Landmann 28347 Big Sky Fire Pit, Wildlife

We purchased the fire pit for use in the Southern Arizona High Desert. A major consideration is fire safety. The screened cover for the top is heavy, fits well, and keeps the sparks in the pit. The animals outlined on the side of the device are also totally screened. We have used the pit several times now with just my wife and I as well as to cook and roast marshmallows with visitors. The grill fits very well and food cooks quickly. We burn only mesquite wood, cut on our property. The pit drafts very well and I start the fire with just one wadded full sheet of newspaper. Charcoal lighter fluid is unnecessary. The fire burns well, the sparks stay behind the screens, and ash dust is all that remains after it burns out. The animal outlines on the sides of the pit are just beautiful in the darkness. The pit is large enough to provide a warm and beautiful fire without approaching its considerable capactiy. The poker that comes with the unit is heavy and works well. The pit itself comes almost totally assembled. Attaching the legs is the only thing required. When you want to move the unit, the rail around the top remains cool and makes it easy to reposition it.

My wife and I are very pleased with the firepit and highly recommend it.

This is a great product which has expanded the use of our backyard and created fun family time. There's nothing like roasting marshmallows to bring all ages together. I especially enjoy this design because the fire is completely contained. I'm confident in leaving the fire without dousing it with water.

Good size for small backyard fire.

Cut outs add to aesthetics.

Works well as a BBQ with a fairly large amount of charcoal. Small grilling jobs are better done on a smaller BBQ.

Fit and Finish is good but not excellent. The protective ring around the top does not line up cleanly leaving a small gap. Otherwise sturdy and well made.

I appreciate the added depth compared to what some other brands offer. Allows for a satisfying size fire.

I recommend this item.

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I have had this item for 2 years, and it still very sturdy. Does great out in the weather. Glad I didn't put a in gound fire pit, you just pick this one up and take the fun with you.

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From the moment I opened the box I realized how well made this item is. Packaged neat and properly and all the pieces fit together perfectly. It is made from heavy sturdy material and my experience tells me it will last for many years. Cooked dinner on it the first night we got it and the grilling grate is a terrific bonus. Then added wood to the coals and enjoyed a long night of fire. The extra depth adds both a level of safety and it also helps tremendously with drafting to keep the fire going. The cut out allow tons of air to feed the fire. It is a nicely made, decent sized fire pit that was worth the money on the first time using it. I highly recommend!

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**Updated! 4/14/13** Scroll to the bottom!

I have been looking for a good firepit now for the past few months and had Narrowed down from this model to another Landmann favorite the illustrious Landmann USA 28925 Ball of Fire Outdoor Fireplace.

The reason why I didn't choose the Ball of Fire is for one big reason, I didn't want to fork over 50 bucks more for what seems to me a very gimmicky/flimsy firepit. I mean sure it looks cool and all but I am looking for longevity and practicality. Cause lets face it not every homeowners association might fancy themselves with this item so close to other neighbors. Whereas this model seems more enclosed yet offers a very unique experience with the animal cut outs.

Lets get down to brass tax, this product is very well put together, the look and feel of it is heavy and is pretty much what you are looking for in terms of long term prospects. It took me maybe 15 to 20 minutes to get it fully setup. There was one cosmetic issue with mine preventing me from screwing in a section of the ring handle, but after man handling it, it went through with no issues.

I actually haven't taken this thing out yet for a spin as I just got the item today but I plan to use it in the next week as the weather improves. Once I do that I'll be sure to update this review and let you all know if it truly is worth a 5 star rating.

Also on a side note, and a pearl of wisdom. Buy yourself some Rust-Oleum 241169 High Heat Ultra Enamel Spray, Black, 12-Ounce. Put yourself a nice coat on everything to help prevent rust. Also invest in a Grill cover..a good one, not that cheap stuff that can't keep the rain out. Be sure to buy some regular play sand to put in the bottom of the bowl too, it will help ensure you have this thing for many years.

The reason I say these things is because the negative reviews I've been seeing from various users, is really on their part for not taking care of their pit. If you put in the effort to take care of something you will get more out of it. Hope this review helps you in your decision in purchasing this item. Any questions feel free to ask!

