BENTON HARBOR, Mich.– KitchenAid brand’s new 36-inch freestanding grill recently was named a 2009 Vesta Award Finalist in the gas barbeque category. The awards, presented by Hearth & Home magazine, recognize and honor companies and products for innovation in design and/or technology in the hearth and outdoor room categories. “Outdoor entertainment areas turn the yard into an additional, usable living area. And, with the KitchenAid freestanding grill, outdoor entertaining becomes easier, more fun and homeowners will want to do it more often,” said Tracy Frye, senior marketing manager at Whirlpool Corporation. “Built on the quality and sophistication of the KitchenAid brand, builders and designers can now offer homeowners an industry-recognized freestanding grill equipped with user-friendly monitoring indicators.” Grill aficionados will appreciate the user-interactive LED system, which provides outdoor cooks with further control for both timing foods on the grill and tracking cooking fuel. This system includes Flame Time(TM), a timer that will shut the grill off, based on a specific set time; a Fuel Time Remaining indicator that audibly and visually indicates when fuel is low and specifies the cooking time left with remaining fuel; and an easily programmable independent digital timer that can be used simultaneously with Flame Time(TM) for tracking several different dishes at once. A Flare-Up Management System effectively channels dripping oils and grease away from burners to help reduce flare-ups and messes. Removable drip trays and a pull-out tank drawer simplify cleaning of the grill’s interior and installation of propane tanks. Other thoughtful design elements include BBQ tool and towel hangers, foldable shelves and large, commercial-style casters — two of which can be locked, for easy maneuvering. This year marks the 9th Annual Vesta Awards program honoring Innovation in Design & Technology for both Hearth and Outdoor Room Products.
