George Foreman Lean Mean Fat-Reducing Grilling Machine

Description:

Introduced in 1994, the grilling surface on this indoor electric grill has a 10 degree slope to allow fat to drain away from food during cooking. Professional boxer George Foreman marketed this concept as a way to "knock out the fat," suggesting not only a more healthy way to cook, but that manly men—even champion boxers—care about healthy cooking and low-fat eating.

The timing was perfect for Foreman to become the spokesperson for an electric grill in 1994. He had just won the heavyweight world championship at the age of 45 and credited his comeback to a healthy lifestyle, including healthy eating habits. His personal story and charisma helped sell over 100 million grills to consumers who were becoming increasingly concerned about their intake of fat and calories. The grill also became popular with college students for making quick meals in dorms and shared housing.

Michael Boehm, inventor of the grill, told Entrepreneur magazine in 2009 that he sought out Foreman specifically as a spokesperson for his product, “I knew he ate two burgers before every fight and that he and his sons were all burger freaks. To me, he was a perfect fit to represent the product.” [source: http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/201036]

Subject: Food CulturekitchenEating

Subject:

See more items in: Home and Community Life: Domestic Life, FOOD: Transforming the American Table 1950-2000, Domestic Furnishings

Exhibition: Food: Transforming the American Table

Exhibition Location: National Museum of American History

Data Source: National Museum of American History

Id Number: 2011.0132.01Catalog Number: 2011.0132.01Accession Number: 2011.0132

Object Name: indoor electric grillGeorge Forman Grill

Physical Description: plastic (overall material)metal (overall material)Measurements: overall: 7 in x 15 1/2 in x 15 1/2 in; 17.78 cm x 39.37 cm x 39.37 cmoverall grease catch: 2 in x 14 in x 3 1/2 in; 5.08 cm x 35.56 cm x 8.89 cm

Guid: http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746ad-6da7-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa

Record Id: nmah_1413812

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