The beginning
1998
Our story began in a garage that was 20’ square with a 7’ ceiling. As the story goes, Chris Engelbrecht got tired of the box store grills quickly failing and being a metal fabricator by trade decided to make his own grill, built the way he wanted. The company Fire-Pit grills was named in 2000.
Changes
2005
With the leap of moving out of the garage in 2005, Fire-Pit Grills evolved and focused on building large trailer-mounted grills.
What also began to form was the idea and the now infamous, award winning 1000 series.
Time to pivot
2008
In 2008, sales in other states and countries grew and Fire-Pit Grills was renamed Engelbrecht Grills and Cookers.
Persistence
With the recession of 2008, the trailer-mounted grill sales slowed to a halt with the last production model ending in 2013. What began was the determination, persistence and the desire to conquer that hardship. Simply put, just focus on building what we wanted, which is a very well crafted American wood burning grill.
New Era
Prior to 2008 the 1000 series was in its early design stages with around 8 being built. The focus was placed on the 1000 series and was named the Original Braten. After its early design changes the Original Braten quickly took center stage.
The Braten campfire grills came to fruition in 2010; quickly becoming popular and obtaining its own award-winning notoriety.
2011
Gizmodo calls the 1000 series the “toughest backyard grill in the world”.
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Barbecue Addiction with Bobby Flay premiers on the Food Network with the Original 1000 series.
2012
The White House requests a 1000 Series to be built as a State gift.
2013
Amazingribs.com named the 1000 series top ten grill five years in a row finally landing at Platinum level.
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Bobby Flay writes Barbecue Addiction cookbook naming the 1000 series as his favorite grill.
2016
Popular Mechanics magazine reviews the Braten campfire grill giving it five stars and an Editors choice award.
2024
Inspired by the Argentinian art of the fire, the parrilla line is introduced.
Current
We can now say our work is proudly displayed in backyards, outdoor kitchens and campgrounds in every state and most of the continents. (That’s right, we’re looking at you Antarctica, you’re the only continent left.) Our work has been seen on every major network and been written about in every major newspaper. Cooking shows have used our products. Cookbooks have been written using a 1000 series. Numerous newspaper and magazine articles have been written about us. The White House used a 1000 series as a state gift. It has been a tool in the hands of famous chefs like our dear friend Bobby Flay who has mentioned it is his favorite grill. However, our biggest pride is when we get an email or a letter from a grill owner explaining to us how much they love the grill and sending us a picture of them and their friends and family enjoying it. It’s the togetherness that truly motivates us.