**After using the Firepit, I have to say the experience is well worth it. The animal cut outs were definitely a conversational piece and it just looks really nice, the spark arrestor did its job well and I just cannot wait to continue using this pit. Be sure to get that Rustolem and a pit cover!**

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Maverick Pro-Temp Commercial Thermometer PT-100

Having grown weary of slow and/or inaccurate temp probes, I thought I'd give this one a try. My first reading was the ambient room temp. Having held the device in my hand, it had to decrement from about 85f down to 65f. It took over a minute for that to happen. I know it's slower to shed heat in the open air than to take on heat from a food product currently being cooked, so I didn't give too much weight to this first reading.

My second reading would be from a liquid at a steady 100f. The first attempt (after the device settled to an ambient room temp of 65f) took close to 30 seconds just to increment up and approach the correct temp. To my surprise, it just kept slowly ticking up to 108f at which point I stopped since I knew the real temp was 100f. I double checked the actual liquid temp again using two different thermometers of different types. Each showed the real temp within .2f of each other.

I tried the Maverick again thinking the first few tries were some odd fluke. This time it quickly rose but again continued to increment well over the actual temp by 4.5f. Then it stopped and started to slowly decrement. After about 90 seconds, it arrived at the correct temp. Additional tests revealed non-repeatable temp numbers that varied by far more than the +/2f as stated in the specifications. While 1f or 2f isn't a huge deal, the variability of 4f to as much as 8f combined with slow readings makes this unit difficult to recommend.

I can only assume I have a defective unit as others haven't complained of inaccurate temps, though many have complained of slow response. Manufacturing being what it is, a percentage of devices will either fail to function or perhaps function poorly, hence my 2 star rating vs. giving it 1 star. While I'm sure other units are quite accurate and/or fast, I can only review the one I have. This unit rarely settled on a temp even with a minute or more of measuring much less providing an accurate temp "instantly". Instant (according to the specs) is 3 seconds. While this unit is probably worth another try, I'll likely just return it for another brand.

I have been on a hunt for the best cooking thermometer for some time now. I saw this one was highly rated and was only $65 here on Amazon. After receiving the package in the mail and testing, I had some fears it was inaccurate. So I went ahead and did ice and boiling water test and put the PT-100 next to a friends Thermapen. In this video you will see the PT-100 is not only inaccurate, but it cant even repeat itself 5 min later in the same conditions. You can tell by the video its unreliable and not even worth $65 let alone $100.

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I cook competition BBQ contests and have a need for near instant and accurate temperature readings. While I have no problem with the accuracy of this product, it takes WAY to long to settle in on a final temperature reading. I have had it take as long as 30 seconds before it finally locks in on a final reading. I am often testing my product while it is still on the smoker and every second the smoker is open heat that is escaping, so 30 seconds to entirely too long. Unfortunately I disposed of the original packaging before I discovered how slow this this thermometer responds, so I am unable to return it. My guess is that it will make it's way to a kitchen drawer and be used once a year to take a reading on the Thanksgiving turkey. I wish I had listened to the advice of my fellow BBQ competitors and purchased the Splash Proof Thermapen instead of trying to save a couple of bucks.

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I had debated buying either this or the Thermapen, and after much thought and a recommedation from a chef that I know, I bought a PT100 this past summer. The thermometer looks great and has some great features, but is way too slow. I cook a lot of bbq, both in competition and also at home, and I need a thermometer that will give me a fast and accurate reading. Unfortunately this wasn't it.

I never bothered to check the accuracy of it, mainly because it takes too long to get to the temp. It was supposed to have 3 second readings, but it never came close to that for me.

Last week I went and bought a Thermapen. I did a side by side test of both of them in an ice bath, and the Thermapen read it in 3 sec, while the PT 100 was still in the 40's.

I really was pulling for the PT 100, I really was. I wanted it to be better than the Thermapen, or at least as good. It just wasn't. I even was kind of hoping that I got a bad one, but I don't think so. If I would have kept the receipt I would have exchanged it. I know Maverick makes some great products, and I will continue to buy from them. I own a few ET-73's and I think they are great! Unfortunately this didn't live up to my expectations.

Oh yeah, the chef I got the recommendation from, he also teaches classes at the bbq store that sold this to me, and they do not sell the Thermapen.

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I own a small cafe and use the ProTemp every day. It is a great piece and I would never use any other thermometer. It is very fast giving temperatures in about three seconds and very accurate. I love the large display and that it is sturdy and does not break if you drop it. I use it for foods and liquids with the ability to check different things very quickly. I just purchased my second unit for one of my other employees. Five stars!

