Latest news with #Charbroil
Irish Examiner
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Examiner
Barbecue glow-up: Budget-friendly ideas for outdoor entertaining
Want to elevate a humdrum barbecue to a real occasion without spending a fortune on new furnishings? Here's my six trending, add-water-and-stir tips for BBQ season 2025. Silver screen Adding a projector, you can stage a movie night after dusk (if the neighbours are on the fence — try inviting them over). The main thing is to have the screen well lit after dark and adequately shaded so as not to blow out the picture. There's a lot of light bleed in a typical suburban garden. Gazebos, sails, and other forms of screening can help to deflect daylight, necessary outdoor spots and surrounding light from the neighbourhood. Use included contrast and brightness settings on the projector to finesse the show, but don't expect indoor quality and the immersive feel of a back-lit OLED TV with a cheaper model. Look for ambient-light-rejection settings to enhance the picture. The higher the lumens in your projector, with a matt, flat, undistorted screen, the brighter and sharper the resolution and picture will appear; 500 lumens would be the bare minimum (a professional rig would offer 10,000). No wall? Look into inflatable screens, priced from around €160 for a 3m x 5m screen to connect to your projector, and use yard-stakes to keep it stable. Flexitarian cooking BBQs with flat griddles working alongside a standard flame grill can dramatically expand your cooking technique. There are three ways to go. Add a griddle plate or stone to heat over a regular flame, choose a new BBQ that offers interchangeable plates, or park a full new griddle BBQ to the side of the main cooking area. The Char-Broil rectangular cast-iron barbecue griddle 37cm x 25.4cm is a typical add-on style intended for a side-burner that may be idling most of the time. It's perfect for fresh omelettes, hot pancakes, or crispy bacon and attached securely to your Char-Broil BBQ it distributes heat evenly and safely; €57, B&Q. From smash burgers to toasties or omelettes, a griddle increases your range of cooking techniques for a true flexitarian menu. Picture: Charbroil If you prefer to add griddling to your existing BBQ set up, the Char-Griller Flat Iron three-burner gas griddle offers three burners and electronic ignition for €399, The Versa-Tile, also from Char-Broil, with its patented three-in-one Tile Cooking System, delivers a griddle, grill, and pizza oven in one unit with easily interchangeable tiles. Food and pans slide easily over its surface with no flare-ups to burn food; €560, suppliers nationwide. Give everyone a break We've all worn that atrophied grin through a friend's garden do, goose-pimpled and cringing against the cold. Simply adding the right windbreak or improving hedging can transform open-air misery into a still, sheltered environment where the heat from cooking and a fire basket will circulate around your group of friends and family. Use something like an incense stick (smoking) to detect the prevailing breeze that generally goes through the area. A trellis with real or faux climbers is an easy weekend fix that also provides an area for USB or solar fairy lights. Screening can be something to introduce with fast-growing hedging or instantly with split-reed frames. File picture It's vital that any screen or windbreak is completely stable above all things, especially when you're standing it away from a supporting wall or fence. Choose carefully. Explore the wide range of automatic roll-back function screens in various widths in UV-proof, tear-resistant and water-resistant polyester fabric with a PU coating, with mounting accessories and posts; prices from €70 depending on size and supplier. Try and Always stage a few throws or clean, small blankets about for naked knees when people park up after dark. A real dish Paper plates and plastic stemware are convenient, and they can even be eco-friendly (look for paper pieces without a wax coating). However, for proper dining with even a hint of adult sophistication, dishes and glassware really do make a difference. With flatware, in the rough and tumble or outdoor eating, things get truly clattered around. A stoneware dish will take more abuse than porcelain without chipping and will sit more heavily on a wobbly table or knee. With glassware, look for a squat design with a