They are outdoor spaces that can be transformed to meet a multitude of needs and desires

Whether you’re seeking a quiet sanctuary, a home office, a guest suite, or a space for creative expression, a garden room can be the perfect solution. This guide will explore the world of versatile garden rooms, offering insights on how to design them and maximise their potential for various uses.

Designing Your Garden Room: A Canvas for Creativity

1. Define Your Purpose and Budget:

· Purpose: Determine the primary purpose of your garden room. Is it a home office, a relaxation space, a guest suite, or something else? The intended use will influence the design and features.

· Budget: Establish a budget for your project. This will guide your material choices, size, and any additional features you may want to include.

2. Choose a Location:

· Orientation: Select a location that offers the best natural light and views while considering privacy and accessibility from your main dwelling.

· Regulations: Check local zoning regulations and building codes to ensure compliance. Some areas may have restrictions on the size and height of garden structures.

3. Design Your Garden Room:

· Architectural Style: Decide on the architectural style that complements your home and garden. Options range from contemporary and minimalist to traditional and rustic garden buildings.

· Size and Layout: Determine the size of your garden room based on its purpose and available space. Sketch a rough layout to visualise how you’ll use the interior space.

· Materials: Choose materials that suit your design and budget. Common options include wood, steel, and glass. Consider the insulation properties and maintenance requirements of your chosen materials.

· Windows and Doors: Plan for ample windows and doors to maximise natural light and ventilation. Sliding glass doors, French doors, or large windows can provide a seamless connection to the outdoors.

· Roofing: Select a roofing material that complements the design and ensures weather protection. Options include traditional shingles, metal roofing, or a green roof with plantings.

· Insulation and Climate Control: To make your garden room comfortable year-round, invest in proper insulation and climate control systems. This may include heating, cooling, and ventilation.

4. Create Detailed Plans:

· Hire a Professional: If your project is complex or involves structural elements, it’s advisable to consult with an architect or designer to create detailed plans and blueprints.

5. Obtain Necessary Permits:

· Building Permits: Check with your local building authority to determine if permits are required for your garden room construction. Be prepared to submit your plans and pay any associated fees.

6. Build Your Garden Room:

· Foundation: Start by constructing a suitable foundation, which may include concrete footings or a timber frame. Ensure it is level and stable.

· Framing: Build the frame of your garden room according to your plans. Carefully follow the design specifications to ensure structural integrity.

· Walls and Roof: Assemble the walls and roof, making sure they are weatherproof and insulated properly. Install windows and doors as specified in your plans.

· Electrical and Plumbing: If your garden room requires electrical outlets, lighting, or plumbing (e.g., for a bathroom or kitchenette), hire licensed professionals to handle these installations.

· Interior Finishes: Finish the interior to suit your intended use. This may involve flooring, wall treatments, and the installation of any fixtures or furnishings.

· Exterior Finishes: Complete the exterior with siding, paint, or other finishes that align with your design. Landscaping around the garden room can enhance its integration with the garden.

Utilising Your Garden Room: Endless Possibilities

Once your garden room is designed and constructed, it’s time to unleash its potential. Here are some popular uses for garden rooms:

1. Home Office: In the age of remote work, a garden room can serve as a dedicated home office. Separating work from home life becomes easier, and the proximity to nature can enhance productivity and reduce stress.

2. Gym or Fitness Studio: Transform your garden room into a personal fitness space. Equip it with exercise machines, mirrors, and ample floor space for yoga or pilates. Exercising in a garden room offers a refreshing change of scenery.

3. Art and Creativity Studio: Whether you’re an artist, writer, or craft enthusiast, a garden room can become your creative sanctuary. Natural light and inspiring outdoor views can boost your artistic endeavours. 4. Guest Suite: Entertain guests in style with a well-equipped garden room guest suite. It provides privacy, comfort, and a unique guest experience. A bathroom or a compact kitchenette can be added for convenience.

5. Entertainment Hub: Use your garden room as an entertainment space. Install a home theatre system, a pool table, or a bar for hosting gatherings and parties while enjoying the outdoor ambiance.

6. Relaxation Retreat: Create a tranquil oasis for relaxation and meditation. Furnish it with comfortable seating, soft lighting, and soothing decor to unwind and de-stress.

7. Greenhouse or Garden Shed: For the avid gardener, a garden room can double as a greenhouse or a garden shed, providing a space for potting plants, storing tools, and nurturing your green thumb.

A World of Possibilities

The beauty of a versatile garden room lies in its adaptability. It can evolve with your changing needs and desires. As you design and utilise this outdoor retreat, remember that it’s a reflection of your lifestyle and a space that can enhance your well-being. Embrace the endless possibilities and watch as your garden room becomes an integral part of your home, where creativity, productivity, and relaxation flourish in harmony with nature.

Having an outdoor barbecue is the perfect way to make use of your outdoor garden, especially in the warmer months

But to do that, you need the right BBQ grill

That’s why, in today’s post, I’ll be reviewing the CosmoGrill Outdoor XL Charcoal grill. 

With most of our social events happening outdoors in the past year, having a portable barbecue grill can make a world of difference. With it, you can make delicious and smokey meats and veggies to enjoy with your friends and family. 

What I’ll Cover…

• Charcoal vs Gas grills
• Best features
• Product specifications
• Customer reviews
• Top alternatives
• Is it the right choice for you?

