While many of us take to the road, there is a good percentage who are content to sit at home, pop open a few cold drinks, and entertain family, friends and co-workers by throwing something on the grill. A study conducted by the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association done in 2013 reports that some 80 percent of United States households own a grill of a smoker. Of those, 97 percent of grill owner used their grill over the past 12 months. The survey also reported that some 14 million new grills were shipped in 2013, meaning that the number of happy grillers is growing exponentially.
Whether it’s the Fourth of July (sometimes called Independence Day by those in the know), Memorial Day, Labor Day or just a midsummer night’s dream get-together, this is the time of year when grilling is the preferred method of getting food on the table. From backyards to vacation homes, camp sites to public parks, we’re ready for a good time during grilling season.
The good news is that the fun doesn’t stop when the weather turns colder. Some 60 percent of grillers report using their grills year-round, according to the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association, while 41 percent of confirmed grillers reported tailgating at NASCAR or football games.
The best news is that you don’t have to have a grill that sets the world record for BTUs (British Thermal Units), the measure of heat that uses to determine grilling efficiency. You can get a charcoal grill for as little as $20, an electric grill on the bottom end for $50 and a gas grill for about $100. A water smoker can run about $40 for small units.