I watched the unveiling of the Iphone 6 and the Apple Watch online today. It is pretty amazing to see how much technology has changed the way we communicate and access information. “Wearable Technology” is going to be a very big market.
In contrast, I looked out on the back patio and see a couple of Weber grills that have not changed in basic design for over 60 years. Lets face it – the “one touch” system is not exactly a huge technological advancement. Most of the time, I cook using charcoal briquettes, something Henry Ford invented, and hardwood chunks, something God invented (unless you are a Darwinist – but that's another ramble).
That's not to say the kettle cooking has escaped from technological advances. For example, I usually use a Thermoworks TW8060 with a ceramic probe capable of withstanding 2000 degree temperatures to monitor kettle temps, and a second probe capable of registering internal meat temp at +- 0.9 degrees F with a 2 second response time. My good friend 1buckie on the other hand, uses something slightly different (if he uses a thermometer at all!), and his “bad cooks” are better than many of my good ones!
There are certainly more elaborate offerings out there as well; stokers, igrill, web based tools that log your grills, etc. But the cool thing about grilling/smoking is that it all comes down to one thing; how the food turns out.
So while my Apple watch monitors my vital signs, tells me where I am in the world, and warns me of a day packed with meetings tomorrow, I am thankful that Weber is still providing the same basic charcoal kettle it has for the past 60 years.
Winz
PS - I just wish I could get it in Ivory....