Wilshire Fireplace Shop Blog - Distributor in California, Los Angeles and Orange County

Friday 15 June 2012

Advantages of Using a Barbeque Gas


Barbeques
The advantages of using gas grills are the main reason why it is so popular for backyard chefs today. Barbeque party is a very good way to bond with friends or with the family, creative party throwers place their barbeque gas grills on their deck or patio are and hold parties there for convenient cooking and better way of entertaining guests.

Turning on a gas grill is very easy, just turn the knob, hit the starter button and you're good to go. One advantage of gas grill is its cooking convenience. In charcoal, you constantly have to monitor heat and keep it to an optimal temperature. An outdoor barbeque gas grill has a built in thermometer gauge and a knob to control the flame. This allows anyone to cook any type of meal properly.

Another big advantage of a gas grill is its capacity to cook different meals at changing temperatures at the same time. Grills of this type have individual burners on each side with their corresponding control knobs. You can flip one side up or down to compensate for varying temperature needs easily. This innovative feature will save your guests from starving, since they don't need to wait that long to wait for your food to cook.

The third advantage is the ease of cleaning the whole thing up after you are done cooking the meal. This type of grill cools down very fast, allowing you to remove its parts and clean grill section with ease. Unlike in charcoal grills that you have to wait long minutes or even hours for the charcoal to cool before removing or cleaning anything, plus cleaning this is a very messy activity.

Enjoy with Outdoor Barbeque
One thing you should consider in using barbque gas grill is that it uses propane to be able to function, and propane is a very flammable product. One should always take extra precaution in using this type of grill. Always check the gas lines for leaks regularly to avoid serious accidents like explosion that will cause fire. Follow instructions carefully to avoid accidents such as explosion that results to fire. Always check propane tanks before purchasing it.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/2684671

Tips For a Wonderful Outdoor Barbecue Soiree


Barbecue parties are common during summer and spring, when the weather is pleasant enough, allowing outdoor activities to take place without fuss. The gathering in itself, the food, the fun, and the fabulous surprises make up a nice package of exciting adventure that people truly love.

Do you also want to make a memorable outdoor barbecue party? Are you hosting one in the near future and still got no clues what to prepare and how to prepare them? Well, you have come to the right page. Read on for some useful tips on creating the most exciting, the most pleasurable outdoor barbecue parties:

Tip #1: Start up your plan with a theme or concept. Find one that is suitable for your guests. If you are hosting a barbecue party for the members of your family, naturally a small group, you can do a garden barbecue party, which is quite common. If you are hosting a bigger group of people, securing a place in the village clubhouse or somewhere spacious is a wise move. If your guests love to swim, an outdoor barbecue party with the pool or the beach in the equation is ideal. Once your theme is laid out, you can think about the activities, games, or forms of entertainment next.

Tip #2: Make the necessary arrangements as early as possible. If you want to enjoy the party yourself, you must not let cramming get in the way. You will be relaxed as much as your guests are if you are able to ensure that all that you need for the party are neatly arranged. It would also be an unsightly memory for your guests to attend an outdoor barbecue party that is disorganized.

Tip #3: Prepare an extensive menu along with a reliable outdoor grill. The most important facet of an outdoor barbecue party is definitely the food. You must never fail on this factor. When preparing the menu, it is advisable that you make one that is extensive, providing different choices to ensure that everyone would enjoy. More importantly, make sure that your outdoor grill would not fail you.

Make sure that it is dependable and versatile enough to handle the possible high demands. This is pretty easy nowadays with the widest choice of barbecue grills available in the market. Still, it would help a lot if you know your requirements and you choose your unit according to your needs. In times when you are hosting an outdoor barbecue party, you would not have to worry whether your barbecue grill would actually deliver or not.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3255027

Thursday 7 June 2012

Andirons at Wilshire Fireplace

Andirons. You've seen them. They're the two things to the sides of the logs in a fireplace.

Some incorrectly call them endirons, but thinking about it, endirons sounds more descriptively right. Wrong. They are andirons or sometimes called firedogs.

Andirons are now used primarily as decoration for the fireplace. They are just accessories.

At one time, they were used to support the wood in the fireplace. They had decorative vertical fronts made out of cast iron, solid brass or other metals, even stainless steel. From these verticals they had legs or dogs that went back in to the fireplace. You sat your wood across these legs lifting it up off of the floor. This let the wood get more air and it burned more efficiently. br> The verticals kept the wood from rolling forward in to the room, keeping everyone safe.

