It’s official — by Memorial Day almost 60 percent of Americans, per Statista, will have fired up their barbeques to kick off the summer season. With Father’s Day around the corner, Dave Johnson of Johnson Brothers Appliances knows a thing or two about both fatherhood and grills. Father of four of his own canoe-camping, skiing, lacrosse-playing, pond-splashing kids, Dave looks to the coming months to create life-long memories of lazy childhood summers. Today, the range of grills, and accessories range from portable, to highly customized, with affordable hybrids in between. “You can create a really neat outdoor space without the expense of built ins,” says Dave. Father’s Day is not only the perfect time to spark up that grill and spoil dad, but inspires gifts for Dad that create memories for the whole family. Here, Dave gives us the inside spark on six of his favorites. JBBend.com
1.) Tower Cart Grill Customize the color of this propane grill for Dad’s favorite sports team! (12 colors to choose from) Hasten Outdoor.
2.) Kegerator Dad can be the ultimate host, or guest of honor, with a freestanding keg cooler. Heavy-duty castors allow it to travel from grill station to after-dinner zone. Danby.
3.) Outdoor Pizza Oven. Every favorite can be cooked outdoors: grill accessories include teppanyaki griddles to steamers and fryers. Lynx Alfresco.
4.) Wireless Meat Thermometer. The handy gadget alerts you when meat reaches ideal temperatures, so you can play while grilling. Its coordinating app can even scan ingredients and provide recipes for what to put on the grill. Yummly.
5.) Portable Patio Heater. Enjoy your patio space year ‘round, and during cool Central Oregon evenings, with a heater that radiates heat up to a 24-foot diameter. EvenGlo.
6.) Wine Dispenser and Preservation System. Turn a grilling space into a wine bar with a state-of-the-art appliance that scans wine labels to adjust each bottle to its optimal temperature, keeps it pressurized, and serves wine by the glass so the first is as fresh as the last. PLUM.
Johnson Brothers Appliances
571 Azure Dr., Bend
541.382.6223
