CELEBRATING CANADIAN-MADE BBQ BRANDS FROM THE PAST TO THE PRESENT

Grilling in Canada is more than just a summer tradition. Canada has a rich history of manufacturing BBQs locally, and this article explores the legacy of innovation and craftsmanship from the brands that helped build our backyard memories.

This Canada Day, we’re turning up the heat to honour the Canadian-made Gas Grills that built this industry – and the legendary brands that carry on that torch today.

THE PIONEERS: 1970s – 1980s

The golden age of Canadian BBQ manufacturing started in the 1970s and saw rapid growth through the ’80s. Many companies emerged during this time, setting the foundation for today’s industry:

• Shepherd – Made in Unionville, Ontario during the ’70s and ’80s. Known for rugged backyard grills. This brand would later evolve into Sterling, now part of Onward Manufacturing.
• Jacuzzi – Manufactured in Toronto in the ’70s and ’80s, this brand eventually became Broil King, now a flagship brand under Onward.
• Sunbeam – Produced in Etobicoke until around 1995, this household name was a staple in many Canadian backyards.
• West Bend – Manufactured in Barrie during the 1980s, offering accessible grills for everyday use.
• Falcon – Believed to have been made in Sarnia during this era.
• Olympia / Canadiana – Produced in Guelph and later believed to have been sold to Shepherd.

MANUFACTURING PARTNERSHIPS OF THE 1980S

• Arkla – A U.S. brand that was contract manufactured in Canada by Onward during the 1980s, showcasing Onward’s early growth in manufacturing excellence.
• Broil Master – Manufactured under license in Canada by B.D. Wait, a key player in BBQ production who would become part of Onward’s manufacturing legacy.
• Broil-Mate – Originally produced by B.D. Wait, now owned and built by Onward Manufacturing. Known for reliability and Canadian-built toughness.
  

THE MANUFACTURING BOOM: LATE 1980S – 1990S

• Fiesta – Manufactured in Mississauga and Dickson, TN from the late 1980s until 2010. Known for its wide retail reach.
• Char-Broil (Canada) – Though a U.S. brand, it was briefly manufactured in Kitchener during the late ’80s for the Canadian market.
• Martin – Proudly made in Quebec, Martin continues to represent Canadian innovation in outdoor heating and BBQs.

THE POWERHOUSE: ONWARD MANUFACTURING (Present Day)

Established in 1906 and based in Waterloo, Ontario, Onward Manufacturing Company (OMC) is now one of the largest and most respected grill manufacturers in North America. Their Canadian-made brands include:

BROIL KING

From humble beginnings with Jacuzzi to becoming a global BBQ icon, Broil King is a testament to Canadian engineering. Broil King’s commitment to smart grilling includes their iQue line-up, allowing real-time temperature control through a mobile app. Features like the Flav-R-Wave™ cooking system, rotisserie setups, and Bluetooth-enabled monitoring prove Broil King continues to lead in both flavour and functionality.

STERLING

What began as Shepherd has evolved into Sterling, a brand for serious home chefs. With modern finishes, great heat control, and Onward’s dependable quality, Sterling delivers elevated grilling without the premium price tag.

MORE CANADIAN-MADE GREATS YOU’LL FIND AT BARBECUES GALORE

NAPOLEON (Since 1976)

Starting as a steel fabrication business in 1976, Barrie-based Napoleon has grown into an international leader in outdoor cooking. The brand is known for its sleek, durable designs and advanced features like infrared burners, rotisserie kits, and smart temperature control.

Made-in-Canada models like the Prestige and Prestige PRO series – especially the feature-packed Prestige PRO 500 RSIB – have earned a loyal following among grillers who demand top-tier performance, durability, and modern design.

CROWN VERITY (Since 1991)

Brantford-based Crown Verity was founded in 1991 to meet the needs of chefs, caterers, and serious grillers. Their MCB series grills are built for heavy-duty use, crafted from high-quality stainless steel for maximum heat retention and durability.

Crown Verity’s residential grills bring professional performance to the home, complete with customizable options, side burners, and storage. It’s no wonder they’re a top choice for anyone serious about outdoor kitchen cooking.

Want to dive deeper into what makes this brand a standout? Check out our blog: “Crown Verity: The Canadian-Made Outdoor Cooking Experience” for a full look at their craftsmanship, innovation, and how you can build your dream grill setup.

FLASHBACK TO THE FIRST FLAME

Explore how barbecue became a true Canadian way of life – from fire pits and family feasts to a culture rooted in flavour, connection, and celebrating the everyday. Start from the beginning: Read Part One – Grilling in Canada: A Tradition Fired by Flavour.

GRILL CANADIAN. GRILL PROUD.

Choosing a Canadian-made grill is more than a purchase – it’s an investment in local craftsmanship, quality materials, and designs made for our climate. From pioneers like Jacuzzi and Shepherd to today’s innovators like Onward Manufacturing’s Broil King, Napoleon, and Crown Verity, Canada has always brought the heat.

This Canada Day, celebrate with a grill built at home – and built to last.

Shop Canadian-made grills at your local Barbecues Galore and carry on this great Canadian tradition.