Surprising BBQ Grills Statistics in 2023 | Facts, Figures and Trends

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Do you love the smoky flavor of BBQ? The sound of sizzling meat on the grill? The smell of charcoal in the air? If so, you're certainly not alone. Grilling is a hot topic – especially in America during the summer months.

But how much do we really know about grilling? To help you understand, here is a sneak peek at some fun facts and statistics about this beloved summer pastime.

Grilling Statistics In A Nutshell

  • 6 out of 10 Americans own a bbq grill.
  • 34% Of Americans love to BBQ steaks.
  • 83% of grills sales account for in-store purchases.
  • BBQ grill sales have increased by 19% in the past 6 years.
  • 30% of Americans fire up their grills on Super Bowl.
  • A-1 is the most commonly purchased brand for bbq sauces.
  • The global barbeque grill market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.9% from 2023 to 2028
  • Gas grills accounted for 60% of grill sales.
  • Oklahoma has 800 grill joints in the state.

Almost 60% of Americans own a bbq grill

America's love affair with BBQ is well known. According to a survey conducted in 2020, 6 out of 10 Americans own a grill or smoker and more than half of them fire up their grill on a regular basis. (Source: Hearth, Patio, and Barbecue Association)

There are many reasons why grilling is such a popular pastime. For one, it's a great way to cook food without heating up the house. In the summer months, when temperatures are already soaring, the last thing you want to do is turn on the oven. Grilling allows you to enjoy delicious, home-cooked meals without making your house even hotter. 

Additionally, grilling gives food a unique flavor that other cooking methods can't replicate. Whether you're cooking a steak, chicken, or vegetables, grilling imparts a smoky flavor that is simply irresistible. So it's no wonder that so many Americans love to grill! 

34% Of Americans love to BBQ steaks

Sure we do love the smoky flavor and the charred marks on the grilled food, but what are some of our favorite foods to grill?
To answer this question, Statista conducted a survey in 2020 asking almost 4000 Americans about their favorite bbq food. Here are their responses:

  • Steak  34%
  • Hamburgers  19%
  • Chicken  18%
  • Ribs  11%
  • Bratwurst  6%
  • Hot dogs  5%
  • Pineapples  4%
  • Pork chops  3%

So clearly, steaks and burgers are our top choices. 

A good steak grilled to perfection is a thing of beauty, and there's nothing quite like sinking your teeth into a juicy piece of meat that has been cooked to perfection. Of course, burgers are always a classic grilling choice. Just smoke some meat patties, add your favorite toppings and you're good to go.

About half of Americans prefer vegetables grilled

It's no surprise that most people prefer to grill meat. It may come as a surprise to learn that, according to a recent poll, about half of Americans prefer vegetables grilled. This is perhaps due to the fact that the most commonly-grilled foods are meat, but it seems that more and more people are discovering the delights of grilled vegetables.

Moreover, the rising popularity of veganism can also be a contributing factor to the increased popularity of grilled vegetables. (Source: Statista)

In-store grill purchases account for 83%, while online sales account for 15%

We all love the convenience of online shopping. We can find exactly what we want with a few clicks, and it arrives right at our doorstep. So why is it that when it comes to buying grills, we overwhelmingly prefer to do it in person?

There are a few possible explanations for this discrepancy.

First, grills are a significant investment, so shoppers may feel more comfortable seeing the product in person before making a purchase. Additionally, you can inspect the grill for any defects and talk to a knowledgeable salesperson about features and options.  

Finally, many people enjoy the experience of browsing for grills in-store, trying out different models, and imagining what their perfect backyard setup would look like or they go for grills black friday has offered. Whatever the reasons may be, it's clear that the vast majority of grill purchases still happen in brick-and-mortar stores. (Source: Hearth, Patio, and Barbecue Association)

The global barbecue grill market is work USD 22.7 billion this year, 2023

The figures clearly show that this trend will continue to rise in the future as well. In fact, it's expected to register a CAGR of more than 4% from 2023 to 2028 (Source: Morder Intelligence)

In fact, as of this year, North America accounts for more than 50% of the barbecue market around the world.

Sales of bbq grills peaked by 40% during the pandemic

During the pandemic, more than 14 million grills and smokers were sold between April 2020 to February 2021. This amounts to a 40% increase in dollar sales compared with last year's numbers. (Source: NPD)

As people have been forced to stay home more, they've been looking for ways to enjoy their time outdoors. And what better way to do that than by firing up the grill and cooking up some delicious food? 

In addition, many people were cooking at home more often and entertaining in their backyards. A bbq grill is a perfect way to cook for a large group, and it can be a great way to enjoy the outdoors while still social distancing.

