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Manufacturer of barbecue products From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Char-Broil is an American privately held manufacturer of charcoal, gas & electric outdoor grills, smokers and related products. Char-Broil is a subsidiary of W. C. Bradley Co.[1]
This article contains content that is written like an advertisement. (August 2017) |
Company type | Subsidiary |
---|---|
Founded | 1948 |
Headquarters | , USA |
Key people | Tom Penner, CEO |
Products | Outdoor grills and smokers |
Brands |
|
Parent | W. C. Bradley Co. |
Website | http://www.charbroil.com/ |
In 1925, W.C. Bradley Co. acquired a controlling interest in the Columbus Iron Works, which previously made parts for steamboats and stove products.[2] By the 1940s, agriculture started moving west. The Bradley Company adapted quickly, redirecting focus to the "backyard" leisure market and manufactured a portable outdoor cooker called "Char-Broil."[3] The Char-Broil 19 (also known as the CB 19) is thought to be the first cast iron charcoal grill on the market.[3] Hardware stores that carried the Bradley's agricultural and stove supplies begin selling the cast-iron charcoal grill for $19, which were purchased and delivered across the United States.[2]
The early grills were made from a steel drum, and two years later, electric grills were manufactured. Between the Char-Broil brand and Certified Grill Parts, W.C. Bradley Company became a worldwide leader in the manufacture of aluminum gas grills, grill parts and accessories.[2]
Due to increased demand for home grills, Char-Broil began to mass-produce gas grills in the 1960s.[3]
In 1961, Char-Broil patented the first grease-handling system for an outdoor grill to make grilling safer and easier.[3] In the 1970s, they were the first to package the LP tank and grill in one box, which revolutionized the backyard grill industry.[2] Char-Broil introduced the first electric grills, portable gas grills and table-top grills in the 1970s. In 1973, the Manufacturing Division moved from the Iron Works to a more modern plant in the Bradley Industrial Park and becomes known as W.C. Bradley Enterprises. Then in 1977, W.C. Bradley Enterprises became known as Char-Broil. In 1989, Char-Broil became a separate business division of the W.C. Bradley Company.[3]
In the 1980s, Char-Broil introduced "Certified Parts and Accessories" and began selling grill parts to consumers,[2] and in the 1990s, Char-Broil introduced new paints, easy-to-clean materials and features along with the now-ubiquitous electronic ignition system.[2] In 1997, Char-Broil acquired the New Braunfels Smoker Company and adds heavy-duty charcoal grills, smokers and accessories to its lineup,[4] as well as the barbecue grill division of the Thermos Company of Schaumburg, Illinois.[5] In 1998, Char-Broil purchased the Oklahoma Joe's brand of high-end smokers, grills and accessories, to complement its outdoor cooking selection.[6]
Char-Broil launched the Commercial Series brand in 2003. This series was, and still is exclusive to Lowe's[3] Char-Broil partnered with Thermal Engineering Corporation (TEC) to offer backyard chefs infrared technology and patented a new version of the TEC's infrared 100% cooking system, which led the company to a new series of grills and cookers in 2007[7] They launched the Big Easy oil-less infrared turkey fryer in 2007 with the infrared technology. In 2008, Char-Broil launched the RED Series infrared gas grills that is exclusive to Home Depot.[3] In 2011, Char-Broil introduced SABER grills, which is a dedicated business unit for premium grills,[8] and they expanded into the European market with the acquisition of the Dancook brand.[9] Early 2015, Char-Broil introduced the Kettleman, an improved charcoal kettle grill that uses the patented infrared technology, no-fall through grates, no flare-ups, a hinged lid. Then in the summer of 2015, Char-Broil launched its new line of digital electric smokers,[10] and later in the year, they launched the SmartChef series of WiFi-connected electric smokers, which stemmed from the partnership with DADO.[11]
This section needs additional citations for verification. (August 2017) |
As of 2015,[update] brands managed and/or manufactured by Char-Broil include:[13][14]
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