low centre of gravity over tall flutes that can be easily knocked over in candlelit conditions. Evissa dishes designed by Helen James, hand-glazed in Portugal; plates from €12, bowls from €10, serving bowls €25, oil pourers €25, Dunnes Stores. Real dishes can be used both inside and as well as out, so reusable ware is an economic choice too. My money is on Helen James's ever so slightly asymmetrical Evissa ware, a classic in stunning, clouded blues. Hand-finished in a reactive glaze in the iconic potteries of Portugal, these pieces would look fantastic over white linen (I cheat with flat sheets); plates from €12, bowls from €10, serving bowls €25, oil pourers €25, Check out Sostrene Grene for a perfect foundation in a 240cm x 120cm linen tablecloth from €23.80 Ikea does a great line in 1970s-inclined Ombonad wine glasses with a stable, fat little foot in grey, just €12 for a pack of four; Magic carpet ride Outdoor rugs are a real wonder. Take care of them and they will last at least a decade. Why bother? Well, scaled to the space, you're introducing an aesthetic anchor and delivering more of that 'room outdoors' vibe. It's unexpected, it's beautiful, and it marks out the entertainment area perfectly, working with any furniture arrangement. Back any rugs away from any hot flame cooking area — they are polypropylene or polyester and not indestructible. Secondly, ensure that you place the rug over a level surface away from any steps, without any rises and falls in pavers, for example, or a guest could rudely face-plant in the egg lounger. Use just the same rules as indoors, aiming to place the rug just under the edge of any sofa. Undersize it, and the rug will simply look mean — oversized, your furniture will look like playthings. A joyous Unikko floral outdoor rug from Finnish brand Marimekko, from €350, Sustainable rugs like jute and sisal cost a little more and will need to be dragged indoors come September, but it really depends on your climate principles; 180cm x 300cm is a really nice size for most patio areas. Honestly, most rugs should eventually go under cover, or they will slime up in harsh weather. Ensure there's no colour transfer to paler stones or concrete patios from your rug. Wet weather? Probably best to bring it in. Pricier investment varieties start with Morris & Co, Marimekko and Sanderson (around €350 for a relatively small rug). Bargain? Stunning washable indoor/outdoor runners and kilim rugs in tribal colourways are priced from €79 at Light work Together with must-have portable LED table lamps, stage the unexpected in two other key ways this summer. First is the ground-standing, overstated standard lamp that's delightfully unexpected in the garden. Secondly, go for suspended globes and softly sculpted oval organic paper-lantern styles in groups through your trees or bobbing from fencing and whatever supports you have available. An economic buy, everyone is drawn to their gentle glow. Tall lamps aided by USB, 12V mains with defended cables, or even solar cells can reach up and over your seating and dining areas as a single or double, depending on the area you're washing in light. The indoor/outdoor range of light solutions for entertainment areas is one of the single best ways to add magic to your outdoor space; Lucande outdoor lamp, €159, Choose pieces that can be taken indoors or to the conservatory with charging independent of solar cells. Ensure you run any cables and place heftier lights like these out of foot traffic. Always check the IP rating of any lamp you buy. IP44 is lightly protected against moisture; 22cm solar-powered paper lanterns start at €6 from Ikea (Solvinden collection). Vietnamese paper lanterns are trending with their teardrop shade, vibrant colours, and tassel ends. Just add some wireless solar strands inside their belly. Battery-operated LED bulbs are available from suppliers including prices from €6 per shade on a bamboo frame from Temu and Etsy. Homestore+More does an impressive range of garden lighting, including a delightful rococo basket chandelier for just €20 that lights for up to eight hours in shatter-proof acrylic, ideal for hanging low over your dining table,
Tom's Guide
23-05-2025
- Business
- Tom's Guide
Huge Wayfair Memorial Day sale is live — here's my 21 favorite outdoor deals to shop this weekend
