Pity the poor residents of northern areas of the U.S. and certainly Canada, for if they are barbecue aficionados – as so many of us are – they can enjoy that avocation for only four to six months of the year.

It’s true they can push those grilling months out to a full 12, but only if they are willing to suit up in warm clothes and boots, shovel some snow, and stand around watching flames or a temperature gauge while toes turn white and the falling snow piles up on head and shoulders.

That scenario plays out year after year throughout snowbelt areas, but there is a better way. That’s the message of an article in this issue entitled, “In From the Cold.”

While CSA instructions say not to use a grill under a roof of any kind, a couple in Northern New England wanted to barbecue in warmth and comfort all year round. So they contacted the local Building Inspector as well as the Town Safety Official (who is also the Deputy Fire Chief).

They explained, quite candidly, what they wanted to do, then asked the two officials what they required in order to sign off on such a project. Their answer was brief and to the point; they said, “Hire a Mechanical Engineer; have him spec the vent hood needed to properly accommodate the situation.”

So they did. Four days later the engineer came back with specs, including the brand, size and that it be 1,200 cfms. The engineer signed off on it, and so did the two town officials. The couple now has spent almost a full year barbecuing in comfort.

There is no reason why this approach can’t be taken throughout all colder areas in North America. That would substantially expand the market for all things barbecue, and for Outdoor Rooms, in those areas.

Retailers, consider mentioning this approach to your customers. You will be doing them, and yourself, a favor.

Outdoor Room Design Ideas

In this issue you will find a Special 32-Page Section on Outdoor Room Design; this is only the second year for this project. We went out to hundreds of architects, designers, landscape architects and specialty retailers, and received just over 1,000 images of their work. As you will see, much of it is very impressive.

A PDF of all 32 pages has been placed on our website for all to download, print out in color, and use as inspiration for customers interested in Outdoor Rooms or outdoor kitchens (click here). Consider going to Staples or Kinko’s and printing out scores or hundreds of copies to give to customers.