OK, let’s get stuck in…

The first decision you have to make when buying a grill for your garden is choosing between gas and charcoal. Both have their advantages, so you need to choose one based on your specific needs.

The best part about gas grills is that they start at the push of a button and require much less cleaning. However, they are more expensive and are less portable. 

This is the XXL model shown in use – more on that below

On the other hand, charcoal grills require you to prep the charcoal before starting but produce a much higher heat that allows that delicious caramelization. It also gives off that smokey flavour that we all know and love.

In addition, charcoal grills are much more portable and you can take them almost anywhere, so it’s perfect if you travel often, such as going camping.

If you’re more interested in gas grills, check out my previous review of the gas model of the CosmoGrill.

And now, let’s get to the CosmoGrill XL Outdoor Charcoal Grill.

Key Features

Let’s start by looking at the key features at a glance:

Coal tray with crank handle

The Cosmo Grill has a coal tray with crank handle

Adjusting the temperature on a charcoal grill can often be difficult due to the nature of charcoal. Some coals have higher heat while others have lower, and you need to be always observing to not overcook your food.

But with the Cosmo Grill Outdoor XL grill, you don’t need to worry so much about it.

It features a stainless steel handle that’s attached to the coal tray. This option allows you to move the tray up and down to gain the optimum heat you need.

Warming rack

The top rack keeps your food hot after cooking

Besides the main grill area, there’s one more above it that acts as a warming rack. It’s the perfect place to put any food that’s done cooking and needs to stay warm while you’re finishing up the other foods.

It can also serve as a secondary grilling area, especially if you need something that takes longer to cook on a lower heat.

Some things that come to mind are baked potatoes, corn on the cob or meat that is thicker.

Removable ashtray

Another common drawback of charcoal grills is that they leave ash as a waste which can be difficult to clean. But the CosmoGrill Outdoor XL Grill has figured out a way to make this process a lot easier.

Below the coal tray, there’s a removable drawer that catches all the ash and tiny pieces of coal.

Once you’re done grilling, just remove the drawer and empty it out, it’s as simple as that. You can even put it on your garden to give a little back in terms of nutrients.

Functional accessories

Cook to perfection with the in-built thermometer

To make your grilling process more enjoyable, the CosmoGrill includes a variety of accessories and attachments.

The best one has to be the built-in thermometer. It allows you to always keep an eye on the temperature and adjust the coals if necessary.

Other useful attachments include side shelves for easy storage and a prep area. The side shelves also have four hooks below them to hang all your utensils so as to keep them within easy reach at all times.

Fully portable

If you often move around and want to have your grill available for transport, you’ll be glad to hear that the CosmoGrill features two wheels that ensure easy transportation.

The whole unit weighs 24kg, and thanks to the wheels, moving it around seems like a breeze.

So, the next time you’re off to a picnic, you don’t have to cook beforehand – you can do it at the spot and enjoy freshly cooked food.

Here are the highlights…

Learn more at Amazon

Specifications

• Length: 124 cm
• Width: 66 cm
• Height: 113.5 cm
• Weight: 24kg
• Basin material: Steel
• Charcoal capacity: 2.7kg

What are People Saying…?

With more than 750 5-star reviews on Amazon, it’s clear that the CosmoGrill Outdoor XL Barbecue is highly-rated among people who’ve used it.

The main positive points that can be seen in all of these reviews are the adjustable height of the coal tray, the side shelves for easy prep, and the fact that it can be closed and used similar to an oven.

What can I say apart from this BBQ is outstanding? I have spent a lot of time considering what bbq to get and was looking at ones twice this price and even custom builds. The build quality is just amazing, it’s well packaged and easy to assemble. Instructs are clear and easy to follow. The coal tray is great, it’s nice to be able to adjust the heat without having to struggle with moving the rack up or down like on different BBQs, and the side trays with plenty of hooks make cooking for a large party easy. There is loads of room for meat, which is awesome, as we always cook too much. Would definitely recommend this grill. – Mark

What’s the Downside…?

To our surprise, some people found it hard to assemble the grill before using it, with some people even spending hours on it. They all seemed to love the actual barbecue, but the assembly was a real pain to go through.

It is actually a good design but a real pain to put together, takes about 3 hrs with all the tiny parts and screws. Once I assembled it though, I’m pleased with the product and have to say it cooks food well. – ILSC Housekeeping

The positive to take from this is that you only have to do it once!

Is it Suitable for You..?

If you’re looking to get that smokey meat flavour that you can only get from a charcoal grill, the CosmoGrill Outdoor XL BBQ is the perfect choice for you.

Another shot of the Cosmo Grill XXL model, which is almost the same as the XL model

It is very well built and has plenty of accessories and attachments to make your grilling experience much more enjoyable. The built-in thermometer allows you to stay in control of the temperature when you’re smoking meats or using it as an oven. 

And if you often wish you had a portable grill so you can do barbecues anywhere, you can now do so thanks to the two wheels at the bottom of this grill that allow you to bring it with you wherever you go.

Alternatives Options

• Cosmo Grill 6 Gas BBQ
• Outback Meteor 4 Burner BBQ Critical Review & Buyers Guide
• Cadac Carri Chef 2 BBQ Chef Pan 30mbar Review

The bottom line…

If a durable and resistant charcoal barbecue is what you’re after, then this one from CosmoGrill will provide you with everything you need. It’s highly portable, which means you can enjoy delicious barbecue wherever you go.

