Do You Know Your Place In Outdoor Barbecue History?

The tradition of savoring delicious outdoor barbecue dishes can be traced back nearly 2 million years, and we are the recipients of every single innovation since then. From the very first spark of fire to the sophisticated stainless steel grills we enjoy today, the journey of outdoor barbecue is nothing short of extraordinary.

According to research cited in books like "Planet Barbecue," our ancient ancestors, Homo Erectus, began cooking over open flames around 1.8 million years ago. While their menu might have been communicated through a few grunts and groans, the term "barbecue" itself didn't surface until much later. It was coined by the Taino people, an island tribe in the Caribbean during the 1500s. They reportedly cooked food over outdoor spits and seasoned it with spices, possibly pioneering the practice of basting and using BBQ sauces. Though their methods were rudimentary compared to today's precision grills with temperature controls, the Taino tribe left a lasting mark on the concept of outdoor cooking.

By the time the American colonies were being established, grilling over an open barbecue had become a beloved tradition. Early settlers even imposed restrictions on using black-powder rifles during such events. Fast forward to the Revolutionary War, and outdoor grilling became a symbol of celebration, marking the triumph of the American Patriots.

While Americans are often seen as the biggest fans of backyard grilling, Canadians share similar enthusiasm. Recent surveys suggest that up to 90% of Canadians list hamburgers, hot dogs, and chicken as their top choices for outdoor grilling. Steak comes in close behind these staples. If you're someone who finds joy in the art and science of cooking, there's no shortage of fascinating stories about how this tradition has evolved over centuries.

Today, we owe much of our modern grilling experience to companies like AEI Corporation, which introduced the first gas-powered outdoor grill in 1958. Phillip Arnold, the inventor, laid the groundwork for what would eventually become the PGS Grills loved by millions across North America. Over six decades later, these grills continue to innovate and adapt to meet the needs of both residential and commercial users.

Phillip Arnold Starts AEI Corp & PGS Grills Are Born

As the tale goes, Phillip Arnold worked as a sales engineer for a natural gas utility in Milwaukee. His boss challenged him to design a residential outdoor grill that could run on natural gas. After numerous experiments, Phillip Arnold created a prototype that could be lit by natural gas. By 1966, he relocated to Southern California and founded AEI Corp to distribute his perfected outdoor gas grill.

Though "perfected" is perhaps subjective, Phillip Arnold's legacy of innovation remains strong. AEI Corp now offers three distinct lines of PGS Grills: the A-Series, T-Series, and Legacy Grill lines. Each series comes in both natural gas and liquid propane versions, catering to various preferences and requirements.

PGS A-Series Grills Ideal for Homeowners

The A-Series residential grills are crafted from durable cast aluminum and available in both natural gas and propane models. These grills can be permanently installed and connected directly to natural gas lines, making them a great option for fixed outdoor kitchens. Alternatively, they can be placed on a portable cart with wheels for added mobility. Models in this series typically deliver between 30,000 to 40,000 BTUs, offering versatility and reliability.

PGS T-Series Grills Designed for Commercial Use

Engineered for commercial environments, the T-Series grills are popular in multi-family settings like apartments and condos. With the same flexibility of using either natural gas or liquid propane, these grills boast BTUs ranging from 30,000 to 40,000. Their robust cast aluminum construction and expansive cooking areas make them ideal for heavy usage. Smaller models are particularly useful in communal grilling spaces shared by residents. Additionally, the T-Series includes three all-stainless steel models, which not only look sleek but are also highly durable.

Each T-Series grill comes equipped with a 60-minute gas flow shutoff timer, providing peace of mind to property managers and ensuring no accidental gas leaks occur.

PGS Legacy Grills Leading the Way in Innovation

Many consider the Legacy series among the most advanced outdoor grills available today. Built from high-quality stainless steel, these grills offer both natural gas and liquid propane options. Legacy grills can be used in both residential and commercial settings, with BTUs reaching up to 102,000. The generous grilling area provides options with 960 square inches of space, along with large warming racks. Legacy models are often chosen by homeowners aiming to create comprehensive outdoor kitchens, complemented by beverage centers, side burners, and cutting-edge accessories like the infrared rotisserie burner.

Modern Grill Accessories Worth Exploring

It's hard to fathom that Phillip Arnold's vision of a natural gas-powered grill would transform how families gather and cook together. Holidays like the Fourth of July and Labor Day remain synonymous with backyard barbecues. Instead of relying on ancient methods of seasoning meat, modern PGS Grills offer a wide array of accessories designed to enhance the grilling experience. Some of these must-have items include:

• Stainless Steel Side Shelves
• Side Burners
• Infrared Rotisserie Burner & Spit
• Beverage Center
• Grill Storage Drawers
• Automatic Gas Shut-Off Timer

For both residential and commercial users, a 60-minute grill timer proves invaluable, saving fuel costs and enhancing safety by preventing accidents involving overheated grills. These accessories underscore the commitment of PGS Grills to delivering reliable, user-friendly products.

With their durability and precise heat distribution, PGS Grills stand out as some of the best investments for outdoor cooking enthusiasts. Even as the future of outdoor barbecue unfolds, these grills continue to honor the legacy started by Phillip Arnold over six decades ago.