Memorial Day weekend has finally arrived! In celebration of the pre-summer holiday, Wayfair is hosting an epic sale on everything you need to freshen up your outdoor spaces for the season ahead. Hosting a backyard barbecue? Wayfair is offering sizzling sales on grills from brands like Blackstone, Charbroil, Royal Gourmet and more. Need a patio furniture refresh? Shop up to 50% off outdoor bistro sets, sectionals, umbrellas and more. Below, I've rounded up my favorite outdoor deals from Wayfair's Memorial Day sale. Keep scrolling to check them out! For more deals, check out our full guide to the best Memorial Day sales. Memorial Day decor sale: up to 30% off @ WayfairMemorial Day Weekend is here! And if you need some last-minute decor for your backyard barbecue or holiday celebration, Wayfair has you covered with deals up to 30% off. Outdoor lighting: up to 50% off @ WayfairFrom outdoor lanterns and sconces to path lights and string lights, there's plenty of ways to illuminate your outdoor space for less at Wayfair. You can shop hundreds of stylish and functional options with up to 50% in savings. Grills: up to 40% off @ WayfairNeed a new grill for barbecue season? No problem. Wayfair has tons of deals on high-quality grills from brands like Blackstone, Charbroil, Royal Gourmet and more. Shop sizzling savings up to 40% now. Outdoor furniture: up to 50% off @ WayfairOne of the best things about warmer weather is being able to enjoy meals and celebrations outdoors. And if you're in the market for a new outdoor dining set or sectional, you can snag one on sale at Wayfair for up to 50% off. From bistro sets and full-on dining tables to loveseats and sectionals, there's no shortage of great patio furniture deals. Gardening essentials: up to 40% off @ WayfairWhether you have a green thumb or not, Wayfair has all the tools to help you jumpstart your garden this spring. From planters to garden beds, you'll be able to choose from tons of great gardening deals with up to 40% off. Outdoor entertaining: up to 45% off @ WayfairHoping to do some outdoor hosting and entertaining this spring? Wayfair has some epic deals on outdoor dinnerware, including glasses, plates, pitchers and more. With up to 45% off, you'll want to stock up on everything. One of the best solar string lights you can buy, this set from Brightech is now just $47 for 27-feet worth of ambiance. They are super easy to install and perfect for any backyard, balcony, patio, terrance, porch, or even interior spaces. This backyard-friendly bowling kit is perfect for your next backyard gathering. Although on the smaller side (just 11 inches tall), it has successfully entertained adults and kids alike, receiving glowing reviews from grandparents, tweens and toddlers. Plus, its size makes it that much easier to transport. Just toss everything in the complimentary mesh carrying bag. While there are plenty of plastic-based, discounted tumblers up for grabs during Wayfair's outdoor sale, we can't help but recommend this hand-blown set of glasses instead. Made in Mexico, these 14-ounce tumblers will elevate any pour, no matter if it's water or a cocktail. Perfect for parties indoors and out, these entertaining essentials are described by one reviewer as "sturdy, tall and gorgeous!" and we couldn't agree more. It's hard not to lean into thick cabana stripes when outfitting an outdoor space or pool area— the look instantly reminds us of vacation. And this particular indoor-outdoor pouf doubles as both extra seating (reviewers have placed theirs amongst a few Adirondack chairs around the fire or on smaller balcony arrangements). Refresh your porch or patio with this discounted rug made from a blend of polypropylene and polyester. You don't have to worry so much if it's exposed to the elements because it's water-, fade- and stain-resistant. But our favorite part? The 8'x10' size for 77% off. If you don't need a full outdoor dining table — though there are plenty to pick from in the sale — this side table and chair combo might be your best bet. The all-weather wicker seat and back adds an elevated touch to the powder-coated metal frame. While we love soaking up summer rays, it's important to get a reprieve from the hot sun. So skip the boring umbrellas, and get this one complete with sweet scallops and stripes. It's so cute that multiple reviewers have gone back to buy more. Adirondack chairs can be pricey (we're talking upwards of $500). But this set of weather-resistant chairs is now under $250. The seats can endure