Weber: The Birth of American Grilling

After World War II, our heroes of the free world came home asking very little in return for their bravery: a bungalow with a small backyard to call their own and some peace and quiet. In response to their modest wishes, suburbs were spawned, and the backyard soon became sacred ground. As outdoor entertaining became a slice of the good life, simpler, freestanding metal braziers replaced traditional barbecue pits, and the focus shifted from slow-cooked techniques to grilling—cooking meat over high heat. Smoke drifting over fences became part of the American landscape.

But by 1951, these cookout rigs were still woefully under-engineered. No one was more aware of their shortcomings than George Stephen. As the father of a growing family, he was used to personal sacrifice, but heck, a decent grilled steak would be nice once in a while! He had struggled with his flat, open brazier with frustrating results. If you didn’t get rained out, the slightest wind could blow ashes onto your hard-won dinner.

Well, if necessity is the mother of invention, then hunger must be its godparent. At the time, George worked at Weber Brothers Metal Works outside Chicago, welding large metal spheres together to make buoys for the coast guard. It was from these spheres that his idea took shape. He speculated a rounded cooking bowl with a lid was the key to success. He added three legs to the bottom and a handle to the top and took his oddity home.

The neighbors called it a spaceship and had a good laugh—and a taste of delicious grilled steak. Suddenly George’s oddity was in such hot demand that he couldn’t make them fast enough. So he branched out on his own and went into full-time production. By the end of the decade, he bought out Weber Brothers Metal Works, changing the name to Weber-Stephen Products, and focused on changing the world, one grill at a time. These days, the backyard barbecue is a lifestyle many of us enjoy.

Gas vs. Charcoal?

Whether you prefer the flavors a charcoal grill provides or the convenience of a gas grill, our in-store Weber shops have you covered. Each type of grill has its benefits and enthusiasts, and Weber offers many grills to choose from to fit your lifestyle.

Benefits of Gas Grills

• Convenient to start with the push of a button
• Temperature control for as long as needed
• Little to no cleanup
• No dirty charcoal to dispose of
• Not affected by wind
• For smoky flavor, wood can be used

Benefits of Charcoal Grills

• Savory charcoal flavor
• Hotter grill temperature
• Usually less expensive than a gas grill
• Traditional summer fun and memories

We can assemble your grill and deliver it to you too!