Spring 2018 Hardlines Strategies

CONSUMER TRENDS

Taking the Inside, Outside Find These Outdoor Cooking Products at the Buying Market

According to a 2016 Home Design Trends survey from the American Institute of Architects, outdoor kitchens are growing in popularity. In fact, nearly half of the survey respondents said that they had seen an increase in the popularity of outdoor kitchens. Blish-Mize has the products your customers will be looking for as they update their outdoor areas. Grills continue to be go-to items, of course, and griddles are becoming more and more popular, especially of the flattop variety. “There are all kinds of variations of these griddles,” says Clay Uhrmacher, vice president of sales and marketing with Blish-Mize. “They come in bigger sizes and smaller sizes,” he says. “There are some that you can travel with, and others that are good for tailgating or camping. We have turkey fryers, smokers and little tabletop gas grills—a really good selection of grills and griddles.” Some of the big-name brands that will be at the show include Char-Broil— “They’ll be offering a complete program at the Market,” Uhrmacher says—and Blackstone, which offers a variety of outdoor cooking appliances. homeowners choose to take their kitchen and living spaces from inside to outside. O utdoor cooking continues to be a popular trend among consumers, as more and more

Blackstone 36” Four-Burner Griddle

Char-Broil Tabletop Gas Grill This portable grill is convenient to move from one place to another, features a push-button ignition and allows for easy cleanup. It offers almost 200 square inches of cooking surface and features a porcelain-coated grilling grate. The folding legs and locking lid make it easy to transport.

This grill has four independently controlled burners with low to high temperature settings. It features an electric start and stainless steel tube burners, 720 square inches of cooking space and a 2-inch-high side to help keep food on the griddle. Its handy fold-and-go design makes it easy to transport and store.

Blackstone 17” Stainless Steel Tabletop Griddle The 17-inch griddle is convenient and compact, offering more than 250 square inches of cooking surface. It features a thick steel top, an H-style burner that provides even heat distribution, and adjustable heat control with a built-in igniter.

Char-Broil Cabinet Style Gas and Charcoal Grill This three-burner grill gives the user the option to cook with gas or charcoal. Both sides have lid-mounted temperature gauges, and the grill offers more than 500 square inches in cooking space and includes an adjustable height charcoal grate and side-out ash pan for easy ash removal.

38 Spring 2018 • Hardlines Strategies