Grill and BBQ Statistics (2023 Update): Delving into Delicious Data

Who doesn’t love a good BBQ? It’s not just about cooking food. It’s a social and cultural phenomenon that has us all firing up our grills, from family gatherings to holiday celebrations or just a chill weekend.

But have you ever stopped to think about how your BBQ game stacks up against the rest of America? Or even our pals to the north and all over the world?

We’re about to dig deep into the BBQ statistics, pulling out the tasty trends from 2017 to 2022 that show how much we love our flame-grilled feasts.

These numbers are more than digits. They’re a story of habits, shifting tastes, and the shared love for nicely grilled food.

So stick around, and it’s going to be an exciting ride!

Grill Ownership and Purchasing Trends

Over half of U.S. Households Own a Grill or Smoker

Did you know that over half of U.S. households smell like BBQ on warm summer days? As of 2022, a whopping 70% of all U.S. households, that’s 91.84 million, owned at least one grill or smoker.

Now, compare this to 2019, when the figure was around 64%, and you’ll see how the BBQ love has been spreading. (Source: HPBA, USAFacts)

One-Third of Grill Owners Splurged on New Grills

So, what’s cooking with new grill purchases? A substantial 38% of all grill owners decided to get a shiny new grill over the past two years.

It means almost 35 million new grills were firing up delicious meals! Interestingly, the majority of these purchases, around 56%, replaced older grills. While the first-timers made up 29%. (Source: HPBA)

Outdoor Kitchens – The New Playground for Grill Enthusiasts

Fancy an alfresco dinner tonight? You’re not alone! Outdoor kitchens have been catching on as the latest trend.

1 in 10 grillers owns a full outdoor kitchen, and 56% of these BBQ maestros use it at least once a week.

This redefines the very dining concept, offering a blend of indoor comfort with the delightful open-air grilling experience. (Source: HPBA)

Charcoal’s Grand Comeback – The Rise of Leisurely Cooking

It’s time for some grill talk, and charcoal is coming back! Over the years, there’s been a fascinating shift in consumer preferences regarding the type of grills owned.

Gas grills have long held a high position, clocking in at 63%. However, charcoal grills have been gaining ground, jumping to 65% from 49% in 2019.

We even saw wood pellet grills tripling their ownership from a mere 3% to a substantial 9% in the past two years.

What’s driving these trends? With more time at home (in the pandemic), people embrace slower, more leisurely cooking techniques. (Source: HPBA)

Grilling North of the Border: Canada’s BBQ Scene

Our neighbors to the north also share our passion for grilling. In Canada, the grill ownership rate outpaces even the U.S., with 8 in 10 adults owning a grill or smoker.

But it doesn’t stop there; Canada also leads in importing cooking appliances, including grills and BBQs, from the U.S., importing a sizzling 373 million U.S. dollars’ worth of cooking devices in 2021. (Source: HPBA, Statista)

Summer Spending – Breaking Down the BBQ Budget

Summer and grilling are as inseparable as BBQ and sauce. But how much do we spend on BBQ and grilling during summer?

Statista reveals that during summer, 20% of U.S. respondents grill several times a month, and a dedicated 17% fire up their grills several times per week.

This love for grilling doesn’t come without its costs – almost one-fifth of U.S. respondents spend more than $100 monthly on BBQs during the season.

This includes everything from meat, often bought at supermarkets, to the multiple accessories owned by 83% of grill owners.

So, grilling season doesn’t just heat up our backyards; it also ignites our spending! (Source: HPBA, Statista)

When America Grills

Grill Festivities: The Top Grilling Days and Occasions

Every day is a great day to grill, but some days are just a bit more special. The Fourth of July remains the undefeated champion, with 54% firing up their grills, followed closely by Labor Day (47%), and Memorial Day (44%).

Father’s Day (34%) and Mother’s Day (29%) also serve as popular occasions to break out the barbecue.

But the grilling enthusiasm isn’t reserved only for the warm days of summer. New Year’s Day sees 14% of grillers braving the cold to grill, while Thanksgiving isn’t far behind at 13%.

