Sizzling Summer: The Hottest Outdoor Grilling Trends of 2024

Summer 2024 is here, and with it comes several exciting trends in the world of outdoor cooking. This year's innovations in technology and BBQ options will take your culinary skills to new heights. Read on to discover the latest trends that are heating up backyards everywhere.

Smart Grills and High-Tech BBQs

The rise of smart home technology has made its way to the backyard with a new generation of smart grills and high-tech BBQs. These grills come equipped with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to control temperature, monitor cooking times, and receive alerts directly on your smartphone. Brands like Traeger and Weber are leading the charge with models like the Traeger Timberline and the Weber Genesis Smart Grill, which offer precision cooking and a host of automated features

Pellet Grills: Did Someone Say Flavour?

Pellet grills continue to grow in popularity due to their versatility and ease of use. These grills use compressed wood pellets as fuel, providing a rich, smoky flavor to your food. They also allow for precise temperature control, making them ideal for both slow smoking and high-heat grilling. The latest models, such as the Camp Chef Woodwind WiFi 24, combine smart technology with traditional pellet grilling to offer an unparalleled cooking experience.

Infrared Grills: Searing Fast and Efficient

Infrared grilling technology is gaining traction for its ability to cook food quickly and evenly while retaining moisture. Infrared grills use radiant heat to cook, reducing flare-ups and providing consistent temperatures. This technology is perfect for searing steaks to perfection. Brands like Char-Broil and Solaire offer advanced infrared grill models that cater to the needs of the most serious grill enthusiasts

Griddle Style Grills: Versatility on the Flat Top

Griddle-style grills are making a significant impact in 2024, offering a versatile cooking surface perfect for a variety of foods. These grills feature a large, flat cooking surface that heats evenly, making them ideal for breakfast items like pancakes and eggs, as well as lunch and dinner favorites like burgers, vegetables, and even stir-fries. The Blackstone griddle grill series is a popular choice, known for its robust design and ability to handle multiple types of foods simultaneously. This trend highlights the growing desire for multifunctional outdoor cooking equipment that can cater to diverse culinary needs.

Outdoor Kitchens: The Ultimate Backyard Upgrade

For those looking to create the ultimate backyard entertaining space, outdoor kitchens are a top trend. These setups often include built-in grills, countertops, sinks, and even outdoor refrigerators. Outdoor kitchens transform your backyard into a full-fledged cooking and dining area, perfect for hosting summer parties and family gatherings .

Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Grilling

Sustainability is a key consideration for many consumers, and the grilling industry is responding with eco-friendly options. Electric grills, such as those from Green Mountain Grills, offer a clean alternative to traditional charcoal and gas grills. Additionally, biodegradable charcoal and natural gas options are becoming more widely available, reducing the environmental impact of your backyard BBQs .

Innovative Grill Accessories

From smart meat thermometers to rotisserie attachments, the world of grill accessories is expanding rapidly. Accessories like the MEATER wireless thermometer provide real-time data on your food's internal temperature, ensuring perfectly cooked meats every time. Meanwhile, pizza oven attachments for grills, such as the KettlePizza, allow you to bake wood-fired pizzas right on your grill..

Global Flavors and Techniques

This summer, explore global flavors and grilling techniques. Incorporate spices and marinades from around the world, such as Korean gochujang, Argentine chimichurri, or Middle Eastern za'atar, to add new dimensions to your grilling. Additionally, techniques like Brazilian churrasco and Japanese yakitori are becoming more popular, offering exciting new ways to enjoy grilled meats and vegetables

With these exciting trends, summer 2024 is shaping up to be a fantastic season for outdoor grilling. There’s never been a better time to fire up the grill and make the most of the summer sun. Happy grilling!