In addition, it has well-designed features, like the adjustable coal tray and the warming rack to make every cooking session a little more enjoyable. And when you’re done cooking, just pull out the ashtray and empty it out. Simple as that.

A stylish and professional looking BBQ and grill

If you like this option, but need a larger cooking area to serve more friends and family members, you can check out their larger, XXL model. It’s entirely the same, but with more place for all your foods.

Overall, the CosmoGrill Outdoor XL BBQ is a perfect addition to your outdoor entertainment area.

The word is “Upgraded”, now that Femor designed a large 3-in-1 fire pit that comes with a BBQ Grill, a waterproof cover, a poker tool and a safety mesh lid.

So it’s not just a fire pit, but a multifunctional piece of outdoor equipment. It can even act as an ice pit, offering essential storage for your cold beers during a summer party. The practical fire pit is made from premium quality heat proof steel, making it a lot more durable and rust resistant.

But what else makes this thing the go-to fire pit on the market right now? Let’s find out in this Femor 3 in 1 Fire Pit review.

What I’ll Cover…

• Highlights
• Key features
• What people are saying
• Downsides
• Is it suitable for you?

OK, let’s get started…

This Femor [Upgraded] Large 3 in 1 Fire Pit offers great value all around thanks to the inclusion of a weatherproof cover for you to store the fire pit during winter, and a poker tool that enables you to stir the charcoal from a safe distance.

It’s a very practical garden fire pit that will serve you well for many years to come.

Key Features

This fire pit has some desirable features that make it a must-have for anyone who needs a multi-purpose model.

Great Design and Superior Performance

The 3-in-1 multifunctional fire pit is very much equipped for BBQ events everywhere. The major benefit lies in the inclusion of a BBQ grill and ice pit; things you buy separately if it’s any other model. FEMOR, however, gives you all these functions in one product.

The fire pit has four legs with triangular holes that allow you to fix it to the floor using ground nails. This ensures maximum stability, and also makes it stationary, thus you can’t shift it to another spot, for example. But’s sure to function as a great fire pit as well as a stylish addition to your garden.

In terms of fuel, you can use anything from charcoal to hardwood. The fire pit burns clean and smokeless, allowing you and your friends to enjoy warmth around it. Hardwood, in particular, lights up quicker, burns hotter, produces less ash, and gives your food tasty wood-fired flavour.

Premium construction materials

The FEMOR is made of robust heatproof steel that makes it extremely durable and resistant to corrosion and rust. In addition, there’s a safety mesh lid designed to prevent sparks and debris from flying out.

The lid’s surface is protected against very high temperatures. Also included is a waterproof cover and a poker, providing more convenient use and storage.

Highly versatile

The high-quality construction makes it perfect for year round use, giving you an opportunity to enjoy many BBQ parties or cosy evenings with family and friends, no matter the season.

And whenever you enjoy the sun and delicious meals with your family, you definitely would want some cold drinks and beers in your hand. In this respect, you only need some ice to turn the fire put into an ice pit to store your beverages.

When it gets cold outside, just throw in some coal or wood and you’ll have yourself a comfortable source of heat. The resulting soft light will also create a beautiful and fantastic atmosphere that’s perfect as a campfire.

Warranty

FEMOR backs this product with a 2-year warranty for your peace of mind. But for reasons only known to them, the warranty excludes customers from the Isle of Man, Scilly Isles, Scottish Islands and Channel Islands.

Here are the highlights…

Learn more at Amazon

What are People Saying…?

Now, most people love the beauty of this fire pit, as well as its robust construction. This is what some users from Amazon UK had to say:

User 1: “Arrived early, was well packed and complete. Easy to assemble, there aren’t many parts and the nuts are captive making it much less fiddly to put together. It looks good and is pretty sturdy considering its mainly just pressed metal. It’s also a good size which is what we wanted. Comes complete with grill rack and a plastic cover which are useful little bonuses. Overall very pleased with it.”

User 2: “This fire pit/ barbecue is beautiful, I bought it for my neighbour’s as a thank you present, they made the mistake of overloading it with coals, they were really pleased with it and used it as a barbecue the fire lasted for hours after, it looks really beautiful as well, strong, will last for years, great price. Would buy again.”

What’s the Downside…?

Although it’s made from high quality steel, the metal is somewhat thin and some folks aren’t impressed by that. One user claimed that he accidentally stepped on a piece during assembly and it bent as a result. So just be careful not to mishandle the fire pit and you’ll enjoy its promised benefits.

Is it Suitable for You..?

This FEMOR 3-in-1 is no doubt one of the best fire pits you can purchase. The additional accessories in the form of a BBQ grill, waterproof cover, poker tool and safety mesh are just too good to do without.

The fire pit also offers a spacious surround to provide space for food and drinks, and it easily converts into an ice pit, making it perfect for parties.

In terms of construction, the material is a lot more premium than the fire pit’s price would suggest.

That sums up the kind of product it is, one hell of a device that’s ideal for warmth, cooling drinks, and BBQ in garden or patio. We highly recommend it.

Alternatives Options

If you need something that you can fold and take the fun to a picnic or campsite, consider the Fire Vida Large Fire Pit.

You can also learn more about garden fire pits here.