In addition to these, the Super Bowl stirs up a significant grilling frenzy, with 30% of grill enthusiasts joining in, and even Valentine’s Day has a hearty 14% grilling their love-filled meals.

Aside from holidays, birthdays (45%), camping trips (19%), while on vacation (17%), and even tailgating at sporting events (10%) have become popular grilling occasions. (Source: HPBA)

Grilling Goes Beyond Dinner – The Rise of All-Day BBQs

Gone are the days when grills were fired up only when the sun was setting. These days, Americans are taking their love for grilling to new heights and times of the day.

In recent years, 12% have been grilling for brunch, and 7% have even kicked off their day with a grilled breakfast.

People are showing off their grilling expertise from dawn to dusk! (Source: HPBA)

Why We Grill – Reasons Behind the BBQ Love

Let’s delve a little deeper into the smoky allure of grilling that has captivated so many.

The seductive dance of flavors that grilling unlocks is the primary driver for 57% of grill owners. The unique taste of grilled food and the enticing aromas turn simple meals into experiences.

However, the charm of grilling extends beyond taste. A significant 40% see grilling as a lifestyle – it’s not just about food but also the essence of outdoor living, socializing, and family traditions.

For 33%, grilling morphs their backyards into live entertainment stages, where the process is as enjoyable as a result.

A practical 29% value grilling for its convenience. With this attractive cooking method, grill owners probably don’t have to leave the house to get to the restaurant, or perhaps they have less to wash pots and pans with their own recipes.

Lastly, it’s fascinating to note that for 23% of grill owners, grilling is a hobby. Like gardening or painting, these enthusiasts find joy in honing their grilling skills, exploring new recipes, and reveling in the rewarding process. (Source: HPBA)

BBQ Planners vs. Spontaneous Grillers: What’s Your Style?

Are you the type to meticulously plan your barbecues, or do you prefer impromptu grill fests?

Well, it seems that over half of us, about 52%, lean towards planned barbecues. So, in the age-old debate of planned versus spontaneous BBQs, the planners take the crown. (Source: Statista)

Gender Roles at the BBQ

Who is the master of the grill in your household? In a recent survey, it was found that 11% of respondents stated that a woman was the one tending the flames in their households.

Yes, ladies are making their mark and standing tall at the barbecue grill, debunking old stereotypes one burger at a time. (Source: Statista)

Barbecue Balcony Bonanzas – Terrace Grilling in Full Swing

Can you barbecue on your balcony or terrace? The answer will usually be no to ensure a safe clearance unless you use an electric grill.

According to a survey, a whopping 68% of respondents have the green light to grill on their balconies or terraces without any restrictions.

This allows everyone to grill but is also fraught with risks if not done properly. (Source: Statista)

Grilled Foods and Preferences

America’s Grill Menu – Sizzling Steak, Burgers and Beyond

Grilling is a well-loved American pastime, and a closer look at our culinary preferences uncovers a mouthwatering story.

Steak, an undeniable king of the grill, is the reigning favorite amongst 34% of American barbecue enthusiasts. The tender, juicy beef steak commands this lead position, according to the latest Statista survey.

Burgers, another timeless classic, secure the second spot with a 19% preference. It seems the allure of a perfectly grilled patty, topped with an array of condiments and nestled within a fluffy bun, is a temptation many of us can’t resist.

Closely following is grilled chicken at 18%, a versatile contender known for soaking up flavors and satisfying palates across the country.

Ribs grab a commendable 11% preference, while bratwurst and hot dogs hold their ground at 6% and 5%, respectively, demonstrating the diversity of grilling repertoire.

Grilling isn’t just about meats, though. The solitary fruit entrant, pineapple, carves out its seventh place.

