It is unavoidable, Fall is coming and we like to enjoy the outdoors as long as possible. As Fall is drawing near. Outsite living enthousiasts like us like to extent their season. And when winter is over and the first sighns of spring are there we want to enjoy our patio again Patio Heaters are a solution, and the type we discuss here are actually my favorite.

Ceiling patio heaters make a good alternative to portable patio heaters. Because they are permanently installed, none of the storage or maintenance problems associated with portable heaters are encountered. Simply turn the switch and the ceiling heater provides enough heat to keep you and your guests comfortable.

Ceiling heaters can be powered by either electricity or gas. If you use natural gas for heating your house, it’s a natural extension to install natural gas ceiling heaters on your patio. However, if you don’t have a natural gas feed, you can still install electric or propane ceiling heaters.

Many models of ceiling heaters for your patio operate with radiant heat. This efficient heating method heats objects and people without heating the air in between. This increases their deficiency and also means that the heaters are effective even on windy days.

There are many different styles of ceiling heaters for your patio. Some models hang from the ceiling and distribute the heat with a reflecting dome similar to the ones found in portable patio heaters. This type of ceiling heater usually uses propane or natural gas as the fuel source.

Electric ceiling heaters can be mounted directly on the ceiling for the most efficient use of space. They are safe to use indoors, so if you wish to enclose a portion of your patio for the winter season it can be heated with an electric heater.

Despite their ability to heat fairly large spaces, electric ceiling heaters are economical to operate. They are very efficient and are a good alternative when gas cannot be used for heating your patio. Their heat output can be adjusted with a heat regulator.

Another advantage of electric heaters is that they are silent and require no venting. Gas heaters usually hiss when they operate and they usually require a venting system to avoid the buildup of dangerous byproducts. If you have plenty of ventilation, then a venting system is not necessary, but if you use a gas heater in an enclosed or semi-enclosed area you should provide adequate venting.

Many individuals agree that the sauce on barbecued meat is like the icing on a cake. Gourmet barbecue sauces, rubs and marinades are commonly served on (or on the side of) the finished dish.

Barbecue sauces are used to add flavor and sweeten the meat for a better tasting meal. The types of barbecue sauces available throughout the world are endless. Barbecue sauces, rubs and marinades are the three basic methods of seasoning and each brings its own unique element into the barbecuing experience.

Barbecue Sauces Many individuals and families swear by barbecue sauce and some find it impossible to prepare meat without it. Popular types of BBQ sauce depend highly on the region, since many different areas have an opinion all their own. Barbecue sauces can are usually based with vinegar, pepper, tomato or mustard and can offer either a sweet or spicy taste to the dish. Some barbecue sauces also use alcohol such as bourbon or zinfandel to add flavor.

Most BBQ sauces use a sweetener such as white sugar, brown sugar, molasses or maple syrup to add sweetness to the dish. Sugar burns easily and as a result, it is best to add the barbecue sauces during the last stage of grilling.

Barbecue Rubs

Barbecue rubs are available in two forms, wet and dry. A dry rub is often a combination of dry spices and herbs which are spread over the meat and rubbed into the surface. Wet rubs are simply dry rubs with a liquid (usually oil) which binds them together. When cooking for longer periods of time, wet rubs provide moisture to the meat so the meat does not become burnt or tough. Wet rubs are usually used on dishes such as fish or poultry since they do not have as much taste, whereas dry rubs are better suited for steak and pork. Most rubs contain paprika, black pepper, ground chili and garlic powder.

Marinades

Marinades are seasonings which contain acidic ingredients such as vinegar, wine and citrus juice and are used to tenderize the meat. Marinades can be a combination of herbs, spices and vegetables and are used to add flavor to the dish. When you soak the meat into the marinade, the meat absorbs the ingredients and the result is a more flavorful and tender dish. The meat must soak in the marinade for a good part of the day or even overnight to ensure it has enough time to absorb its maximum capacity. Make sure you read the directions prior to marinating because some foods (like shrimp and fish) can become mushy and soggy if they are left in too long.

Regardless of which form of seasoning you choose, rubs, sauces and marinades add flavor and tenderness to all forms of meat. So give your BBQ a gourmet kick and add a gourmet BBQ sauce, rub or marinade to your next barbecue.

Gene Grohan is a contributing writer for various food related sites including Barbecues and Grills (http://www.barbecuesandgrills.com) – a site offering information about choosing barbecue grills and great BBQ recipes – and Gourmet Foods 101 – a site offering information about and gourmet foods, meats and wines including things like gourmet shrimp.