The bottom line…

Upgraded it is with some handy features, yet this FEMOR 3-in-1 is pretty much affordable. The looks are great and the fire pit will surely be the eye-catching thing in your garden. Safe to use, durable and with a 2-year warranty, this model is worth every penny.

Now we all know that garden bonfires are not the way to get rid of your garden waste anymore. Incinerators are the ideal solution.

Garden waste in the form of leaves, twigs, hedge trimmings and weeds can mount up quickly and can be quite a hassle to dispose of. Having to depend just on bin collection or making trips to your local tip is not ideal. Thanks to garden incinerators, there’s an effective way to burn such waste.

Furthermore, you can always use your garden incinerator to safely get rid of unwanted personal documents. That’s not only because incinerators are cheaper to purchase than shredders but they’re also more effective at cleaning personal information. And there won’t be piles of shredded paper to deal with either.

One such reliable incinerator is the CrazyGadget® 90 Litre Extra Large Galvanised Metal Incinerator. Like any other incinerator, this model is made of galvanised steel with three solid legs providing maximum stability for its 90L capacity. But should you buy this model? Let’s find out below. 

A solid looking incinerator

What I’ll Cover…

• Key features
• Highlights
• What people say about it
• Downsides
• Is it suitable for you?
• Verdict

OK, let’s get started…

CrazyGadget is one brand that should be awarded for innovation, creativity and re-cycling. The folks at this company literally took a steel trash bin and transformed it into a pretty capable incinerator in the form of CrazyGadget Extra Large Galvanised Metal Incinerator. With a 90L capacity, this thing can hold whatever kind of rubbish you throw at it.

Key Features

Let’s start by exploring the key features at a glance:

Massive Capacity

This bin comes in a range of sizes including 15L, 40L and even 125L, but the 90L option in particular offers more than enough room to serve users with large gardens.

Moreover, there’s no limit as you what you can incinerate; from dry leaves to log branches, cardboard, sizable logs, and unwanted papers. It can even burn green waste, however, in this case it will produce a lot of smoke.

Practical Design

But how is it possible to transport such a heavy load when the bin is full? Well, the clever designers of this product included solid side handles to solve that problem.

Safety fastening for the lid

Then there’s a special locking lid that secures the waste inside the bin so that kids and pets may not access the waste.

Moreover, this lid locks tight that so it can’t come off even if the bin is toppled. This protects it against foxes and the like rummaging through your garden at night.

The metal lid also has a chimney that allows smoke from the waste being burned to escape from the inside.

Easy use Carry Handles

Made from galvanised steel, this bin is perfect for burning different kinds of waste and there’s no doubt that it will last for some time, though rust will eventually take its toll.

There are ventilation holes around the bottom of the bin to allow airflow and facilitate efficient combustion.

Additionally, the bin comes with three strong legs to support it, and it has some good ground clearance to avoid contact with the ground. When you’re done burning waste, you can always relocate the cold incinerator to the store by its handles.

Easy assembly

This model is super-easy to put together as you just need to attach the legs to the main body. Once it is set, you just need to find an appropriate location to place it. Probably the only tools you will need are a spanner and screwdriver to fix 6 screws and 6 nuts, and the task should take about about 10 minutes.

Versatile

Just like any other good incinerator, this one can also be used for grilling and smoking meat, and sometimes even as a compost bin. Some people have even used it to warm their surroundings instead of a traditional fire pit and they said it works great.

Here are the highlights…

Learn more at Amazon

What are People Saying…?

As of the time of writing, this product had over 1,600 reviews on Amazon. Among the elements that has the highest ratings include ease of assembly, value for money and robustness. Below is what some users had to say:

“Arrived next day, well packaged, undamaged, took me 5 minutes to assemble the three legs to the bin with a spanner and screwdriver. Used for a big fire of personal data (letters/statements) and cardboard and did the job really well, all that was left was a big pile of ash which was emptied and mixed in with soil. So far, so good, no complaints and does the job it was designed to do really well.”

Another one said:

“Brilliant! With the lockdown and tips closed we’ve had to burn a lot of tuff ourselves as our recycling bin just fills up. This is three fires in now and it’s solid! Easy to put together, holds lots of cardboard and is easily controlled with the lid. Compared to other burning bins out there, this one is cheap, sturdy and really good for garden and cardboard waste”

What’s the Downside…?

The major flaw with this incinerator is that it will be consumed by rust after several months of use. Many people said it well lasted past two years before they could think of buying another one.

Well, that’s a pretty decent time for a product that goes for less than £21.95, so you won’t actually feel the pinch if you have to replace it after every two years.

Is it Suitable for You..?

If you need to dispose of garden waste from time to time, this incinerator is almost a must-have. Those with fairly large gardens will appreciate its 90-litre capacity.

Apart from that, this CrazyGadget® metal incinerator can double up as a cooking equipment for barbecuing or smoking meat, making it a good value for investment.

The bottom line…

There’s no question as to how this product will be useful in your home, only a matter of securing it. It’s pretty much affordable, easy to set up and virtually no maintenance. The incinerator is built from high-quality material and has some well thought out features that improve usability and performance.

All things considered, anyone with a fairly large garden and seeking a multi-purpose incinerator would be happy with this model.

As the traditional open fire becomes widely forbidden, families are looking into fire pits for the whole campfire/smores/toasted marshmallows experience

Today, let`s put on the spot the Fire Vida Large Fire Pit. A fire pit that has been praised for being large enough to emit a decent-sized fire yet small enough (and foldable) for easier storage and transportation.

