Retro Barbecue & Grilling

About Retro Barbecue & Grilling

Give your memory a workout with Retro Barbecue & Grilling: 15 multiple-choice questions with a mix of 9 easy, 6 medium questions, free to play right in your browser. Fire up the memories! How much do you remember about the backyard barbecue culture that defined American summers? Expect to spend about 7 minutes; every question comes with an explanation, so you learn something even when you miss.

A few sample questions

1. 1. Which iconic round, dome-shaped charcoal grill was invented by George Stephen in 1952 using a marine buoy?

   Answer: Weber Kettle Grill

   George Stephen cut a marine buoy in half to create the first Weber Kettle Grill in 1952. Its dome shape with vents allowed for controlled cooking and became the icon of American backyard grilling.

2. 2. What type of charcoal briquettes, invented by Henry Ford, became the standard fuel for backyard grills?

   Answer: Kingsford Charcoal

   Kingsford Charcoal was developed from a process invented by Henry Ford using wood scraps from his Model T factory. It became the number one charcoal brand in America.

3. 3. What lighter fluid brand in a black and yellow can was used to start charcoal grills for decades?

   Answer: Kingsford

   Kingsford charcoal lighter fluid in its distinctive black and yellow can was the standard way to start a charcoal grill before chimney starters and match-light briquettes were introduced.

4. 4. What was the most popular meat served at American backyard barbecues in the 1950s and 1960s?

   Answer: Hamburgers and hot dogs

   Hamburgers and hot dogs were the undisputed kings of the backyard barbecue. They were affordable, easy to grill, and loved by both kids and adults at summer cookouts.

5. 5. What small, portable Japanese-style grill became popular for apartment balcony and patio grilling in the 1960s?

   Answer: Hibachi

   The hibachi, a small cast-iron Japanese charcoal grill, became hugely popular in the 1960s. Its compact size made it perfect for apartments, picnics, and small patios.

Things you'll learn along the way

• ✓Oscar Mayer's 'I wish I were an Oscar Mayer wiener' jingle debuted in 1963 and became one of the most beloved food jingles in American advertising history.
• ✓Macaroni salad, along with potato salad and coleslaw, was one of the essential side dishes at any American backyard barbecue. Every family had their own special recipe.
• ✓KC Masterpiece barbecue sauce, created by Rich Davis in Kansas City, became one of the best-selling barbecue sauces in America after its introduction in the 1970s.