A compelling 4% of us reveling in its caramelized, smoky-sweet goodness proves that fruits have earned their place on the grill. Last, good old pork chops round off the list with a 3% preference. (Source: Statista)

Meaty Choices for Festive Feasts

The grill’s flames aren’t just for any regular day; they also roar to life during festive occasions. For the Fourth of July, America’s Independence Day, half of the grill owners planned to cook ground beef, and a significant 32% opted for beef steak.

Interestingly, Father’s Day sees a switch in preference, with beef steak overtaking ground beef (36% versus 30%), perhaps a nod to the special treatment dads receive on their day. (Source: Statista)

BBQ Marinades and Seasoning Sauce Statistics

What’s grilling without a smoky, tangy, or sweet slathering of BBQ sauce or a generous sprinkle of your favorite seasonings? Statistics on BBQ and marinade usage in the United States paint a flavorful picture indeed.

271.4 million Americans found their way to BBQ and marinades in 2020. Whether for a backyard cookout or a cozy indoor dinner, these figures highlight the importance of these delectable enhancers in crafting the perfect grilled dish.

When it comes to quantity, Americans aren’t skimping. A substantial group of 66.5 million used four or more bottles in a single month in 2020. It seems we love a good saucing, with BBQ enthusiasts generously dousing their grilled favorites.

Top Brands Used by Americans

Now, let’s talk brands. A-1 is the most popular choice, reaching 89.5 million American households in 2020.

It’s not alone in this flavorful race, with Sweet Baby Ray’s (84.7 million), Heinz (67.8 million), Tabasco (39.5 million), Frank’s Red Hot (38.8 million), and Kikkoman (38.7 million) also making a solid showing. These brands are the superstars of the BBQ world, gracing our grills and tantalizing our taste buds.

BBQ sauce production industry

Turning our gaze to the production side, there were about 240 BBQ sauce production businesses in the United States in 2020. Interestingly, this number has seen a growing trend, with projections indicating a rise in the coming years.

Best U.S. Barbecue Cities

As a BBQ enthusiast, you’re probably always on the hunt for the ultimate barbecue experience. So, I’ve got some good news for you.

I’ve uncovered some intriguing results after studying over 2,200 BBQ restaurants in America’s 50 most populous cities.

To measure the public’s BBQ interest, I’ve used Google Trends, analyzing scores for the past five years using 20 BBQ-related terms, from “barbecue”, “BBQ”, “BBQ restaurant”, “bbq near me”, and “BBQ sauce” to “how to bbq right”.

Additionally, I’ve gathered information from Google Maps on the total number of BBQ joints, their ratings, and reviews across these cities.

With all this data at hand, I’ve ranked the cities in three key categories: BBQ restaurant density, average restaurant ratings and reviews, and BBQ Interest.

So, if you’re wondering where to head for your next BBQ escapade, stay tuned. The results might surprise you!

1. City Ranking Based on BBQ Restaurant Density

First, we’ll explore the cities with the most BBQ restaurants per capita. If a BBQ spot on every corner is your idea of paradise, you’ll find it in St. Louis. With a sizzling score of 14.9 BBQ restaurants per 100,000 residents, it’s a clear frontrunner.

Atlanta and Las Vegas are not too far behind, boasting a commendable 13.4 and 11.9, respectively.

However, in cities like New York City, Los Angeles, and Chicago, BBQ enthusiasts might need to dig a little deeper to satisfy their cravings, with scores barely touching 2.5.

2. City Ranking Based on BBQ Restaurant Ratings and Reviews

Now let’s consider the quality and popularity of these BBQ havens. My second category is based on cities with the most favorable BBQ restaurants, reflected through high average ratings and numerous reviews.

Kansas City has the best BBQ in the US, with an outstanding average rating of 4.4 from a staggering 111,497 reviews.

Coming in second is New York City. Although its BBQ restaurant density is quite low, the Big Apple makes up for it with a satisfying average rating of 4.3 from 100,798 reviews.

Close on its heels is Austin, scoring an average rating of 4.4 from 81,481 reviews.

Unfortunately, despite their tasty offerings, some cities like Fresno, Minneapolis, and Bakersfield didn’t create the same buzz, hovering around a 4.2-4.5 rating range from less than 15,000 reviews (for each).