Its reviews have been largely positive, but today, I compile my intensive research to bring you an in-depth review of its good, bad and ugly!

Vida Fire Pit

What I’ll Cover…

• Fire Vida Large Fire Pit Highlights
• Key features
• What are users saying?
• Advantages and disadvantages
• Is it suitable for you?

OK, let’s get started…

The Fire Vida fire pit is the ideal heating option for your terrace, patio, garden, when camping or barbecuing.

Made from steel, this fire pit is sturdy, durable while still easy to clean and maintain. Its oval shape helps emit warmth evenly.

Its legs are foldable which ease the storage and transportation process; and with a bowl diameter of approximately 56 cm, the pit can support large group camping expeditions.

What’s more? The fire pit has a sleek, modern design that improves your terrace aesthetics.

Key Features

Let’s start by looking at the key features at a glance:

Let’s explore these features in more detail below…

Compact design with foldable legs

This fire pit measures approximately 42 cm in height and 56 cm in diameter making it large enough to emit adequate warmth and small enough for easy storage.

It houses a fire bowl, charcoal grate, mesh cover, poker and a cooking grill.

Sufficiently large bowl

Its height is adequate for a comfortable cooking posture as well as more heat to the body.

You should consider raising the pit in the case where it’s resting on grass, lest risk the heat emanating from it ruining your perfectly landscaped luscious lawn. Otherwise, place it on a fire-safe flooring such as concrete, crushed gravel, decomposed granite or flagstone pavers.

Given that its approximate height is similar to that of pets and crawling kids, it’s advisable to take extra care while BBQ-ing near them.

The height between the grill and the bottom of the pit can comfortably house charcoal, solid fuels and wood logs.

The large grill diameter works well with large group outdoor expeditions as you can have about 8 chicken breasts cooking away with little to no stability problem.

Sturdy yet easy to fold legs

Besides the compact design, the fire pit is equipped with foldable legs which makes it perfect for travelling, temporary garden use and camping. It’s ideal for outdoor lovers that are environmentally conscious to have a safer, contained fire in wooded campsites.

The foldable legs also reduce storage space.

Sturdy and Durable Material

This Vida fire pit is made of steel that is sturdy and durable which leads to a long service life.

The material choice also serves as a balance between the pricey copper-based pits and cheap yet crappy cast iron-based fire pits.

Being uncoated, the steel pit is susceptible to rusting. Therefore, you should inspect it regularly to ensure its parts aren’t rusted all the way through.

And, in case you hate that weathered look of corroded steel, consider applying a heat-resistant clear coat, ash buffer or season it with olive oil.

All in all, the steel material is easy to clean – just wipe it with a damp cloth.

Modern stylish design

This sleek, modern design is sure to improve your outdoor aesthetics without compromising on safety. Being black, the pit is designed to go with almost everything on your patio or terrace.

The round bottom adds beauty while allowing for uniform distribution of heat.

Rounded bottom fire pit

The classy mesh cover safeguards fire embers from spreading and possibly causing a fire.

Here are the highlights…

Learn more at Amazon

What are People Saying…?

Despite the price, this fire pit has received over 160 verified reviews on Amazon – from customers across the globe. It has an overall rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars with the leading features being easy to assemble, warmth, value for money and sturdiness.

Here are some of the reviews.

According to one customer, the fire pit is …

“lovely to sit around either to keep warm or to cook your bbq. It is low to the ground so you do need to sit down otherwise you would get backache cooking also as with all things hot extra care would be needed if you have young children or dogs as it is just the right height for them….for adults it is great…big enough to cook food for 4 people. not sure how long it will last but legs fold so you can put it away out of the elements. Very good price.”

Another one claimed that:

“It works perfectly as a fire pit, it is large and the heat goes a long way even when it’s just embers. The grill function is a plus but space between the grill and the bottom of the pit is a bit too small to house enough wood to keep the grilling going (i.e. you need to lift the grill, add wood/charcoal and then wait to grill again). Easy to assemble, use, and clean.”

What’s the Downside…?

The fire fire pit is prone to rusting without a cover. Nonetheless, that shouldn’t be an issue as being lightweight with foldable legs, the pit can be sheltered when not in use and easily stored in your garden shed.

Alternatively, it can be seasoned with olive oil or coated with a heat-resistant, clear paint once it has attained a significant level of rust. Again, a buffer of ash around the metal is reported by verified customers to lower metal degradation.

Is it Suitable for You..?

Whether or not this fire pit is suitable for you largely depends on your situation.

It’s good to check with the landlord if you’re living in a rented space, before using it, and with all other housemates and neighbours if you are living in close proximity to them.

With the mesh cover, most of the fire embers are contained which reduces the risk of causing a fire.

Its large size can suit large family expeditions – think of those Christmas gatherings; while its portable nature minimizes the nuisance that comes with a fixed pit.

Being black, the Vida fire pit can go with almost everything, and thus, you don’t have to worry about colour clashing on your patio, terrace or garden.

Note: This fire pit is easy to use, clean and maintain. It also emits a decent amount of heat. It’s good value for your money despite the corrosion as that can be averted easily.