Nearly 60% of grill owners purchase gas grills

The most popular fuel for grilling is propane, with 61% of grill owners using it. Charcoal comes in second at 49%. (Source: HPBA)

 ⅔ of the grills purchased in 2021 were fueled by gas, while only 10% accounted for electric grills. (Source: Statista)

In 2022, charcoal powered up most grills (Source: Morder Intelligence)

More than half of Americans fire up their grills on the 4th of July

54% of Americans say they grill or barbecue on Independence day, making it the favorite holiday for grilling (Source: HBPA). Here are some other famous grilling holidays:

  1. Labour Day (47%)
  2. Memorial Day (44%)
  3. Father’s Day (34%)
  4. Thanksgiving (20%)
  5. New Year (14%)
  6. Valentine’s Day (14%)
  7. Christmas/Hanukkah (11%)
  8. Super Bowl (30%)

This shows that we prefer grilling food during summer holidays than winter holidays. 

But surprisingly, according to the HPBA 2022 survey, the public’s interest in bbq over the summer holidays has declined than in 2019.

Conversely, the number of people grilling during the winter holidays has seemed to increase.

What makes barbeque so popular?

The irresistible smoke and savory flavor of grilled food make it America’s favorite cooking method.  57% of respondents say that barbecue tastes better. (Source: HBPA)

Some other responses include:

  • Lifestyle (40%)
  • Entertainment (33%)
  • Convenience (29%)
  • Hobby (23%)

Whatever the reason, there's no doubt that barbecue is here to stay. So fire up the grill and enjoy! 

 

A-1 is the most popular BBQ condiment in America

Favored by up to 90 million Americans in 2021, A-1 takes the lead as the most favored bbq sauce. (Source: Statista)

The sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors go perfect with meats like chicken or pork burgers to make them taste even better!

These are some of the other commonly used bbq sauces:

  • Heinz  (67.79 million) 
  • Tabasco (39.5 million)
  • Frank’s Red Hot (38.83 million)
  • Kikkoman (38.74 million)

Electric grills are popular among millennials. 

Many people who live in apartments or condominium units choose compact grills such as electric over propane because they don't have the space for a larger grill. (Source (fact.mr)

This is why we see these types of smokers being more popular among individuals whose living quarters are tight on square footage, but not so much when it comes down to size versus price!

In 2021, pellet grill sales reached $189 million with a 52% increase than 2020

Last year, sales for pellet grills reached an all-time high of $189 million. That's a 52% increase from 2020, and it shows no signs of slowing down. Pellet grills are a popular choice for backyard cooks because they're easy to use and give food a delicious smoky flavor. 

(Source: NPD)

Oklahoma has the most bbq restaurants per capita

Though its roots may trace back to the Deep South, BBQ is a cuisine that has been embraced by Oklahoma. The state has the highest number of BBQ restaurants per capita in the country, and Oklahoma City is home to some of the best-known BBQ joints in the world. 

The state is home to almost 800 bbq joints. (source: Estately)

Globally, Evo-Line by Middleby Corporation holds one-fifth of the grill market

Middleby corporation is currently dominating the bbq grills market with a global share of 19.62%. The company has been in business for over 30 years and has built a reputation for quality and innovation. 

Canadian brand Napoleon ranks second with 16.08% share followed by Weber-Stephens Products with 14.73%. (Source: Statista)

Evo-Line grills are made from stainless steel and feature a unique design that allows for even cooking on all sides. The company's grills are also equipped with an automatic ignition system, making it easy to get started. 

So all these factors combined with their mark of quality contribute to their success in the grill industry.

Online purchase rates for Blackstone are the highest among leading brands

Blackstone is the most popular brand for grills, with sales worth approximately $81 million, which is 15% growth compared to 2021

There are a few reasons why Blackstone is so popular among online shoppers. For one, their grills are some of the most affordable on the market. They also offer a wide variety of models to choose from, so you're sure to find one that's perfect for your needs.  

Additionally, Blackstone offers free shipping on all orders over $50, making it easy and convenient to get your new grill delivered right to your door.

 (Source: Business Wire)

Overview of BBQ Grilling Statistics 

To sum it all up, we can draw a few conclusions from all of these grilling fun facts (pun intended). First, it's clear that grilling is a popular pastime for many Americans. 

But beyond that, there are some interesting differences between the types of grills people use. For instance, gas grills are more popular than charcoal grills, but charcoal grills are more likely to be used for smoking meat. 

This suggests that people who use gas grills tend to view them as more convenient, while those who use charcoal grills are more interested in the flavor of smoked meats. No matter what type of grill you use, though, one thing is clear: grilling is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and spend time with friends and family. So grab your tongs and get ready to grill like a pro!

Dino Paccino

Dino Paccino

Dino is a lifelong writer and home improvement specialist. He enjoys bringing cutting-edge information on home renovation and remodeling to Kitchen Infinity.

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