Hot dogs are a summer staple when planning the menu for weekend picnics, Independence Day celebrations and backyard barbecues. They’re easy to cook, taste great on the grill and are surprisingly versatile. Epicurean hot dogs are becoming increasingly trendy at top restaurants, but we think they taste best when surrounded by family and friends in your own backyard.  

One of our favorite signs of spring is the scent of charcoal smoke wafting through neighborhood backyards as families ready their grills for the first cookout of the season. Dining al fresco is a great way to spend time with family and friends, enjoying nature and trying out new recipes. Plus, according to a report from the Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association, 54% of Americans say they make healthier, fresher food choices when they cook outdoors

Last week the DIY Network debuted Mega Decks, a new series about luxury outdoor living spaces constructed by Gail and Garth Hyland’s innovative deck and landscaping company Colorado Custom Decks. The construction team’s architectural challenges include building incredible fire features, outdoor entertainment systems, waterfalls and water features, pergolas and outdoor kitchens. The decks they build are unparalleled in terms of amenities, comfort, and design. They also feature Infratech heaters.

Temperatures are rising, flowers are blooming, and local farmers markets are bursting with colorful produce. Spring is here, which means it’s time to sweep up the patio, light up the grill and get ready for the outdoor entertaining season.

We’re pleased to share that Infratech was featured in “High-Tech Outdoor Entertaining Tips,” a recent blog story by one of cable’s highest-rated networks, HGTV. The home improvement channel is distributed to over 99 million homes in America and is currently the nation’s fifth ranked cable network. HGTV’s affiliated magazine is the #7 best-selling monthly magazine, with a digital circulation of over 103,000 subscribers. The piece was written by digital lifestyle expert Carley Knobloch, who is also a contributor to NBC’s TODAY show and CNN.  

Thanksgiving decorating – like dinner – is all about celebrating the bounty of the harvest season while still reflecting the holiday’s simple message. Simple pleasures like sweet, crisp apples, brightly-colored Indian corn, and changing leaves all signify that the crisp air of autumn will soon be replaced by the winter chill. Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving outdoors or simply looking to welcome your guests with some seasonal color, dĂ©cor should be simple yet stunning. Best of all, these easy-to-make DIY outdoor decorating projects will help hosts top their tables, trim their windowsills and deck their doors without cutting too much into precious culinary prep time.  

Just because the weather is cooler doesn’t mean it’s time to store away the grill for winter. After all, it’s harvest time, when cooking focuses on some of the heartiest and headiest flavors found in nature. The smoky flavor of the grill brings out the natural sweetness of seasonal produce like pumpkins and pears, making the autumn grilling season one of the most satisfying and surprising. Whether you’re planning a small family gathering or giving outdoor entertaining one last hurrah, our fall BBQ menu celebrates the taste of the season by giving these traditional foods a new twist.

We all love traditional hotdog and hamburger cookouts, even the occasional grilled pizza is a treat, but what about grilled artichokes, lemonade and even pound cake? Give your hardworking stove a rest and fire up the grill with our favorite savory, sweet and unexpected recipes perfect for your next summertime barbeque. Grilled Pickles