Stainless Steel Awards 2008

Merit Award - Products Category

Lauren Copley
Product : Portable BBQ Grill which fits into a ruler-sizes leatherman

The Grillix compact expandable grill is unlike any compact portable BBQ grill you’ve ever seen before. This portable outdoor braai gadget is the perfect all-year round braai grill for those who value quality and compactness when braaing off the beaten track.

Made in South Africa of high quality stainless steel, the Grillix compact expandable grill is the perfect portable braai gadget for outdoor lovers who value quality, compactness and superb functionality on-the-go. It also makes a great any-occasion gift or unique branded product for corporates, tourism and professional associations.

Resembling a ruler-sized Leatherman, the robust new Grillix is extremely sturdy, as well as easy to assemble, clean and store. Best of all, the Grillix is affordable, despite being high quality 304 stainless steel.

The entire unit fits into a small backpack or glove compartment, yet assembles easily in minutes into a full-scale braai grill with ample grilling space for four to six people. You can easily fit at least four T-Bone steaks, eight or nine burgers or a large packet of sausages and some kebabs on the grill area.
 
All components of the modular-design Grillix conveniently fit into two  u-shaped stainless steel casings. When disassembled, the casings are secured together with end caps to form one slim oblong unit that only weighs 800g. The sturdiness is enhanced by the fold-out legs that form part of the U-casing. The grill even features a nifty cleaning notch to scrape off excess braai debris after use.

The Grillix can be used on apartment balconies or in fire-sensitive areas, provided you make your fire in a heavy duty aluminum foil tray. The Grillix comes with its own durable zipper carry pouch made of  water-resistant 600 Denier for easy transport and storage.

Lauren Copley, the Cape Town-based entrepreneur and innovator of the Grillix portable grill, first came across the concept of compact portable BBQ grills when working for a promotions company about three years ago. Copely was fascinated by the idea that braaing could be so convenient and portable.

When she saw a small European compact grill, she decided to find out more. With braaing such an integral part of South African culture and outdoor lifestyle, Copely had confidence in her ability to take a great concept and innovate it into an amazing new product. While the concept of small portable BBQ grills is not new and various products had been patented overseas as early as the 1960s, Lauren wanted to modify and adapt the concept to suit the South African outdoor leisure market and the braai enthusiast in particular.