellet models.

Pellet grills use small wood pellets -- in a variety of "flavors" such as hickory, mesquite and oak -- to provide the energy source and infuse the food with flavor from the resultant smoke. Pellet grills are especially attractive because they require no fuel and are energy efficient.

For more information on the best grill for you and your lifestyle, contact The Fireplace Shop and Grill Center at West Sport in Sudbury, MA.

TMCnet.com