Frustration Breeds Innovation: The Story Of The Weber Charcoal Grill
In 1952, George Stephen Sr. was an enthusiastic fan of charcoal grilling, but was increasingly frustrated by the poor performance of the grills on the market. At the time, grills were open, flat and rectangular, which led to poor heat control and uneven cooking. George worked for Weber Brothers Metal Works, who produced spherical floating buoys. George's big idea was to cut a buoy in half, weld legs onto it and place a cooking grate inside to make a new kind of grill. The hemispherical shape concentrated the charcoal and produced an even cooking heat. Another buoy half used as a lid kept the heat inside, allowing for faster cooking. The performance of the Weber charcoal grill was excellent, but its unusual shape resulted in it being given the nickname 'Sputnik', after the first man-made satellite.
The improved performance of the Weber charcoal grill came with a hefty price tag: $50, compared to around $10 for the regular grill designs. In spite of this, the Weber charcoal grill was a big hit. George Stephen ended up buying the Weber Brothers Metals Works and dedicated the company to manufacturing the new Weber grill. Weber has since diversified into both charcoal and gas grills.
Why Are Weber Charcoal Grills So Good?
Weber charcoal grills are incredibly popular, and rightly so. Weber grills offer excellent performance for the following reasons:
Sturdy construction - Weber charcoal grills are made from quality materials, including high-grade steel. Some grills use a painted porcelain enamel finish that can peel in high heat, but Weber's enamel finish is baked on for greater durability. Heavy-duty plated steel or chrome plated aluminum are excellent heat conductors and are used to construct the cooking racks, resulting in even cooking and attractive grill marks. The grills are machined accurately, so they do not wobble.
Simple to assemble - Assembling your Weber charcoal grill at home obviously saves money, but they are so easy to put together that there is really no trade-off in convenience. The only tools you need are ones that you already own and you do not need any specialized knowledge.
Maintenance and customer service - The simple design of Weber charcoal grills makes it easy to keep them clean and in peak condition. The operating manual is clearly-written and east to understand. Should you need help, replacement parts, or professional repairs, there is a toll-free service line and a nationwide dealer network that can provide what you need quickly and without fuss.
Safety - Weber charcoal grills are among the safest available, which is important when dealing with burning hot charcoal. The side handles are heat-resistant to avoid burning. The solid construction and design makes them hard to tip over. The grill comes up to temperature quickly and adjusting the heat is safe and easy.
Excellent warranties - The advantage of making quality products like Weber charcoal grills is that the Weber company can afford to stand behind the product and offer great warranties.
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