Flir One Thermal Image Device

The heat is on with the Flir One Thermal Image Device

The Flir One released the very first personal thermal image device designed specifically for your iPhone 5 & 5s at CES 2014.

As the first and only personal thermal imager for the consumer market under $350, Flir One is compact, easy-to-use, compatible with the iPhone5 and 5s and fits on the phone like a protective case.

Once mounted, the device displays a live thermal image on the phone’s screen, giving users unprecedented ability to “see” in an array of conditions, including complete darkness.

The device combines an infrared thermal camera that converts energy (heat) into an electronic signal which is then translated into an image on to your phone’s screen. With the ability to see heat, it allows you to identify those pesky things like moisture detection, energy loss, and many more creative possibilities.

Cool Features:

•The onboard battery source powers the device for more than two hours of continuous use; can also be configured to boost the iPhone5 and 5s* battery life by 50 percent.

•It can see in the dark, observe invisible heat sources, see through smoke, and even see through some materials. Scene range temperature: 32 °F to 212 °F (O °C to 100 °C)

•MSX Blending (Adds visible spectrum detail to thermal images and enhances resolution)

•Video capture (.mov format), Still image capture, Choice of color palettes (B/W, W/B, Rainbow, Contrast, Arctic, Hot/Cold, Iron)

While the case adds a bit of chunkiness to your svelte handset, it’s a minor trade-off for awesome Predator-like heat vision. And while the iPhone 5 version of the Flir case will be available this summer, the company is working on an Android version as well. 🙂

Whether you want this device to detect a leak, look at deer in the middle of the night, or help you navigate through smoke you have to admit it’s pretty cool.

February 11, 2013

Exotic Granite

I bet you could guess the name of this exotic granite by its unique pattern.

If you guessed Turtle, you’d be right. Turtle Blue is from Brazil and is Blue and Green in color. It is suitable for indoor and outdoor applications. Small installations are not ideal since you will lose its unique pattern. Another stone from the Middle east is called Turtle Green but it looks nothing like this gem.

June 4, 2012

Porsche Outdoor Kitchen

Porsche Design Studio may have stretched a bit in naming their first Grill an Outdoor Kitchen.

This collaborative endeavor between Porsche and Grand Hall Co. combines Porsche’s impeccable detail and style with Grand Hall’s advanced grilling technology in the powerful X-Series Grill.

The X-Series features 4 Crossray® laterally mounted infrared burners, integrated concealed rotisserie with rechargeable battery pack, LCD display and counter balanced hood.

“Even the first sketches by Porsche Design opened up
a new era for the Grandhall outdoor kitchen.”

The grill features 1,120 square inches of cooking space with four ceramic infrared burners that deliver up to 52,000 BTU of highly controllable heat. It is available in black or Stainless Steel.

Jump for Brochure

May 21, 2012

Outdoor Dishwashers

kalamazoo outdoor dishwasher on kitchann style

As the popularity of Outdoor Rooms and Outdoor Kitchens grow, I often get asked by home owners if they should purchase an outdoor dishwasher.

Outdoor Dishwashers are different from the standard dishwasher you would install inside the home. They are specifically designed to hold up to weather extremes, dirt and have a special wash cycle for tough to clean items.

There are two manufacturers to choose from – Kalamazoo, which holds the bragging rights for being the first to introduce the outdoor dishwasher and Asko. (Note: Asko’s website also says they were the first but Kalamazoo debuted theirs at KBIS 2011)

Both offer dishwashers with stainless interiors and exteriors, adjustable racks that will hold 12 place settings, weatherproof electronics, water safety leak protection and winterization steps.

Kalamazoo offers separate finished sides and back for the dishwasher to build it into their stainless cabinets. The Asko model includes a finished stainless exterior so it can be built-in or free-standing.

So, should you include one of these in your plans to upgrade or add an outdoor kitchen?

Most homes have a single wall outdoor kitchen that has barely enough room for a grill, sink and undercounter refrigerator. So if you fall into this category I’m sure you’d rather have the refrigerator than a dishwasher.

kalamazoo-outdoor-dishwasher-back — Kalamazoo Optional Back

If you have a large outdoor kitchen area and plenty of storage space then the question comes down to the size of the budget. An outdoor dishwasher is about $4,000. That may be a quarter to half of the entire budget so it is a big decision.

If you have the space and money is no object then I factor in the location of the outdoor kitchen to the house.

If your outdoor kitchen is very far away from the home then you may actually want to consider using an outdoor dishwasher. A perfect example is a lakefront home.

If the outdoor kitchen is positioned near the water because that is where everyone hangs out and the home is set back from the water’s edge and possibly elevated; then carrying a lot of items back and forth may be very inconvenient.

One last note, you may be the ideal homeowner for an outdoor dishwasher but local building codes could also be a factor – especially in flood zones.