In today's fireplace industry grates do the same thing as the andirons so andirons are just decorative.

You can use andirons for wood burning fires or gas logs fireplaces. It gives the fireplace an authentic look. Want that gas fireplace to look real? Add some andirons and a toolset and maybe even a wood basket. Fool the eye into thinking everything is real.

Most andirons found now are designs from many years ago. They are also known as antique reproductions. You can find andirons made as period pieces or even very contemporary designs.

Decorating your house with a contemporary look? Wilshire Fireplace Gas logs has a selection of stainless steel andirons, match holders, toolsets and wood holders to complement your room.

Not contemporary? Not to worry as Wilshire Fireplace Shops have andirons in all shapes, sizes and finishes.

Wilshire Fireplace Shop locations:

8924 W. Olympic Blvd., Beverly Hills, CA 90211
Tel: 310 657 8183 Fax: 310 657 9399

15335 Sunset Boulevard, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
Tel: 310 454 4444 Fax: 310 454 6056

14619 Ventura Boulevard, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
Tel: 818 784 7248 Fax: 818 784 7508

134 Pacific Coast Highway, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
Tel: 310 376 3448 Fax: 310 374 9917

1522 Newport Boulevard, Costa Mesa, CA 92627
Tel: 949 650 2640 Fax: 949 650 7945

162 S. Rancho Santa Fe Road No.E40, Encinitas, CA 92024
Tel:760 436 8878 Fax:760 436 8879

4004 Taylor Street, San Diego, CA 92110
Tel: 619 296 2727 Fax: 619 296 7910

For more info visit at official website at: http://www.wilshirefireplace.com/

Wednesday 16 May 2012

Fireplace Doors

Fireplace doors are an alternative to regular fireplace screens. When I originally set out to find all the necessary accessories to go along with my new fireplace, I thought that I would simply purchases a traditional fireplace screen. Yet, after looking at the various fireplace doors that are available, I decided that these would make a more attractive fireplace.
There are fireplace doors that are single doors that cover the entire fireplace opening, and there are two piece fireplace doors that open on hinges with the connecting seam running down the middle of the fireplace opening.
These two types of fireplace doors make up the vast majority of fireplace doors, yet there are some more contemporary and unique styles that don't quite fir into either of these categories. Additionally, not all fireplace doors are sold as complete units. With some types of fireplace doors, you will have to purchase the framing portions separately from the individual fireplace door pieces.
Be sure that you know which type of fireplace doors that you are purchasing, as to whether or not they will require additional framework to complete the opening and door installation. Some fireplace doors do come with everything that is required to complete your fireplace.
Of course buying the individual fireplace doors separate from the finishing framing pieces has its advantages. With this type of fireplace doors, you have more room to customize the design specifically to your liking.
There are fireplace door frames in nearly every type of material and finish imaginable, from gold, silver and pewter, to iron and many other types of materials. Whether your décor is dark, light or somewhere in between, there are fireplace door frames for every style or taste you may desire.
Though many people consider fireplace curtains to fit more in the fireplace screen doors category, I believe they fit more accurately within the fireplace doors category, as they can be placed in either a closed, open or partly open position.
A more expensive, yet truly unique look is to incorporate bi-fold glass fireplace doors. These lovely fireplace doors contain four panels of polished and tempered glass panels. Each half of these fireplace doors bends in the middle and slides along ball bearings located at the top and bottom of the doors. These typically also feature draft control at the bottom section of the doors.
I found just the right set of fireplace doors at http://www.wilshirefireplace.com/ and was about to place an order when I decided to take a look and see if I couldn't find the same set of doors for less on eBay. I didn't think I'd be able to save that much, if any, money, but also thought it was worth a try.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/272912

Friday 27 April 2012

Fireplace Mantel Decor and Accessories

Most people only think about fireplace mantel decor during the winter holidays, when they're likely to pull out all the stops to make it gorgeous. But why decorate your mantel for one month of the year and leave it bland the rest of the time? Your fireplace is a focal point of the living room, and the mantel should be decorated accordingly.

Fireplace Accessories

In addition to the fireplace mantel itself, the largest decor elements will be the fireplace screen and tool set. Those two elements should complement the mantel as well as the overall look of the room. Once you have those in place, you can begin to choose the decor items to hang above the mantel or set inside the fireplace.