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Weber 2740301 Summit S-470 Propane Tuck-Away Rotisserie Grill, Stainless Steel

A very hiqh-quality piece, this is my third or fourth Weber gas grill, not counting the several charcoal kettles I've had over the years. Quite heavy, much more than my Genesis model that it replaced. I read the reviews before purchasing and want to reinforce the need to buy the proper (and non-vented!) cover for this grill.

If you leave it uncovered in the rain, be prepared for a real mess. The grease collection system acts like its supposed to, funneling everything that falls through the grate into the drip pan including rain that gets in through all the vent holes above the burners. Even a moderate rain, 1/2 inch or less, will fill the drip pan to overflowing and the grease inside will float off the top and into the interior cabinet. Unpleasant and messy to clean up.

The cover you want is the Weber 7554 premium cover for the Summit 400-series.

Ive had this grill for 6 months now and am happy to report all is well.

Very easy to set up. Maybe 20 minutes. Just connect the main pieces

Heats quickly and can get to around 750 F with all burners firing

Searing element works well

Night light is great after dusk. Just the right amount of light

Attracts finger sprints and dirt but to be expected from stainless steel

Infrared Rotisserie works well the first time I used it. Chicken was moist and golden brown

Had a problem with the rotisserie motor and one call to Weber had a new one at my front door in 2 days. They were great.

Happy and would buy again

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11/10 Update

I have had the grill for 1.5 yrs now and noticed that the paint on the sides of the hood started bubbling and peeling even though it has been constantly under the Weber cover since new. I called up customer support to tell them and within 1.5 minutes with her on the phone, she said they would send me out a new hood immedietly at no charge. I received it within 3 days. This company is incredible. All other companies should take note.

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I've just read a few reviews that echo what I'm about to report. I too have owned a Genesis for 12 years and loved it, that was a $500 grill and performed rain or shine flawlessly. Only when the legs started rusting out did I decide to splurge(after 12 years, this is justified!). I buy this s470 for more than three times what I paid for the Genesis and I can't leave it outdoors. I have beautiful brick pavers in my yard that were ruined because like others have reportedthe slightest rainfall floods the grease pan creating a disaster in the cabinet and whatever lies beneath.

The inability to stay outdoors is only one of many flaws this grill has.

I use the rotisserie often and on level ground, the shaft walks out of the motor drive after about a 1/2 hr of turning causing your chicken or whatever to burn on one side. I had to put bricks under the right wheels to prevent this, Another tip is to make a little tape flag and wrap it around the shaft so you can see from far away if the shaft walked out--AGAIN! The grooves on the shaft were designed too wide allowing lateral travel. P.O.S.

The burner knobs are wobbly from the factory, I thought it was just mine but when I went back to the store I saw that all summit knobs are wobbly-not exactly what I was was expecting for $1700.

Utensil Hooks are not even hooks but button like protusions that cause your tools to fall with the slightest bump, I'm using Weber's pro tools and the only thing than hangs on well is the cleaning brush that has a leather loop rather than the metal loops.

Why did Weber make this grill mostly stainless steel and neglect the cabinet? it had the potential to be a great grill.

I do like a few things about it:

-It can cook very evenly, Lighted knobs are an asset at night, wheels are beefy and ride well over a rough surface but tools are falling at the same time, It's a nice looking grill but what's the point if I have to cover it right after using it.

Overall, avoid this grill like the plauge until the fix it's obvious design flaws.

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I bought this to replace a older natural gas summit I had to let go when I sold my home. The qquality of steeel in the older unit was in my opinion superior. However this unit has several improvements. The burner ignition system is greatly improved. The utensil hooks don't interfer with the door opening. The rotisserie spit and forks have on board storage. The sear burner really works. This uniit burns much hotter than the old but this may be due to the propane fuel. Overall I would recommend this unit.

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This is a good grill but it is taking a while to get familiar with it. The box is not as air tight as my previous Weber so the smoker is not as effective. But I learned to turn off the left burner and the smoker works much better. I love the sear unit and the rotisserie. I also use a round basket to cook meats indirectly with the rotisserie.

I've had three Weber grills this size and style. The other two are still going strong with friends. The first one is about 20 years old. The one I just replaced is 15 years old. I don't think you can beat a Weber.

I do not like the stainless steel it is impossible to keep clean. I would not buy SS if the 470 features were available on another Weber grill the sear unit, the rotisserie and the smoker with its dedicated burner.

Delivery was great. They had a small van and backed in the driveway. The delivery man had it unloaded and ready to wheel anywhere. Assembly was easy once it was lifted from the delivery box it takes two to lift out of the box.

