More Than One-Third of Outdoor Barbecue Owners Intend to Upgrade to a Natural Gas or Propane Grill

7-minute read | Grills

The advantages of owning a stainless steel BBQ grill are undeniable. Home and business owners savor delicious and healthy meal choices they wouldn’t otherwise have access to outdoors. Outdoor grills act like magnets, pulling friends and family together in a joyful experience. These are just some of the reasons why the results of a 2020 survey by the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association revealed these statistics about outdoor barbecue ownership across North America.

  • Nearly two-thirds of Americans own outdoor grills or smokers.
  • Over 72 percent of Canadians own a patio barbecue or smoker.
  • About 68 percent of American grill owners use them on Independence Day.
  • Other popular grilling holidays include Memorial Day (56 percent) and Labor Day (56 percent).
  • Outdoor grills are used at a rate of 75 percent during the winter months.
  • Portable propane grill models account for 61 percent of fuel choices.
  • About 68 percent of those surveyed said they prefer an outdoor barbecue because of the flavor.
  • Roughly 45 percent cite it as a quality-of-life choice, while one-third mention convenience.

These compelling figures back up the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association’s conclusion that 37 percent of current gas grill owners plan to buy a new model and possibly upgrade soon. The survey also highlights how consumers have benefited from innovative outdoor grill manufacturing. The PGS line of portable and built-in gas grills has become an industry leader in North America. If you’re ready to upgrade your outdoor barbecue, here are some considerations and reasons why PGS Grills might be your best option.

What Kind of Fuel Source Works Best for Your Grill?

One of the key decisions grill owners must make is choosing the right fuel source. Charcoal is clearly out of the picture due to its inconsistent heat, frequent flare-ups, and sometimes unappealing flavor. That leaves either liquid propane or natural gas. PGS Grills allow homeowners and business owners to use either option conveniently.

As the survey indicated, 61 percent of outdoor barbecue owners use liquid propane to fuel their grills. This is mainly because portable propane grills typically house a fuel tank in their base. These tanks can be easily swapped out and refilled at local supermarkets, hardware stores, gas stations, and other locations.

The PGS A-Series offers popular portable propane grill options, and the T-Series provides portable propane grills suitable for commercial settings like apartments and condos. These models can produce up to 40,000 BTUs and offer up to 434 square inches of direct grilling space. Their durable construction and innovative accessories make them top choices in the outdoor grill market.

In terms of using natural gas to power outdoor grills, homeowners and business owners need a direct fuel line, and these units must be permanently installed. High-end built-in gas grills, such as the PGS Legacy line, offer fantastic accessory opportunities and often serve as the centerpiece of a thriving outdoor kitchen.

This is why apartment complexes, condo associations, and residential communities continue to enhance communal spaces by installing outdoor barbecue grills. According to the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association survey, 10 percent of residential grill owners have upgraded to built-in gas grills for this reason and prepare at least one outdoor meal each week.

Regardless of whether you choose liquid propane or natural gas, the core facts remain unchanged. Outdoor grills produce tasty and healthy meals that can't be duplicated indoors. Grilling ranks among the most personal and relationship-building activities involving food. The aroma of burgers, prime cuts of beef, vegetables, and other culinary delights always draws people near.

Top Installation Options for Gas Grills

If you're part of the 37 percent of grill owners planning an upgrade, it's important to know that your options have never been better. If you want to connect to a natural gas line and eliminate the hassle of swapping tanks, several installation options are available. There are also good reasons to stick with portable propane tanks.

  • Fixed Pedestals: These models feature slim bases that save space. When used with natural gas, they must be secured in place.
  • Outdoor Countertops: When designing an expansive outdoor kitchen, PGS Grills can be installed into most all-season countertops. A natural gas line can fuel them, allowing homeowners to take advantage of storage drawers, side burners, and other accessories. There is usually space beneath the countertop for a propane tank if you opt for a propane grill.
  • Grill Islands: Built-in gas grills, such as the PGS Legacy line, can be installed directly into a custom center island, complete with side shelves, drawers, and storage space. This option is semi-permanent. Grill owners enjoy the flexibility to choose either propane or natural gas grills.
  • Cart Mounts: Grill carts can include wheels that allow portable propane grills to be easily moved to meet the changing needs of gatherings and space. These portable propane grill setups give homeowners the ability to place the grill by the pool, on the lawn for birthday parties, or move it to a different spot on your deck or patio as needed. Cart mounts remain the most widely used option for propane grills but can also work with stationary natural gas grills.

Top Accessories to Consider When Purchasing a New Outdoor Grill

The Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association noted that grill ownership in North America has remained steady at 60-70 percent of homeowners. However, there have been significant shifts in the industry, which is one of the main reasons people upgrade to PGS Grills. These represent some of the most popular "innovative" offerings mentioned in the survey.

  • Side Burners: The PGS line has advanced the concept by developing a stainless steel double-burner that generates 25,000 BTUs.
  • Beverage Center: The company’s stainless steel beverage center has been a top convenience for homeowners who are tired of struggling with leaky coolers.
  • Infrared Rotisserie Burner: By utilizing cutting-edge technology, PGS offers grill owners the option to upgrade with an infrared rotisserie. This accessory has transformed backyard grilling enthusiasts. It expands outdoor menus to include whole chickens, pineapples, thick cuts of beef and pork, as well as perfecting veggie kabobs.

Among the other popular accessories, PGS Grill offers unmatched ignition for enhanced safety, automatic gas-flow shut-off timers, expansive warming racks, and many others. These industry-leading grills are constructed with high-quality stainless steel and cast aluminum, enabling the company to offer extensive warranties. Unlike mid-range units, PGS provides a selection of outdoor grill parts when wear and tear necessitate replacement. The availability of quality outdoor grill parts and the wide range of accessories are also why a PGS Grill may be the last one you ever need to buy.

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