The Engel Story
In recent years, Kiwis have embraced the outdoor lifestyle.
And with this, we have gone through a succession of BBQs, smokers, grills, pizza ovens, braziers and outdoor fireplaces. We have used gas bottles, methylated spirits, mānuka chips, charcoal, heat beads and much more.
But in the end, nothing comes close to wood-fired cooking.
Carl Engel wanted a fire that could do a spectacular job of cooking meats, fish, poultry, vegetables or anything else he wanted to throw at it. He wanted an outdoor fire, a BBQ grill, a wood-fired oven, a smoker, a pizza oven and a rotisserie — all while being a stunning piece of furniture for any outdoor living space.
The process began. Several prototypes later, Carl had created a cooker he felt was far superior to anything else on the market. Behind the scenes, Carl’s wife Jude has been part of the journey from the beginning, helping with the administration and day-to-day work needed to turn the idea into a growing business.
Together, they have continued to refine Engel into something simple to use, incredibly versatile and built to last, backed by years of testing and modification.
We believe that once you see an Engel in action, you’ll understand what makes it different.
"Food cooked over fire has a far superior flavour"
I've been cooking in professional kitchens for almost 40 years, helping to create dishes that have reshaped the way we taste and look at food. Over these years, flavor has always been the most important thing to me—using the best available produce and elevating its flavor without losing the essence of the food itself.
This is where Engel comes in. Food cooked over fire has a far superior flavor. Whether it's a big juicy steak, vibrant asparagus, a fresh piece of fish, or a rotisserie chicken, an Engel is the ultimate way to cook it, replacing any other outdoor cooking device.
Once you've finished cooking, the Engel becomes a warming fire to enjoy your meal around. This is why I've cooked on an Engel for 10 years, and will continue to as long as I want the best.
Michael Van de Elzen
Chef · Author · Restaurateur · TV Personality
Why Choose Engel
Engel are 100% built in New Zealand with only the finest of materials. High quality stainless steel and brass allows us to offer you a 10 year warranty.
Imagine that? How many things these days are built to last a lifetime?
We use a unique engineering approach with a CNC machine (Computer Numerical Control) that cuts our Engel parts to an accuracy of 100th of a millimetre. Now, that's precision.
Add a real talking point to your home. The Engel is a beautiful piece but it also offers exceptional food experiences for the home cook or professional. A special feature is that you can get a name of your choice cut into the front of the grill. So, you can have your family name or a property name or whatever you want to personalise your fire!
A Commitment To Sustainability
At Engel, we are dedicated to creating products that stand the test of time, reducing waste and environmental impact. Crafted from high-quality stainless steel and brass, our appliances are designed to last for generations, ensuring they never end up in a landfill.
Our grills exclusively use wood or charcoal as fuel, and the by-products—ash and charcoal—are not just waste. They can be repurposed as a beneficial addition to your garden, enriching the soil and enhancing plant growth. This natural process also aids in carbon sequestration, making it an eco-friendly choice for those who value sustainability.
