While outdoor cooking may date back to prehistoric times, today’s outdoor cooking and patio living takes place in what has been termed “outdoor rooms”. Many Americans moved from urban living in the 1950’s suburban towns and communities that makes up the majority of modern day America. The backyard has became a social hub, today called outdoor rooms. According to Masonry Magazine, U.S. Pool and spa stores report that about 90% of their customers want an outdoor kitchen facility as part of their new installations. The U.S. Census Bureau advises that consumers now spend upwards of $40 billion annually on upgrading outdoor living areas and garden amenities.
The HPBA, Hearth, Patio, Barbecue Association reported, in 2010, more than 15 million grills and smokers shipped in North America, a slight increase (0.5%) overall from 2009. Gas grills continue to top the charts as the most popular type of grill, followed by charcoal and then electric.
Eighty-two percent of North American households own a grill or smoker. Nearly one fourth of households in North America own two grills.