The bottom line…

All things considered, the Fire Vida Fire Pit is a perfect heating and cooking option. We’d recommend it if asked because of its sleek, modern design, low weight and its ease of use and maintenance.

Its array of additional features enhance its performance and convenience while the foldable legs ease its storage and transportation – even without a carry bag.

Even without a designated rim for the grill to sit on, you can have your lamb skewers or 8 chicken breasts cooking away on it without any significant stability issues.

It`s a shame though that space the grill and the bottom of the pit is not deep enough to house more charcoal. Nonetheless, you can always lift it (with ease) to add more fuel.

It’s barbecue season…

In today’s post, we get down and dirty with the Cosmo Grill 6 Gas BBQ in this critical review

Hosting a barbeque is a great way to connect with friends and family, especially if you want to stay outdoors more at the moment.

Food even seems to taste better when you’re enjoying the warm weather on a bright, sunny day (coming soon…)

However…you need the proper tools to help you and nothing is more important than a good BBQ!

What I’ll Cover…

• Why pros choose a gas BBQ
• The key features of this cosmo grill 6+1
• How you can use it like an oven
• What customers are saying
• The pros and cons

Before we get stuck in…

Please note that I have reviewed a newer, upgrade and slightly later Cosmo Grill XL, which is perfect for the upcoming summer months when you’ll probably be spending more time in your garden!

But first, what are your options?

You have two options: charcoal or gas.

If you’ve ever used a charcoal BBQ grill, you know what it means. Dumping charcoals into the grill and having that pesky coal dust flying around everywhere…

Trying to get it lit, waiting for it to heat up and when your party ends you’re left with a pile of ashes you need to clean up while your clothes have that typical smoke stink.

The preferred option…

That is why gas grills are now the preferred option for both amateur and professional chefs. And why hundreds of customers are turning to the Cosmo Grill 6 Burner BBQ.

Here are some of the key benefits of the Cosmo Grill 6+1 barbeque:

Learn more at

As easy as pushing a button

The CosmoGrill has six main stainless steel gas burners and you can adjust the amount of heat each burner releases.

No matches are needed since the knobs use piezo ignition, and each one has a button so you can ignite the burners individually.

Flavouring bars are important

As with most gas grills, the CosmoGrill uses flame tamers (also known as flavouring bars).

These are tent-like pieces of metal that sit under the grate over each burner and they’re very important.

They work as a shield, so drippings don’t clog up the burners; as a place for those drippings to hit and vaporise into flavourful smoke that gives your food that unique grill flavour; and as a way to spread the heat of the burners across the surface of the grill.

Layered BBQ hood

The CosmoGrill has a double-walled aluminium hood. Having a hood is a great advantage.

First of all, when you turn on your grill, the hood will make it reach cooking temperatures much faster. It also allows you to not only grill cook, but also bake or roast it.

Let’s say you have a chunky steak that’s too thick to grill. Just close the hood and the trapped air will heat up and act like an oven.

Want to learn how to cook a steak on your BBQ? Check out this post.

The hood even has a thermometer to let you know how things are going without having to open it.

Fully Removable Grease Tray

The last thing you want is oil dripping all over your floor. The CosmoGrill has a grease pan that catches any dripping grease and juices for quick and easy cleaning.

Here’s a useful tip: line your tray with some aluminium foil and put some sand on top. This will absorb the fat, and when you are finished grilling you just need to throw away the liner.

An easy-to-clean tray is now even easier to clean!

What are users saying…?

One customer, Matthew, is really enjoying his CosmoGrill. Here’s what he had to say about it:

“Amazing value for money; we bbq every night, weather permitting, so we really use our bbq. Easy to assemble and cooks brilliantly!” – Matthew, Amazon reviewer

Learn more at

Keeping foods warm

Different foods need different times to be fully cooked. That’s why the warming rack included in this grill is a blessing.

As soon as your food is fully cooked you put it on the rack to keep it hot without being cooked anymore.

Once the rest of the slower-cooking food is ready, you can serve everything at once.

Need to move it? No problem

So, you started grilling those sausages, and suddenly it starts to rain. No problem! Just grab onto the side handle and take the grill to a covered area.

It has two castor wheels so moving it is a breeze. Considering that this grill isn’t really a compact unit and that it weighs almost 40kg, being able to move it around so easily is a welcomed feature.

On the left…

The CosmoGrill has a useful shelf on the left side. This is perfect for resting your cooking utensils while you are not using them.

It’s also a great place to put your ketchup, mustard and relish and have them ready for when you finish cooking those hot-dogs.

And on the right…

Not only do you have six main burners, but on the right side of the grill there is an extra one that also has piezo ignition.

It is a very convenient feature for warming up sauces or frying some onions.

There is a lid which covers this burner, so if you don’t need to use it you can close that to create another area for putting plates, etc on.

Alternatives to the Cosmo Grill

There are alternatives out there which also do a great job. This Outback Meteor is another great option for those looking to buy a substantial, long lasting and robust gas BBQ.

Check out that review and then make a decision. Both are good so will come down to personal preference as to which is most suitable for you, your garden and family.

Buy the Cosmo Grill for the best price online

It’s that time of year again. The sun’s coming out, your grass is green, so what better way to spend your day than having a BBQ with friends and family.

