Do You Know Your Place In Outdoor Barbecue History?

Do You Know Your Place In Outdoor Barbecue History?

8 minute read | Grills

The tradition of enjoying outdoor barbecue dates back nearly 2 million years, and we are the beneficiaries of every innovation from that era to today.

The stainless steel patio barbecue that backyard chefs use for grilling choice cuts of beef, chicken, vegetables, and a wide variety of meals on portable propane grills began with our common ancestors, Homo Erectus. According to research cited in books like *Planet Barbecue*, Homo Erectus started cooking over open flames 1.8 million years ago.

Although early humans may have communicated through grunts and gestures, the term “barbecue” emerged in the Caribbean during the 1500s. A North American island tribe called the Taino is believed to have coined the word, which was later adopted by Spanish explorers.

The Taino cooked food over outdoor spits and used spices, and many believe their methods were among the first to incorporate basting and BBQ sauces. While they didn’t have modern grills with temperature controls or portable carts, their practices laid the foundation for what we now call barbecue.

By the time of the American Colonists, grilling became a central part of social gatherings. Records show that in places like Virginia, people were even restricted from firing black-powder rifles during barbecues. After the War for Independence, celebrations often included cooking over an open flame.

Americans are known for their passion for outdoor grilling, but Canadians also share this tradition. Recent reports indicate that over 90% of Canadians consider burgers, hot dogs, and chicken as their top choices when grilling outdoors. Steak follows closely behind.

If you're one of the millions who find the art and science of grilling fascinating, there's much more to explore. The history of outdoor barbecue could easily become a category on a game show like *Jeopardy*.

But it might be more practical to focus on how modern grills evolved from early concepts. In 1958, Phillip Arnold invented the precursor to the gas grill that would eventually lead to today’s advanced models. His invention gave rise to PGS Grills, which are still popular across North America today.

Phillip Arnold Starts AEI Corp & PGS Grills Are Born

According to the story, Phillip Arnold worked as a sales engineer for a Milwaukee natural gas utility company. His boss challenged him to create a residential outdoor grilling product that ran on natural gas. He experimented with various cooking elements and, by 1966, moved to California and founded AEI Corp to distribute his perfected outdoor gas grill.

Though "perfected" might be an overstatement, the innovations Arnold started continue to evolve. Today, AEI Corp offers three distinct lines of PGS Grills: A-Series, T-Series, and Legacy. Each line comes in both natural gas and liquid propane versions, giving users flexibility in their grilling choices.

PGS A-Series Grills – Ideal for Home Use

The A-Series grills are popular for residential use and come in both natural gas and propane models. Built from durable cast aluminum, these grills can be connected to a natural gas line or placed on a wheeled cart for portability. They offer BTU ranges between 30,000 and 40,000, making them perfect for backyard gatherings.

PGS T-Series Grills – Great for Commercial Settings

The T-Series is designed for commercial use and is commonly found in apartment complexes and multi-family homes. These heavy-duty grills are built with cast aluminum and offer similar BTU ranges as the A-Series. They also feature automatic gas shut-off timers for safety and convenience.

PGS Legacy Grills – Innovation at Its Best

The Legacy series is known for its cutting-edge design and high performance. These stainless steel grills are available in both natural gas and propane models and can deliver up to 102,000 BTUs. With large cooking areas and features like infrared rotisserie burners, they are ideal for creating a full outdoor kitchen.

Modern Grill Accessories Worth Considering

It’s hard to imagine that Phillip Arnold’s vision of a natural gas-powered outdoor grill would one day revolutionize the way families cook and gather. Holidays like the Fourth of July and Labor Day are synonymous with backyard barbecues. Today, PGS Grills offer a wide range of accessories to enhance your grilling experience, including:

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

These accessories not only improve convenience but also enhance safety. For example, a 60-minute gas shut-off timer helps prevent fuel waste and reduces the risk of accidents, especially around children.

PGS Grills are built to last and offer precise heat control, making them a top choice for both home and commercial users. Replacement parts are available to keep your grill running smoothly for years. As the story of outdoor barbecue continues to unfold, PGS Grills remain a testament to the legacy of innovation started by Phillip Arnold over six decades ago.

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