Monthly Archives: April 2015

Enhancing Your Patio

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Turn a drab outdoor patio into an exciting outdoor living space that everyone can enjoy. You marriot-firepitcan make the most of your outdoor living area by extending your indoor living elements to the great outdoors. There are many simple and inexpensive ways to convert your outdoor patio into a fun and inviting area.

Focus on Comfort

One simple way to improve your outdoor area is to buy new outdoor furniture. If your old furniture is uncomfortable, outdated or worn, that may be the reason you don’t like spending time on your patio. If you enjoy a good DIY project, you may consider simply refinishing your current outdoor furniture (with paint or wood stain depending on the material it’s made of) and simply rearranging it to create an entirely new space.

Outdoor rugs may also add some aesthetic interest, while making the space appear cozier and more inviting.

Let There Be Light

You can also add some inexpensive lighting to your outdoor patio to make your space fun and useful even when it’s dark outside. If you are looking for more permanent and ornate lighting, Fine’s Gas has many outdoor gas lighting solutions, ranging from tiki torches to wall lights.

Add Foliage

Some simple lawn and gardening work can transform your drab patio into a spectacular outdoor living space. Spend a weekend planting new flowers and plants around your patio, and show your lawn some TLC. Improving the vegetation around your patio will create a healthier and richer environment for everyone to enjoy. New flowers and trees may also draw in birds and other wildlife, which can enhance the natural ambience of your outdoor space.

Build a Fire Pit

Building a fire pit is a great feature for any outdoor space. Having a fire pit in your patio creates a warm and cozy atmosphere where friends and family can gather around and enjoy each other’s company. Fine’s gas has several fire pits to fit any outdoor living space.

Turn It Into a Kitchen

Green Egg Outdoor KitchenIf you are looking to go all out with your outdoor living space, you may consider constructing an outdoor kitchen. Whether you’d prefer to purchase three-in-one outdoor kitchen island or to build a fully-custom outdoor kitchen, the staff at Fine’s Gas can help. If you would like to learn more about our products and installation services, contact us!

Meat Cooking Temperatures

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Have you fired up your grill yet this spring? If not, be sure to meat cooking temperatures check out one of our previous blogs, “How to Clean Your Gas Grill for Summer. (And if you notice any problems that need fixing, contact us for assistance.)

Once you’re sure your grill is in good shape, check out the following guide to safe meat cooking temperatures.

Food Safety

We know that some people like their steaks and burgers very rare, but according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, grill masters should be following internal cooking temperature guidelines to determine the safety of the foods they serve. Instead of relying on visuals—basing doneness on how “pink” your meats are—check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. (A few of our grills even come with high-quality meat thermometers.) By following the suggestions below, you’ll be able to ensure the foods you grill this spring and summer will maintain their great flavor without the risk of illness due to undercooking.

Ground Meats

160 degrees Fahrenheit

Steaks & Chops

145 degrees Fahrenheit (rest 3 minutes)

Pork & Ham (Raw)

145 degrees Fahrenheit (rest 3 minutes)

Poultry

165 degrees Fahrenheit

Fish

145 degrees Fahrenheit

Other Helpful Tips

In addition to following the aforementioned meat cooking temperature recommendations, consider the following:

• Planning to use a marinade as a dressing for cooked meats? Make a little extra, and place that portion in a separate container. Using any of the mixture your meat has marinated in at the end of the cooking process could increase your risk for contamination.

• Preheating your grill isn’t only for cooking purposes—it also kills bacteria that may have accumulated on your grill since the last time it was fired up. Don’t skip this step!

• When preparing to transport uncooked meats to your grill, bring an extra, clean dish. Transfer cooked meats from the grill onto the clean dish to prevent contamination.

• If you’re planning a party where folks will come and go and would prefer to cook extra burgers or hotdogs in advance, turn the grill down to around 140 degrees Fahrenheit and leave cooked meats on a side or upper rack to stay warm.

If you’re in need of a new grill, replacement parts, or even an entire outdoor kitchen installation, Fine’s Gas can help. Shop our products online or contact us for more information.