best grill

Weber: The Company that Revolutionized Backyard Barbecues

Never underestimate what a man will do for steak. In the case of George Stephen, Sr., what started out as an attempt to protect precious meat eventually turned into the company now known as Weber, a Luxist nominee in the best grills category.

Stephen's inspiration came in 1952. Frustrated by the windblown flames emanating from his open backyard grill-and the resulting impact on his steaks-he decided to take matters into his own hands. He headed over to Weber Brothers Metal Works, his place of employment, and created the prototype of the dome-shaped grill that would become Weber's trademark product.

Gallery: Weber grills

Though nearly 100 million American households now have outdoor grills, the market hadn't yet exploded when Stephen invented his strangely-shaped contraption, which was pricey ($50) compared to the standard open grill ($7). His friends made fun of him-until Stephen's invention started selling. By the late 1950s the product was so successful that Stephen was able to buy his employer's factory and devote it to producing cooking surfaces.

Tags: awards-main, best grill, grill, grilling, luxist-awards, weber, weber grills

Continue reading “Weber: The Company that Revolutionized Backyard Barbecues”

Jenn-Air: Precision Craftsmanship and Distinctive Styling

by Carrie Coolidge (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Dining, Gadgets

Though Jenn-Air sounds more like the moniker of a company that flies people around the country in jets than one that makes cooking surfaces, its reputation for durability and quality have earned it a nominee for a Luxist award in the best grills category.

Founded by Louis J. Jenn in 1947, the Jenn-Air Products Company of Indianapolis, Indiana soon had its moniker shortened to Jenn-Air. The company was focused on manufacturing and marketing industrial fans in its early years. In 1961, Jenn-Air integrated one of these fans with a stovetop and created the world's first self-ventilated downdraft range.

The company then expanded its product line to include many other kitchen appliances. Among Jenn-Air's offerings were microwave ovens, refrigerators, dishwashers, and small appliances including mixers and blenders. Thanks to the name Jenn-Air made for itself, Maytag purchased the brand in the 1980s; two decades later, Whirlpool bought Maytag.

In recent years, Jenn-Air brought its indoor expertise into the outdoor grilling arena. Boasting the same sleek stainless-steel look and sturdy construction, the brand quickly became one of the favorites in its space. Jenn-Air's products still can't fly you from New York to Los Angeles, but they sure can help you cook up a sumptuous meal in the comfort of your own kitchen or back yard.

Vote for the Grill line that you believe is the best of breed. The voting period runs through July 31 and winners will be announced on August 1.

Tags: awards-main, Best grill, best grills, grill, grilling, grills, Jenn-Air, luxist-awards