For many of us, spring opens the “grilling season”. Yet, according to the 16th Annual Weber GrillWatch™ Survey, more and more Americans grill outdoors all year round, regardless of the weather. The percentage has grown from 54% in 2003 and 49% in 2002 to 58% of grill owners in 2004.

The growing percentage was expectable, view that:

• there is an increase in the number of people who spend more time at home;
• statistics show that people prefer the flavor of grilled foods;
• three of four persons say they prefer grilling their meals outdoors over using their indoor kitchens.

Other Grilling Facts Revealed in the Study

In the top of the grill preferences of Americans are still the gas grills. Even if 71% of grill-owners own a gas grill, there is a percentage of 47% (and growing) who own a charcoal grill.

Besides meat, poultry, fish and vegetable, Americans grill even pizza, cakes, pies and cookies.

Safety Rules

However, there is more than fun to grilling! While it becomes more and more popular, seems that not everyone is familiar with (or is just not observant of!) the safety rules. Dealing with fire and embers require careful handling and supervision. The recently reported case of fire generated by an unsupervised grill — that of three houses damaged in Fairfax County, Virginia, on April 10th — reminds us that there are a few basic rules not to be disregarded, among which:

• Grill placement: at least 15 feet from any potential combustible.
• Combustible/Propane bottles storage: maintain charcoal dry; store propane bottles away from home (in places like backyard sheds).
• Fire supervision: do not let open fire unsupervised; keep children and pets away from grills.
• Hot ashes disposal: must be done safely, using only metal containers.
• Use grills outdoors: ranked as one of the most dangerous practices, using grills on balconies of apartments is highly unsafe.

Happy Grilling Everyone!