The Outback Meteor 4 Burner Barbecue includes a broad range of features that make it one of the best grills you can get. Keep reading to find out if it’s worth the cost…

What I’ll Cover in this Review…

• The key features of this gas BBQ
• The grill and griddle feature
• How this BBQ uses “lava rocks”
• The advantages and disadvantages
• Why a copper grill mat might help you

But first, let’s take a look at the highlights:

Now let’s take a more in-depth look

A fantastic BBQ for every occasion.

Porcelain Coated BBQ Hood

The Outback Meteor features a porcelain coated hood, which has a built-in thermometer. You can verify your cooking temperature without having to open the lid and it has both C. and F. readings.

Close the lid, and your BBQ turns into an oven. Perfect for roasting chicken.

High Quality Knob Control

Each of the five knobs is chunky and easy to operate. To light your barbeque, you just need to push and hold the knob and then push the red igniter button.

It features a piezo ignition system that lets you forget about matches and lighters.

This is the main advantage of a gas grill. You have total control of the heat, unlike a charcoal heat where you need to wait until it reaches the proper temperature.

Having several burners makes cooking even easier. You can create different temperature “zones” and move your food around as it cooks.

Top Tip: Sear your steak on the hottest side, and then move it over to a warm zone to slowly finish cooking. This produces and excellently finished steak without the blood running out of it on your plate.

A Grill and a Griddle

One great feature is that your cooking surface is split into two. Not only do you have a grill, but also a griddle.

Both of them are removable, so cleaning them is a breeze.

Take them out, give them a wash, and slide them back in. Simple and clean isn’t it?

Learn more at Amazon

Cooking with Lava

Well, not exactly lava, but lava rocks. The theory behind using lava rocks in grills is that when you heat up the food the fat will drip off it, hit the hot lava rock, and evaporate.

All that fantastic traditional BBQ smell will go straight back into the food, so you get a real authentic taste while cooking on a gas BBQ.

Useful Warming Rack

The Outback Meteor 4 includes a warming rack, which swings above the grill. This lets you keep your food warm without burning it.

It is also great for bringing out the creaminess in potatoes. Just wrap them in foil and put them on the warming rack. Depending on the potatoes size, it should take about 45 minutes to get it perfectly cooked.

This rack is removable, which is pretty handy. Once you’re done cooking, take it to the kitchen and give it a good wash.

Versatile Side Burner

As soon as you lift its flap you will see an extra side burner. This is perfect for cooking any extras like chillis or sauces.

It is also controlled individually by its own control knob.

If you are not going to use that burner, just keep the lid down and you can use it as an extra table!

Alternatives to the Outdoor Meteor

I’ve also reviewed the cosmogrill gas BBQ, which is another excellent option for those wanting a gas bbq. Check out that review, before you decide which one to buy.

The cosmo grill is a great alternative to the Meteor

To be honest, both are very good choices so which one you decide to get will be down to the price and features you want the most.

Before we continue with this review…

I wanted to make a quick detour to talk about a new product that has recently come to my attention for all you BBQ lovers out there. The grill mat. Let’s take a look in more detail…

Why buy a Grill Mat?

Copper grill mats help you to cook your food perfectly, even creating grill marks in your food to make it look authentic. They also help minimise mess and reduce cooking time.

Manufacturers claim that the grill mat will help to prevent vegetables from falling through the grates, fish from sticking and marinaded meat from dripping off into the flames which ultimately causes a large flare-up of flames.

Using a grill mat will help prevent drops between the grates

In grill cooking time, grill mats “state of the art construction” help you to deliver even heating. Also, with its chef-grade nonstick coating, we’re told you won’t have to worry about cheese from your burgers and grill taking an eternity to clean up.

It can also increase heat up to 600 degrees! Now that will definitely help cook a few things…

Grill mats are becoming more and more popular when BBQ cooking because they offer a simple and effective way to ensure even heating, and therefore cooking, with the added benefit of a cleaner BBQ grill.

They’re not too expensive either, from just a few pounds per sheet. You can easily dispose of them after every use.

Sound like something you’d try out this summer on the BBQ? You can find many proper reviews online, such as this copper grill mat review I was reading the other day.

Now let’s get back to business and talk about the Outback BBQ.

Convenient Storage

With the Outback Meteor, you have a straightforward storage system.

Simply pull the handle forward and you can store all your condiments and utensils in a handy sliding drawer.

Perfect for having everything ready for your next garden party BBQ this summer.

Meals on Wheels

Moving your BBQ to the perfect spot on your garden or patio could be a two-man job since it weighs over 55kgs. That’s why having a pair of large wheels on the Outback is a welcomed feature.

Just lift it up on one side and move it around.

Snap It On

Every Meteor BBQ includes a propane regulator and a gas hose.

All you need to do is put it in the open position, press it onto your gas bottle, snap it into place, and you’re done. Ready to go and cook up a feast.

Buy the Outback Meteor BBQ for the Best Price Online

The problem most of us have is cooking it properly.

That’s why TeFal created the Optigrill Plus. Its built-in technology indicates the level of cooking, so your food will be grilled to perfection every single time.

And in today’s review we’re going to give the Tefal Optigrill a good grilling! Read to the end to discover the secrets to cleaning up easily…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M7K6RGvDKXA

Some of the key benefits…

Learn more at Amazon

Let’s start with the basic functions…

On the control panel you have your power button. Next is the frozen food button. There are six cooking programs:

1. burger
2. poultry
3. red meat
4. bacon
5. fish
6. sausage

Take full control…

The manual mode is used to select between 4 different temperature settings, which go from 110°C to 275°C.

