Summer approaches – the official start is June 20 – but already outdoor cooking enthusiasts are back in action. In fact, many never close the grill for the winter.
But for those not quite as dedicated to the art of bringing meat to a flavorful and tender state over coals, it’s time to not only get the grill going, it’s time to start looking for new gadgets that will make grilling easier and, in turn, make your life easier.
Surveys from the Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association show that the majority of grill owners – 61 percent – use their grills and/or smokers year round. The other 39 percent generally join the crowd over the Memorial Day weekend.
And most of them will be wanting to try out new tools.
“Nearly half of all grill or smoker owners own the most basic grilling accessories and many plan to purchase more specialized accessories in the year ahead,” says Carrie deGuzman, senior manager of communications for the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association. “Manufacturers are always finding new ways to improve not only grill safety but the entire outdoor cooking experience.”