The History of EmberGlo: From Humble Beginnings to Culinary Excellence

Nov 20, 2023 | Blog

Midco International has a rich history dating back to the 1940s when the company manufactured products ranging from onion peelers to air heaters. The journey from manufacturing onion peelers to becoming a foodservice leader is a story of innovation, quality, and commitment to excellence.

The Creation of EmberGlo

In 1953, a pivotal moment came when Midco designed an innovative, charcoal-free, gas-fired broiler for Don Roth’s Black Hawk Restaurant in Chicago. This development was revolutionary for the foodservice industry and marked the beginning of Midco’s specialization in foodservice. The demand for this unique broiler was so overwhelming that Midco created the EmberGlo division, dedicated exclusively to the needs of the foodservice industry.

Over the years, EmberGlo expanded its range to include gas and electric broilers and a comprehensive line of heavy-duty food steamers and commercial kitchen accessories. EmberGlo products are in high demand because of their reputation for quality and innovative features.

The Creation of EmberGlo
Flavor without Flare Ups 1985

EmberGlo’s Open Hearth Gas Char Broiler, the only completely ceramic broiling hearth in the industry, allows meats to be infused with an unmatched charbroiled flavor. Its ability to sear meat at over 1600°, exclusive Flaretrol system to control flame flare-ups, and its self-cleaning feature, without a grease tray, makes it a groundbreaking and convenient choice for culinary professionals.

EmberGlo’s Electric Char Broilers offer unparalleled production capacity, maximizing efficiency in the same amount of floor space compared to competitors. Each 12″ grate module has separate infinite temperature controls for maximum efficiency. 

Finally, EmberGlo’s line of steamers, available in countertop and under-the-counter models, re-thermalizes and cooks various foods, maintaining the best in freshness. These steamers are a testament to EmberGlo’s commitment to healthy and efficient cooking.

Enduring Family Business

EmberGlo

Midco and EmberGlo have remained a family-owned business, successfully passing through four generations. This enduring legacy is rare in today’s business landscape. The company’s footprint extends across the US and internationally, with its headquarters in Chicago, Illinois.

Today, EmberGlo products are a standard in commercial kitchens globally, ranging from fast food chains to gourmet restaurants. The company continually adapts to meet the customer demands for top-quality commercial kitchen equipment.

Find a test kitchen and experience EmberGlo quality firsthand!