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LIFESTYLE FOCUS
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OUTDOOR KITCHEN
Inset: The Biolite FirePit from Burton McCall.
An appreciation of the great outdoors is here to stay, with more consumers making the most of their gardens, patios or balconies for cooking, eating and entertaining throughout the year. PH considers how the kitchen has extended beyond the patio window.
Flame grilling Since the onset of Covid, most of us have spent more time at home - restricted to meeting friends outdoors for part of the time – so it is no surprise that we have invested in our gardens. However, the shift towards the outdoors as an extended living space has been increasingly significant over the past decade, providing an antidote to busy lives that are dominated by technology and screens. According to Waitrose & Partners’ Food & Drink Report 2020-2021, one in five consumers in its survey has invested in a new barbecue, and almost 40% have used barbecues more, while one in ten have installed an outdoor bar. Lee McDonagh, managing director of Samuel Groves observes: “The trend for outdoor entertaining has been growing in recent years, and the pandemic and the development of outdoor kitchens and BBQs has fuelled this further.” Consequently, Lee admits: “We saw the opportunity to develop a range of sturdy, versatile, longlasting, free from PFOA and PTFE cookware that can be used for outdoor cooking on the barbecue and open flames.” Lee continues: “Britannia from Samuel Groves is perfect for outdoor
Techno fire-starter Grabbing the attention of visitors to Exclusively 2021, the Biolite FirePit and Barbecue from Burton McCall unites mobile technology with the primordial passion for a warming fire. Ideal for outdoor cooking as well as providing a warm hub for an outdoor gathering, the FirePit’s flames can be controlled via a Biolite app. “Central to the FirePit is the advanced airflow system; an integrated fan injects the fire with air across 51 jets dramatically improving combustion by burning particulate matter before it has the chance to escape the fire,” explains Demian Lashlee at BioLite. “So, you can go from spark to smokeless in under 30 seconds. The x-ray mesh (recently upgraded with a larger perforation for more radiant heating) allows you to have a 360 degree view of your flames and creates the feel of a floating fire.” He also emphasises: “The more air you introduce, the hotter the fire. The airflow pack can give up to 30 hours of clean burning on a single charge and detaches for easy recharging via a micro USB. When you’re not burning, the airflow pack doubles as a power bank offering power in a pinch to your other devices.” Biolite recently introduced the AlpenGlow lantern to add to the outdoor dining experience. “The AlpenGlow rechargeable lanterns deliver a dusk or daylight feel inspired by nature,” states Demian. “It features high-efficiency ChromaReal LED technology which accurately renders the colours in your environment with the glow of warm natural light.” Anticipating continuing growth in the outdoor entertaining sector, Demian confirms: “The pandemic has renewed our love of the outdoors and our products and technology in this category make it easier to enjoy. Not everyone is a backcountry enthusiast but we all can certainly enjoy a back garden, BBQ and chill session with family and friends.”
Inset: Britannia by Samuel Groves can be used for cooking on a barbecue.
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HOUSEWARES