Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association (HPBA)

I came across some information today from the Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association (HPBA) that illustrates the popularity of grilling and barbecueing. The HPBA is preparing for their annual conference scheduled for March 8 - 11 in Salt Lake City.

• Based on a representative sample of more than 8,000, the report revealed that over 60 percent of Americans are grilling year-round and nearly half grill during winter months.
• Grill ownership increased 10 percent from 2003, with eight out of ten households now owning an outdoor barbecue grill or smoker.
• More than 35 percent of women are now taking the tongs for gas grilling, up six percent from 2003. And 42 percent of women are using electric grills, inching closer to men at 55 percent. However, men and women are on equal footing in the decision of when to grill, at 47 percent each.