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Steven Raichlen Best of Barbecue Potato Grilling Rack

While the principle of the product is rather simple (a flat piece of metal with spikes sticking up), it is very useful. The instructions are very easy coat with a light coating of oil, and drop the potatoes on the metal spikes. Stick on BBQ and cook. Allegedly cooks faster than potatoes would in an oven.

Here are my reflections after my first time using this contraption:

1) I started cooking potatoes at the same time as the steak and vegetables. By the time my steak and asparagus were cooked, the potatoes needed another 10 minutes or so. In hindsight, I should have started the potatoes while the grill was heating up; and they would have been done on time

2) I varied from the original instructions wrapping two of the four potatoes in aluminum foil before placing them on the spikes. They cooked faster, though had less of a roasted taste (that I found very desirable!)

3) On one of the four spikes I placed a sweet potato which tasted fantastic after coming off the grill! It needed no foil, and cooked a little faster than the exposed (foil-free) potatoes.

In summary, you should probably start cooking the potatoes while the grill is heating up. You can wrap them in foil to make the job faster; though it will cut back on the nice roasted flavor that you otherwise get.

I gave it 4 stars because it isn't 100% non-stick, even with a coat of oil. When I pull potatoes off the rack, they tend to stick to the spike and tear that part of the potato open. Still taste great, though!

Bought this on a whim to add to the other grill accessories in the garage. Didn't really cook the potatoes quicker than before and was tough to clean. It does keep the spuds in place (as long as there aren't more than 4) where you can continue to brush them with melted butter, mmmmmmmm. Be sure to use non-stick spray (found that out the hard way). Save your money wrap them in foil and throw them on.

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There's junk and then there's junk! This thing is a candidate for the Ripoff hall of fame. Potatoes cook unevenly and the skins are burned black due to considerable amount of time needed to make the food halfway edible. Of course, there's no satisfaction guarantee offered to consumers. I'm sure the folks who brought this lousy product to market had to have known it was an impractical and useless product but they just wanted to make a buck.

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I am always looking for a gadget for the grill. After a few tries I found the only redeeming quality is that the potato skin is crispier than normal foil wrapped potatoes. This gadget is heading for the yard sale pile.

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I have used this potato holder for over a year and love the quality of the steel and the functionality of securing the potato to the rack. Every BBQ chef should acquire one of these units for use during 2013.

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Lorell 44551 12" Oscillating Fan, 3 Speeds, 13-15/16"x11-1/2"x19-1/2", Light Gray

• Sold individually as 1 Each
• Fan features high, medium and low settings and on/off oscillation control.
• Tabletop fan is made of high-impact plastic with metal safety grill.
• 12" Blade Span offers Quiet Operation
• Cord has a two-prong grounded plug.

We had a few simple requirements for our new fan:

Must sit on deskso it needs to be small

must function as a fan, have enough blade size and power to actually stir the air

must be affordable

fairly quiet when oscillating or not, this is for a home office so it rattling like a bucket of bolts was out

attractive, or at least not butt-ugly would be nice

The Lorell desk fan fulfills all our musts. It sits on the desk, is quiet but powerful, and looks nice. The control buttons being in front are very nice as it can be controlled while sitting down instead of having to get up to get to the back of the fan.

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I have a very small bedroom, and needed a fan mostly for circulation. I keep it on the lowest of 3 speeds and it's perfect. You could easily cool and circulate air in a large room with this fan. Love it!

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Pros: Quiet, portable, easy to put together

Cons: Cheap build, not durable, makes annoying clicking sounds after one day of use.

Update: I ended up returning this product after 3 days of use.

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It is actually the nicest fan I have bought yet. Easy to assemble. Love the stand which is better than the fans sold in stores.

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The fan broke within 3 months. The oscillating feature just stopped working. It works well as a fan, but now it stays in one position.

Berndes SignoCast Classic 12-Inch Square Grill Pan

i HAVE HAD SEVERAL DIFFERENT BRANDS OF stove top grill pans. Berndes is the very best. It comes with a lifetime guarantee. I use two at a time now, and have given a countless number to friends and family as gifts. Everyone loves the eveness of the cooking and the very easy clean-up!

I saw this pan being used at a cooking demonstration by a chef who was not pushing any product. I immediately noticed how easy it was to clean after it's use. That was the major reason I became interested.

It cooks evenly and cleans so much easier than my other grill pans. It's light weight and a must for any kitchen.

