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Is there a German company behind the barbecue manufacturer Weber?

Weber
What many people don't know: Weber is not a German company but an American one Photo: Getty Images

October 10, 2024, 10:49 am | Read time: 4 minutes

The Weber brand has probably already been encountered by anyone who wants to buy a barbecue for their balcony or patio. You can find out more about the success story of the products and their background in this article.

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Barbecuing is fun – whether alone or in company. What ends up on the barbecue grill is just as much a question of taste as the preference for charcoal, gas, or electric barbecue. Weber offers its barbecues in thirty countries around the world and has something for every barbecue lover, from compact appliances for occasional enjoyment to full-blown outdoor kitchens.

The history of Weber

Until 1952, barbecuing happened directly over the coals. The food, at that time primarily meat, was placed directly over the glowing coals or open fire. In the USA, at this time, most barbecues were permanently installed over a brick fireplace.

At the time, George Stephen was working in his father’s company, which specialized in processing sheet metal. And it was there that he came up with a literally revolutionary idea. He combined two hemispheres to create a new type of grill construction. The heat source was in the lower half, while the upper half acted as a lid. The birth of the kettle grill and thus also of indirect grilling. And because his barbecue was fitted with wheels, it was much more flexible. Users could now also barbecue in small backyards or choose the most beautiful spot in their garden.

What is taken for granted today was a real innovation at the time and has been the basis of the company’s economic rise to this day. Today, Weber and its barbecues are regarded as barbecuing perfection, and the company offers courses on how to barbecue perfectly.

German name, international company

Although the name sounds German, the company has its home and origins in the USA. However, the parent company founded a subsidiary in Germany around 25 years ago. And Weber has also been traded on the US stock exchange since 2021. Even though Weber emphasizes its tradition as a family business, a corporation has owned a majority stake in the company since 2010, which is now officially called “Weber Inc.”.

Barbecues for every occasion

Since the company was founded, the product range has constantly expanded. The “Kettle,” the classic kettle barbecue that started it all, is still available. The range includes barbecues for

  • charcoal
  • electric
  • gas

In each category, barbecue fans will find models for every requirement and every budget, from small table barbecues for the balcony, which only require a power source, to individual outdoor kitchens. The range is complemented by barbecue accessories: Thermometers, tools, and even tableware are available.

Where are Weber barbecues made?

The Weber company publicly emphasizes its roots in the USA. The editors of the US magazine Consumer Reports wanted to find out more and researched where the barbecues are manufactured. However, as with most internationally active companies, the question is not easy to answer. When asked by myHOMEBOOK, Weber did not respond by the time this article was published.

However, research has revealed that components and various models are also manufactured in China. However, as the name suggests, production of the “Vermont Castings Signature Series” actually takes place entirely in Vermont in the United States. And for the taste experience, it really doesn’t matter where the barbecue was ultimately manufactured.

How long is the guarantee?

Weber has high quality standards. This is also reflected in the warranty services for the products. Depending on the model and type, buyers have a guarantee of between five and ten years.

This does not include the usual signs of wear and tear or cosmetic damage. Anyone who accidentally causes a dent in the lid of their barbecue cannot, of course, hold the manufacturer liable.

Weber also offers a comprehensive support service. Spare parts can be ordered easily. The employees are also available to help with questions and problems.

More on the topic

What alternatives are there?

Weber is known for the quality of its barbecues – but also for their price. In fact, they belong to the upper class in the BBQ sector. Barbecue fans will also find what they are looking for at Weber competitors such as Napoleon, Outdoorchef, Rösle, Landmann, or Burnhard. These products are also available at lower prices – whether gas, charcoal, or electric barbecues.

This article is a machine translation of the original German version of MYHOMEBOOK and has been reviewed for accuracy and quality by a native speaker. For feedback, please contact us at info@petbook.de.

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