Highlights from the HPBExpo, Salt Lake City, Utah

Yours truly, spent an amazing two days at the HPBExpo (Hearth, Patio, and BBQ expo) during the first week of March in Salt Lake City, Utah. Now the 1400 mile round trip drive was not amazing but the show was. The expo was produced by the  HPBA (Hearth, Patio & BBQ Association) www.HPBA.org is an international not-for-profit trade association first established in 1980 to represent and promote the interests of the hearth, patio, and barbecue products industries in North America.

By my count there were over 50 outdoor cooking related vendors at this show and I had the great fortune to meet up with many of them and discuss their new products for the 2011 season. I made many new friends and kept up with some old also. This environment was perfect for the vendors to showcase all of their products from sauces and rubs to incredible gourmet cooking islands. Many large brands name vendors as well as several new entrepreneurs where at the show.

I took many notes, shot  pictures and filmed some cool video of manufacturers demonstrating their products. Here are some highlights of the cool products I found:

Camp Chef – www.CampChef.com

They introduced their new 10″ deep Dutch oven with the popular Prong Horn Sheep logo on the lid. It is available now. Their classic Dutch oven lineup will all have the familiar thermometer slot on the side. I also was able to preview that new outdoor oven of theirs … very nice! They have an amazing line-up of camp cooking equipment, smokers and grills that would take up pages and pages to write about, so go give them a visit.

Wilcox All-Pro Tools – www.WilCoxAllPro.com

Introduced their new Barr-B-Q 12″ salt and pepper shakers. Great way to keep your knuckles from burning as use sprinkle a little salt and pepper on the food you are grilling. 12″ long handles, snap on labeled lids, dishwasher safe and made of food grade plastic. I understand they even make them in college ball colors!

Inno-Labs– www.FireWireGrilling.com

Inno-Labs is the creator the the amazing FireWire flexible grilling skewer. Beside showing off the FireWire flexible skewer, they were introducing their new “Savor Rest” meat resting blanket. Designed to cover your cooked meat for 15 – 30 minutes, allowing it to rest properly without loosing heat. Another new item for Inno-Labs is their new Marinating kits. These kits come with a marinating 4mil plastic bag which holds 3 – 4 loaded FireWires and their delightful blends of  pepper, garlic and secret herbs for marinating your favorite meats. I should mention that the Firewire come with a lifetime warranty.

Pellet Can – www.PelletCan.com

What to do with all of those flavors of  BBQ pellets? Why you need a Pellet Can! Storage for five hardwood pellet flavors, each compartment holding 20lbs of pellets. With individual dispenser levers and replaceable levers. The top lid acts as additional prep space and it comes with a tool rack to boot! Four different model to solve your BBQ pellet storage needs.

Island Grill Stone – www.IslandGrillStone.com

Transform your grilling into an ancient cooking form – stone cooking! The Island Grill Stone is a slab of natural porous volcanic rock providing many culinary advantages. Grill meat, seafood, vegetables, fruit and even pizza. Even heating surface helps to cook meat perfectly. Add marinades or sauces without flare-ups. Food won’t slip through the grill. Healthier style of cooking reduces charring. Food retains moisture and nutrients, enhances natural flavours, easy to use and easy to clean.

Well, that's it for now. Video's are being produced and I have lots more to share with you so come back and visit soon.

Gary