I really like this manual mode since I am a picky eater and like my sandwiches to be only slightly toasted, while my wife loves them almost burnt.

Super fast to heat up!

Next is the OK button, you press it after you select one of the cooking modes and will make your grill start to pre-heat.

It will take a few minutes to reach the proper temperature, and then you can put your food in and start grilling it.

That coloured circle you see at the right is the cooking level indicator. When the colour changes and it starts to beep it means that your food is cooked.

Matt loved the Tefal Optigrill, here’s what he had to say about it:

“I bought this as a replacement for a George Foreman grill and I am sad that I did not get this grill earlier.” – Matt, Amazon reviewer.

Automatic Sensor Cooking Technology

The Tefal Optigrill Plus senses the thickness of the food automatically when you place it on the grill.

It then calculates the ideal grilling temperature and starts to cook it. The cooking level indicator will change colour depending on how well done you want your meat.

Yellow is for rare, orange for medium, and red for well done. And well done doesn’t mean hard, dry meat; with the Optigrill your meat will have those beautiful grill sear marks but will always be juicy and tender.

No need for fiddly timers…

Tefal calls this “Automatic Sensor Cooking technology“, and it eliminates the guesswork when grilling, letting you achieve perfect results without having to fiddle around with meat thermometers or timers.

The grilling plate has a 600cm2 surface, enough for cooking for four people.

Frozen Food Mode

Cooking frozen food is also possible. See the button with the snowflake icon on it? You just need to press it along with any of the presets programmes, and you’re done.

Let’s say you are in the mood for steak, but forgot to defrost it. Get your meat out of the freezer, press the snowflake button, then the red meat one, and finally press OK.

The Optigrill’s indicator will start flashing in a purple colour, letting you know it is pre-heating. When it is ready it will beep and have a solid purple colour, which means you can put your steak in.

Throw it on the grill…

Close the lid and the Opti grill will automatically scan the meat, calculate the thickness and decide how long it will take to cook it and at what temperature. The indicator light will turn to blue, and integrated sensors will monitor the food while it is cooking.

Once your steak is grilled to rare the cooking indicator will beep and change to yellow, then to orange, and finally to red, if you want it well done.

The extra large capacity drip tray will catch any juices that drip out of the grill. No mess to worry about!

If you want to cook another batch of food, just pre-heat the grill and start the process again.

Cleaning is easy…

Once you have finished grilling, cleanup is a breeze. To avoid accidental burns don’t forget to allow the grill to cool thoroughly before cleaning.

Wipe Clean…

The plates have the famous Tefal non-stick coating, so you can just wipe them with a paper towel. You can also remove the grills and put them in your dishwasher.

Dishwasher Safe…

They are made from die-cast aluminium and can withstand super-hot temperatures. The drip tray is also dishwasher safe.

To clean the grill cover, just wipe it with a wet sponge and dry it with a soft cloth.

The Conclusion…?

Overall, the Optigrill gets two thumbs up. Quick cooking time, easy cleanup and will be a great addition to any kitchen.

If you want to impress your family friends with a great cookout, then the Cadac Carri Chef 2 BBQ is for you.

Now available at a competitive price!

Below you will find out about all the features of this amazing Barbecue, in this honest review from a fellow BBQ enthusiast. There are many BBQ’s out there to choose from, however after reading this review we are sure you will choose the Cadac Carri Chef 2.

Check out these awesome features!

Learn more at Amazon

Top Reasons to Buy the Cadac Carri Chef 2

This is a lightweight gas BBQ that can be utilized in a multitude of different ways.  Released in 2013, this versatile, easy to use Barbeque can cook anything from a burger to even a pizza to perfection.

It can be easily collapsed and packed away in the handy included carry bag to bring with you on your camping trip. You can assemble and dissemble the BBQ in just minutes, and easily fit in your van, truck, or storage space after you use it.

With an included non-stick coating pan that is easy to clean and an anodized aluminum finish, you won’t be needing to buy a new BBQ anytime soon.

What is included? (From top to bottom)

1. Dome with stay-cool handle & thermometer
2. Chef Pan lightweight non stick coating pan
3. BBQ grid with non-stick coating
4. Pot stand
5. Sauce holder
6. Carry Bag
7. Gas and regulator not included

Is this the right BBQ for you?

If you are looking for a BBQ that is great to use at home and on the go, then the Cadac Carri Chef 2 is the right fit for you and your family.

Lightweight and easy to move, you can  cook easily for four people at one time. If your previous BBQ took ages to clean after your meal, then you will be very happy with the Cadac Carri Chef 2 as it is very easy to clean, even after cooling.

Great Features of the Cadac Carri Chef 2

Convenient Sauce holder included

Keep all your sauces in an easy to access and find place, located conveniently on the bottom of the BBQ.

Ideal for when you need to “test out” one of the freshly cooked burgers while cooking…

Transportable

The Cadac Carri Chef also packs down to the size of a normal rucksack so it’s easy to store in a van, tent or garden shed.

It’s easy to disassemble and reassemble, too.

Lightweight and Durable

The build quality is excellent – no other grill can compare! Bring it anywhere without worrying about scratches or breaking.

The Cadac Carri Chef 2 has everything you for a great outdoor grill in a lightweight convenient BBQ.