hot fire pits and resist fading in the sun, so they should last for many seasons to come, no matter if they take up permanent residence on your porch, deck, or patio. Plus, their sturdy frame can support up to 450 pounds. At 35% off, this high-quality umbrella is a total steal. It offers a shady spot on a warm day and will shield you from the sun's harmful rays. It also has a user-friendly crank open and auto tilt system that will assure convenient shade all day, even when the sun is not directly overhead. You'll want to lay by the pool all spring and summer long when relaxing in these lounge chairs! Crafted with a metal frame and wrapped in resin wicker, the chairs have an adjustable back that let you recline to a position you find most comfortable. They're also also weather- and UV-resistant. Constructed with heavy-gauge steel, this fire pit's raised base protects your patio or deck. The simple, bowl-shaped design should fit into any setup and a complimentary spark screen, fire poker and grate means you'll have all the tools needed to take any summer gathering past sunset at once. Just add some marshmallows and chocolate. This cushioned loveseat and acacia wood coffee table is the perfect addition to your patio. Reviewers note the water-resistant cushion is comfy and thick and is easy enough to assemble. From cool nights to crisp days, this powerful fire pit will help extend your time outdoors this spring. You'll love cozying up to the portable fire pit that includes a spark screen, log poker, log grate and vinyl storage cover. Belly up to this outdoor wicker bar that's now 58% off. It features six stools that easily slide out from underneath. Ideal for outdoor entertaining, the glass tabletop adds a touch of elegance to your space and is super easy to clean. The wicker furniture and the premium seat cushions are all weather-resistant. Spend your leisure time lounging in comfort with the set that includes one loveseat, two armchairs and a coffee table. Made of a solid steel and resin rattan, the outdoor furniture is sturdy and durable. Its also resistant to water and corrosion. The spacious seating is covered with padded cushions that have removable and washable covers. All the pieces in this set can be arranged in various ways according to your different needs.
Irish Independent
26-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
BBQ deals, demos and food tastings promised as free Grill Fest returns to Wicklow
The event is free to attend and includes a line-up of grill masters and drinks experts, showing you how to do everything with a BBQ from smoking, to grilling to pizza making. Pat Conway and Jim O'Brien, the dynamic duo behind Smokin' Soul, will host a live and interactive smoker demo, while Reggie White, the mastermind behind Reggie's Pizzeria in Rathmines, will share his expert skills in crafting the perfect Neapolitan style pizza, demonstrating how to achieve that irresistible crust right on the grill. All the way from Co Derry, Emily and Norman from Lo & Slo BBQ run their Wild and Fired BBQ School at the historic Brookhall Estate. They will be bringing their live and interactive demonstration, where they will serve up tomahawk steak tasters sizzling on hot coals. Bringing his passion for local flavours and mixology expertise, Oisín Davis, the driving force behind Great Irish Beverages and a dedicated advocate for Wicklow's food and beverage producers, is set to feature his bespoke 'Wicklow Cocktail Demo'. Oisín will showcase innovative cocktails that highlight the county's finest spirits and local produce. Keith Cooks, a proud ambassador for Charbroil grills, brings a wealth of expertise and creativity to the barbecue scene. From perfecting the art of smoking to grilling steaks and vegetables, Keith will be available to chat to all BBQ lovers about the versatility of Charbroil's innovative grilling technology. Joe Savage, a Ballymaloe alumni and seasoned food and fire chef, will be armed with the finest cuts from Keith Grant's butchery demonstrations. Joe will take centre stage once again on the Celtic Kamado grill. Keith Grant will also be demonstrating his traditional butchery skills with his own unique wit and flare. Known for talking the talk, catch him hosting a unique butchery demonstration that will inspire any meat and BBQ enthusiast. Grill Fest runs from 12pm to 4pm on Monday, May 5, at Glen of the Downs, and is open to all.