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In the beginning I was only looking for a George Foreman kind of small grill machine so we can still enjoy grill steaks & burgers in winter. But I just couldn't find a machine with the right size & function in my price range. I especially dislike that fact that with most of those machines you can't really control the temperature well. Then I saw someone's blog mentioned Berndes grill pan & I was immediately attracted by its features. Comparing to the grill machine this is more like real cooking so naturally for me, a homemaker who enjoys cooking, this fits my needs much better so I'm willing to spend more. Before I finally made my purchase I've read so many reviews about Berndes. People brag about how good its non-stick surface work. I was a little skeptical, but I'm a believer now that I've used it for a week. I've used it for grilled chickens, steaks, fishes, lamb chops & they're all good, plus I could rid off lots of fat. The pan is very easy to clean too. Yesterday I whipped a few eggs, wanted to make scramble egg but decided to test my Berndes Grill pan on how non-stick it can be. Without applying any oil I pour my whipped eggs on the pan & turn to medium heat. A few minutes later I pulled up an egg sheet(with light grill marks) and my Berndes pan is as clean as it hasn't been used. Neat~

Amazon has the best price for this 12" pan. Thanks to Amazon!

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The pan is a little small for a family but it's great for the 2 of us and is so easy to clean.

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Exactly as advertised. Does not have quite the same searing effect that a charcoal or gas grill, but is acceptable. Keeps me in when the weather is bad.

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Peterson Gas Logs Decorative Charred Branches Set Of 4

Everyone that sees them thinks thay are real in our outdoor fire pit. Mixed two of these with one order of "Peterson Gas Logs 9 Inch Oak Brances set of 2" to fill a large 24" across round fire pit. Flames look awsome as they roll around the logs. After a year of exposure to rain and snow logs are holding up just fine.

Peterson makes great looking fire logs, they make the firepit look awsome. Great construction, look awsome, great great great great great

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These are GREAT

First the construction is SOLID and the ceramic is thick and heavy....which is good ebcause it will hold and radiate heat.

Second and very important is the appearance. They look like real wood

Color is excellent and there a variations in the bark that make it look even more natural.

GREAT!

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Nice quality and really looks real, everybody who sees it wants to buy it... Would highly recommand. Very good service as well.

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Nice logs for our fire table. They glow like real logs after burning for awhile and have the real look we were after.

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Winco Black Nylon 2 Prong Fork, 12 inch -- 1 each.

This Fork is the Best one I have ever found ! I am lost without it .... It's great for tossing and stirring and it is perfect for stirring rice or pasta when you don't want to damage what you're cooking . Order at least 2 or 3 ! I'll promise you every friend who uses it will want one too !

The fork has pinched points that almost touch each other. Not as shown. So do not waste your valuable money.

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Prongs are a little to close together but other than that the fork is fine. I would recommend this fork.

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Swissmar F66105 Round Raclette/Fondue Plates, White, Set of 4

My family enjoys using the Raclette. It's similar to having a fondue pot in the middle of the table, only it's a grill. Trying to find plates that have several areas to contain different dipping sauces is not easy! These are the ticket!

Air King 9126 Commercial Grade Height Adjustable Oscillating Pedestal Fan, 16-Inch

This is a good solid fan that has lasted a long time in a dusty room. Very easy to clean and runs fairly quiet. It is not a monster air pusher, so if you need maximum air flow, then you might want to get a bigger, faster, and more expensive (and noisier) fan. But if you want a quality, reasonably priced fan that will last a few years and push a lot of air, this is it.

Everything about this fan screams cheaply made. The metal grill appears to be aluminum rather than steel. The stand is moderately sturdy as it seems to be the only properly milled piece of steel the fan is equipped with. The motor is quiet but this is due to the fact that the 1/20th hp motor hardly seems to blow any air at all. Recently purchased this fan and am returning it for exactly these reasons.

Prior to this standing floor fan, I had a owned a Lasko 16", which worked flawlessly for a year plus. My Lasko was being run 24 hours a day during this period.

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So here it is 4 months and 7 days after i bought it and the fan has already begun to stop working... do not buy this fan its horrible.

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This fan was quiet as advertised. However, it didn't last through one summer even though we probably used it on average every other night.

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We've had this fan for a bit over a year now, and it's still going strong--even though it has been run quite a lot! (As in, has been used on most days, and left on 4 to 6 hours at a time, perhaps more, during hot weather.) It was not too hard to assemble, either. Over all, seems to be of decent quality.

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