 
Possible choices include fireplace candelabras to place inside the fireplace instead of logs and andirons. Most people hang a painting or mirror over the mantel. Some people hang plasma TVs in that space, but you have to be careful about the wall temperature. If your wall gets too hot, you could destroy the TV.

Fireplace Mantel Decor

The fireplace mantel shelf is designed to hold smaller decor items. Candles in colors that complement the Fireplace design scheme are an excellent choice. When choosing candlesticks, look for styles that also complement the room. Ornate gold candlesticks will look out of place in a modern glass and steel living room, but could be an attractive accent if set off with a few other small gold items in the room.

In addition to candles, you can be more creative by choosing small boxes, statues, or carvings. Framed family photos, especially wedding photos and family portraits, add hominess to the room.

Whichever items you choose, select colors that are in the same family as the couch and chairs. Accents should echo the theme of the room, for example a small Buddha statue in an Asian-inspired room or a silver box in a contemporary room.

If you're particularly creative, you could update the room and fireplace mantel decor with each season. Just a few items carefully placed can really freshen a room any time of the year.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/2109543

Friday 13 April 2012

What Is a Fireplace Mantel?

What Is a Fireplace Mantel?
Originally designed in medieval times, the fireplace mantel acted as a hood that would catch smoke. However, the fireplace mantel has evolved over time to incorporate the decorative frame that surrounds a fireplace. As such, mantels provide a decorating highlight to any room with a fireplace, designs which may or may not extend all the way to the ceiling. Sometimes known as a mantelpiece or chimney-piece, the fireplace mantel has traditionally been an artistic element of a room while also providing practical elements such as protecting the surrounding area from fire damage.

Mantels are available in a wide range of designs and styles. From Renaissance styles that include elaborate wood-carved extremes to modern styles that feature clean lines and contemporary materials, your mantel can reflect your own design choices, whatever they may be. Because rooms were traditionally heated with an open, wood-burning fireplace whereas rooms today are heated with mechanized contained heating systems, such as a gas-burning fireplace, the styles and applications of mantels have certainly changed. However, even though your mantel may serve a different function today compared to several hundred years ago, it continues to provide a focal point to many different living spaces.

Today's fireplace mantels are often extensions of the architectural or design features of your home. Nevertheless, mantel manufacturers can build a mantelpiece that reflects essentially any design period in history. You may choose to have a customized mantel, or a standard design, but always remember that mantel for your fireplaces can enhance the appearance, ambiance, or overall style of your home.

Without question, mantels have become an interior design focus. While offering a unique opportunity to elaborate on the style of a space, fireplace mantels are also important for expressing your personality. Fireplace mantels can be constructed from marble, limestone, granite, and various woods depending on your preference. You may even use your mantel to express your artistic freedom as it is becoming more commonplace to have a sculptor or artisan design a one-of-a-kind fireplace mantel for your home.

In addition, mantels often feature more subtle design elements such as capitals, moulding, brackets, fruits, or vegetation for decoration. It may be clichéd, but it is definitely not an overstatement to say that the sky is the limit when it comes to fireplace mantel design choices. You can easily choose a mantel that draws from Classic, Renaissance, Italian, French, American, or Victorian genres or you can choose a fireplace design that is entirely unique to your own sense of style. You can even mix design genres.

So while a mantel may seem like a simple fireplace surrounding where you display pictures and knickknacks, the truth is that a mantel is the centerpiece of style in your living room, bedroom, or family room. Indeed, your fireplace mantel can not only reflect your personal design choices but also the function and architecture of the room it inhabits.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6569123

Thursday 15 March 2012

Selecting Fireplace Glass Doors

A fireplace glass door is installed on a fireplace to keep the room warm longer when the flames die down. Whether a wood burning fireplace or a gas burning fireplace, heat radiated into the room escapes through the chimney. One does not notice this while the fire is burning brightly, because of the heat from the flames that radiates into the room.

However, when the fire starts to die down, the hearth becomes cold quickly as the heat escapes through the fireplace opening. To stop this from happening, a fireplace glass doors blocks the opening, keeping the warm air from leaving the room.

Aside from keeping the warm air from escaping, the doors act to keep the hearth clean just as a fireplace screen used to do in the olden days. With the doors closed, ashes and embers don't scatter about the room, keeping the carpet or rug clean and scorch-free. The doors also have built in devices that divert air towards the bottom of the fireplace. These vents make the fire burn brighter and easier to light.