3. City Ranking Based on BBQ Interest

Now step into the intriguing realm of BBQ enthusiasm, where we’ve ranked cities based on the average Google Trends score for 20 BBQ-related terms.

This score essentially gauges the city’s interest in all things BBQ, from restaurants and sauces to grilling techniques and tools.

Kansas City leads the BBQ fascination charge with an impressive average trend score of 52.6. Clearly, Kansas City residents can’t get enough of their BBQ!

Next in line is San Antonio, a city passionate about its barbecued goodness, boasting a trend score of 50.6.

St. Louis following close behind, showcases its BBQ love with a healthy score of 48.7.

Now, on to the cities where BBQ seems a bit less captivating. Sadly, BBQ doesn’t seem to be the talk of the town in Tucson, which lands near the bottom with a trend score of just 25.6.

Miami isn’t faring much better, coming in at 23.7. And surprisingly, El Paso TX, despite its proximity to some serious BBQ-loving cities, trails at the end with a trend score of only 17.2.

4. Overall Ranking – Unraveling the Great American Barbecue Debate

While barbecue remains an inseparable part of the American culinary identity, there’s an ongoing debate about which city offers the best BBQ experience.

Methodology

To bring some objectivity to the table, I’ve devised a formula-based ranking method – the BBQ City Score – which considers four key factors:

1. Average restaurant rating
2. The total number of reviews
3. The density of BBQ restaurants
4. Google trend scores

I’ve assigned weights to these factors based on their importance:

• 35% each for ratings and reviews because they represent people’s real experiences
• 15% for Google Trends as a measure of BBQ interest
• 15% for restaurant density, giving us a sense of how BBQ-focused the city is

However, I couldn’t just toss these ingredients into our scoring pot and hope for the best. They had to be prepped first!

I’ve used a Min-Max normalization technique to ensure all my factors get a fair say in the final score. Kind of like making sure every ingredient in your rub gets a chance to shine on that brisket!

After normalizing, here is how the formula would look:

BBQ City Score = (Normalized Total of Reviews * w1) + (Normalized Average Rating * w2) + (Normalized Google Trends Score * w3) + (Normalized Restaurant Density * w4)

The weights assigned to these factors reflect my best judgment, but it’s important to remember that the art and enjoyment of barbecue are subjective.

My formula provides a reference point, not an absolute verdict. After all, the best barbecue is often the one you enjoy most!

Final Verdict – Top Cities for BBQ in the US

At the top, Kansas City, St. Louis, and Austin have the highest BBQ City scores. Their scores of 0.82, 0.74, and 0.68 testify to their vibrant BBQ culture.

Kansas City, renowned for its unique barbecue style blending smoky, sweet, and spicy flavors, emerges as the winner.

St. Louis and Austin also shine in their barbecue prowess, owing to the prevalence of mouth-watering BBQ joints and enthusiastic online reviews.

On the other end of the spectrum, the three cities with the lowest scores are Boston, Fresno, and Milwaukee, with respective scores of 0.12, 0.17, and 0.17.

These cities have room for growth in their BBQ landscape, be it increasing the density of BBQ restaurants or inspiring food lovers to share their reviews more.

Yet, these rankings don’t undermine the barbecue offerings in these cities. From Boston’s slowly smoked ribs to Fresno’s unique BBQ fusion cuisine, there are diverse BBQ experiences to be had across the country.

Here are the specific scores for each city.

Wrapping Up

In a nutshell, America’s love affair with grilling is a tale of sizzling steaks, flavorful sauces, and celebratory cookouts.

The trends underline our deep-rooted grilling culture, from preferred foods such as steak and burgers to the increasing fondness for grilling on various occasions and our unabated use of BBQ sauces and marinades.

The production side, teeming with enterprises ready to cater to our BBQ needs, further enhances this narrative. Whether we’re flipping a burger or experimenting with grilled pineapple, our collective grills keep the flames of this tradition alive and vibrant.