Great Grandfather Günther in his lab
Eighty-Seven yearsof Family Legacy.
The infrared technology behind the modern steakhouse was invented by the Schwank family in 1939 and continuously refined over 3 generations. Steakhouse supply began in the 1980s, when we revolutionised grilling in commercial kitchens, starting with Peter Luger in Brooklyn, Cut in Beverly Hills, and Gibson's in Chicago.
From our lab to your patio
Three generations of the Schwank family, one idea: put the heat exactly where it’s needed. Here’s how a 1939 heater patent became the broiler behind America’s greatest steakhouses, and then the grill in your backyard.
Bernd Schwank’s original grill drawing, 1956
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1933
Where it began
Günther Schwank founds his company in Fegersheim, Alsace, France.
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1939
The first gas infrared heater
Günther invents and patents the world’s first gas infrared radiator, the technology behind every Schwank burner since.
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1956
The first grill drawing
Schwank moves to Cologne, Germany. The same year, Günther’s son Bernd develops and sketches the first design for an overhead infrared grill.
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1970
Into the steakhouse
Commercial broiler makers begin building Schwank burner tiles into their machines. Today that technology sears steaks in kitchens like Peter Luger, CUT and Gibsons.
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1981
Schwank comes to America
Schwank opens its home in Waynesboro, Georgia — where your grill is built.
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2020
Blazing Bull brings it home
Schwank launches its first home grill under the Blazing Bull name, with the same overhead infrared design as a steakhouse broiler, sized for your backyard.
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2023
Now Schwank Grills
The improved Gen 2 grill launches under the family name, the same year Schwank celebrates 90 years.
One family, one flame.
The BurnerIn 1939, Günther Schwank invented and patented the world’s first gas infrared radiator. Gas burns across a ceramic tile at 1,500°F, turning fuel straight into radiant heat. Schwank has since built more than two million heaters for factories, hangars and stadiums.
The BroilerIn the 1970s, commercial broiler makers began building Schwank tiles into their machines. Overhead infrared crusts the surface in moments, before the heat can overcook the centre. It’s how steakhouses like Peter Luger, CUT and Gibsons sear hundreds of steaks a night.
The GrillIn 1956, Bernd Schwank drew the first overhead infrared grill. It puts the burner above the food, the same way a steakhouse broiler does. Three generations later, the grill carries the family name and brings that heat to your backyard.
Designed in GermanyMore about Schwank GroupEvery Schwank burner is still designed and developed in Cologne, Germany. Oliver Schwank, the third generation of the family, leads the company today. Every new idea goes through the engineering team there, usually by way of a test steak.
Built in GeorgiaShop the Schwank GrillMade only for North America, every Schwank Grill is built in Waynesboro, Georgia, on the same floor as our commercial heaters. Peyton, Tim, David and Cathy assemble each one and flame-test it before it’s boxed.
Supported in CanadaContact the teamBetween our factory and your backyard is our team in Ontario, Canada. Faizan, Gaby, Muriel, Sreedev and Sami answer every call and email, whether you need help with your grill or just want to geek out over sear science.
More than 2 million heaters built.Named a World Market Leader.
Before Schwank made the grill, it spent ninety years heating some of the most demanding spaces in the world, from factory floors to stadiums like the Buffalo Bills and Real Madrid. In 2024, the German business magazine Wirtschaftswoche named Schwank a World Market Leader. Your grill uses the same infrared technology.
Three generationsin the making.
For more than ninety years, the Schwank family has put its name on everything it builds. Now it’s on a grill for your backyard. Bring that heat home and cook with it for 14 days. If it isn’t the best sear you’ve made at home, send it back.
Find a dealer.Be a dealer.
Want to see the grill before you buy? Our dealers can show you the sear up close and help you choose the right setup for your backyard. Run a store or showroom? We’re looking for partners to bring Schwank Grills to more cooks. Get in touch and we’ll take it from there.