While fireplaces accentuate the largeness of a room, the rooms do not all come in one size. For smaller rooms, like a child's bedroom, fireplaces were sometimes built in the corner of the room to exploit the space there. In fact, it is now easier to install a new fire place in the corner of a room because the fireplace walls could be tapered exactly just so in order to reflect the heat more efficiently into the room.

A corner fireplace door is somewhat smaller than an ordinary fireplace door. They usually come in the traditional accordion-type frame because of the limited space offered by the walls. In choosing a fireplace door from the rack, the purchaser has to ensure that the door is big enough to cover the widest area of the fireplace opening without covering the whole mantle design. The door should overlap the whole fireplace opening in order to serve its purpose, but should not keep the fireplace itself from being seen and admired.

Most fireplace glass doors are made of tempered glass with either ceramic or anodized aluminum frames. Glass is placed on the door so that the fire can still be appreciated even with the door closed. Most of these fireplace doors can be bought stock - meaning that most of the door that are for sale can be purchased off the rack and installed with minimal changes.

However, the designs on these doors are almost alike in such a way that they can all be described as "simple and elegant." And although these new simplistic designs would probably look good on modern fireplace designs, these may be incompatible with the rustic brick fireplaces. A masonry fireplace door would probably look better with a frame made to look like antique brass.

While other fireplace accessories look better when they are clean and shiny, the rustic charm of wrought iron or antique brass cannot be discounted. These metals on fireplace tools and door frames make them virtually maintenance-free because they do not have to be completely shiny to look good. However, these metals have a tendency to heat up, so it is highly recommended that a pair of kitchen mittens be kept nearby in case one has to open the hot doors.

As an aid in making a purchase, one should take a picture of the fireplace and hearth, along with the fireplace tools, and take it to the home improvement center. The picture will help the buyer visualize the room and select the right fireplace door to fit the decoration.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6510937

Friday 17 February 2012

Fireplace Designs

Fireplace designs are blueprints or illustrations for imagining what your ideal fireplace would look like. You can purchase these, or you can find them for free if you dig. Fireplace designs are beautiful and varied and appropriate designs can improve efficiency of fireplaces and add beauty to homes and hearths.

The first factor to be considered when designing a fireplace is the material used. Oak mantle is a nice option for a home with oak wood decorations. For outdoor designs, cast iron and aluminum are better choices, as these materials are long standing and dependable.

Secondly, one has to decide on a particular style, which depends on the room size and available space. Build-ins are ideal if available designs can provide only a dominating or jutting fireplace. Build-ins have cabinetry or shelving matching the walls.

Electric Fireplace
Another aspect to be considered is the size. A large room with high ceilings needs a fireplace designed of larger size.

Finally, when designing fireplaces, the type of burning mechanism is important. The burning fuel can be natural gas, propane, EPA certified wood, coal, or pellet. Gas fireplaces are better choices if natural gas is used for heating. If natural gas is not used, it is better to place propane tank behind the chimney. As electric fireplaces are easily removable ones, these fireplaces are well-suited for apartments, condos, high rise buildings, and homes that are small in size.

A properly designed fireplace is a worthy addition to any home. When designed using right materials, textures, and colors, it can enhance the elegance of the house.

Fireplaces provides detailed information on Fireplaces, Outdoor Fireplaces, Fireplace Chimneys, Gas Fireplaces and more. Fireplaces is affiliated with Wood Fireplace Mantels

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/275408

Friday 20 January 2012

About-Wilshire Fireplace Shops

Since 1924, Wilshire Fireplace Shops is the most progressive and complete fireplace accessory company in the country. We continue our long tradition of offering only the finest in contemporary, traditional and period antique fireplace equipment available.

We feature an extensive line of mantels, firescreens, chenets, andirons, toolsets, fenders, mailboxes and barbeques. Many items are authentic reproduction of antique pieces. We carry many period antiques as well as antique reproductions. We at Wilshire Fireplace take pride in our eighty years in business.
 
Fireplace Mantels
 We take pride that in our eighty years in business we've furnished seven presidents' fireplaces both in and out of the White House, including Ronald Reagan's in Bel Air. We have also provided accessories for many top celebrities which has made our business, both fascinating and challenging.

Our customer friendly staff possess a wealth of knowledge of fireplaces, second to none.