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 | | NEW NATIONAL POLL REVEALS CONSUMERS BELOW PAR GRILLING I.Q.S | | | Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association | | 01/05/2007 | | | May is National Barbecue Month and the Perfect Time to Improve Grilling Skills
The peak grilling season begins with the kick-off of National Barbecue Month (NBM) in May. Grilling is a popular outdoor pastime, but a new national opinion poll reveals that consumers don't actually consider themselves to be pros behind the grill. In the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association's (HPBA) national poll, a majority (54 percent) of respondents admitted to having below average grilling skills, marking NBM as the ideal time to explore grilling techniques.
"Each year, the barbecue industry is introducing better and more innovative products, allowing consumers to learn new techniques, try delicious new recipes using the latest technology and must-have accessories," said Leslie Wheeler, HPBA Communications Director. "Manufacturers understand that consumers are hungry for new ways to grill and National Barbecue Month is the perfect time to put your grill skills to the test and assess and buy the necessary equipment to prepare for the hot grilling season ahead."
Get Your Grill (Lessons) On
Learning how to grill is not a complicated process, and with all the new accessories and grills on the market today it is easier now more than ever. In fact, just as many young adults are manning the grill as older adults. Nearly half (49 percent) of poll respondents reported being between 18-years-old or younger when they first started grilling on their own.
Whether someone deems themselves a beginner, intermediate or expert griller, there is always an opportunity to improve. The poll revealed the top three ways people learned how to grill:
-- Hands-on from their parents, friends and/or family (51 percent), -- From watching others and television, and/or reading books and magazines (31 percent), -- From instinct (9 percent). "The basics of grilling are universal and learning from your family or friends can make the novice griller feel more at ease" said Wheeler. "Once you get acquainted with the grill you'll find grilling really is easy and convenient."
As millions of Americans step-up to the grill for mid-week meals or big backyard cookouts, you can expect to find different grilling style and techniques. But when it comes to the dos and don'ts of hosting and attending barbecues, everyone has an opinion. Start your blunder-free barbecues this National Barbecue Month and all summer long, by following these etiquette tips revealed from the national poll results.
When invited to a barbecue: -- DO feel okay bringing your own sauce, 49 percent of grillers says it acceptable. -- DO expect the meat to be provided by the host, but pull your weight by bringing your own sides and beverages. Go the extra mile and bring enough to share with others. -- DON'T touch the grill! Sixty-one percent of those polled say only the host/hostess should 'man' the grill. As a guest you can look, but don't touch. As the host of a barbecue: -- DO have all grilled food ready at relatively the same time (83 percent stated). -- DO offer grilled vegetarian options (66 percent agreed). -- DON'T feel obligated to invite your neighbors. Two-thirds of people polled said there is no need to extend an invitation to neighbors, even if they can see and smell that you're having a barbecue. In general, when grilling with others: -- DO start eating your food if your meat is finished before everyone else's -- after all you don't want your freshly grilled meat to get cold. -- DO stake your claim at a community grill by laying out your grilling utensils or meat. -- DO be considerate of others -- it is only appropriate to flip your own meat and the meat of others when manning a grill. Grilling 101
To help consumers become better grillers, HPBA has developed a new resource tool for consumers. Grill-amentals of Grilling: A Complete Consumer Guide to Year-Round Grilling is the ultimate grill guide filled with step-by- step barbecue party preparation tips, safety and food handling tips, recipes and entertaining ideas.
For more great grilling tips, resources and recipes, please visit http://www.hpba.org/nbm
About Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA)
The 2,700-member Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA), based in Arlington, VA, is the North American industry association for manufacturers, retailers, distributors, representatives, service firms and allied associates for all types of hearth, barbecue and patio appliances, fuels and accessories. The association provides professional member services and industry support in education, statistics, government relations, marketing, advertising, and consumer education.
SOURCE Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association | |
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