There’s no denying the quality of life benefits that come with owning a stainless steel BBQ grill. Whether you’re a homeowner or a business owner, having a patio grill opens up a world of delicious and healthy cooking options that you wouldn’t have access to indoors. A backyard grill acts like a magnet, drawing family and friends together for a joyful experience. These are some of the reasons why the data from a 2020 survey conducted by the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association revealed interesting statistics about outdoor barbecue ownership in North America.

• Nearly two-thirds of adults in the U.S. own a patio grill or smoker.
• About 72% of Canadian adults own a patio barbecue or smoker.
• Approximately 68% of American grill owners use their grills on the Fourth of July.
• Other popular grilling holidays include Memorial Day (56%) and Labor Day (56%).
• Patio grills see usage rates of around 75% during the winter months.
• Portable propane grill models make up 61% of fuel choices.
• About 68% of those surveyed say they prefer outdoor grilling for the flavor.
• Approximately 45% cite it as a quality of life decision, while one-third mention convenience.

These compelling statistics back the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association’s conclusion that 37% of current gas grill owners plan to buy a new model and potentially upgrade soon. The survey also shows how consumers have benefited from innovative grill manufacturing, with the PGS line of portable and built-in gas grills emerging as a leader in North America. If you're considering upgrading your outdoor barbecue, here are some things to think about and why PGS Grills might be the perfect choice for you.

Which Fuel Source Works Best for Your Grill?

One of the key considerations for grill owners is choosing the right fuel. Charcoal is clearly out of the picture due to its inconsistent heat, frequent flare-ups, and sometimes undesirable flavors. That leaves either liquid propane or natural gas. PGS Grills provide the convenience of both options.

As the survey highlighted, 61% of outdoor grill owners opt for liquid propane to fuel their grills. This is mainly because portable propane grills typically house a fuel tank in their base, which can easily be swapped out and refilled at local supermarkets, hardware stores, gas stations, and other places.

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

For natural gas-powered patio grills, homeowners and business owners need a direct fuel line, meaning these units must be permanently installed. High-end built-in gas grills, such as the PGS Legacy line, offer fantastic accessory options and often serve as the centerpiece of an outdoor kitchen.

This is why apartment complexes, condominium associations, and residential communities continue to enhance common areas by installing outdoor barbecue grills. According to the survey, 10% of residential grill owners have upgraded to built-in gas grills for this reason and cook outdoors at least once a week.

Regardless of whether you choose liquid propane or natural gas, the fact remains the same: patio barbecues produce great-tasting and healthy meals that can't be replicated indoors. Grilling is one of the most personal and relationship-building activities involving food. The aroma of burgers, steaks, vegetables, and other dishes will always bring people together.

Top Installation Options for Gas Grills

If you're among the 37% of grill owners planning an upgrade, it's crucial 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. However, there are also strong 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 securely mounted.
• 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’s usually room beneath the countertop for a propane tank if you opt for a propane grill.
• Grill Islands: Built-in gas grills like 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 between propane or natural gas grills.
• Cart Mounts: Grill carts can include wheels that make propane patio grills easy to move around to suit the changing needs of gatherings and spaces. These portable propane grill setups give homeowners the ability to place the grill poolside, on the lawn for birthday parties, or roll 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 Buying a New Outdoor Grill

The Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association noted that grill ownership in North America has stayed consistent between 60-70% of homeowners. However, significant changes have occurred in the industry, which is one of the reasons people are upgrading to PGS Grills. These rank among the most popular "creative" offerings mentioned in the survey.

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

Other popular accessories offered by PGS Grills include unmatched ignition for improved safety, automatic gas-flow shut-off timers, expansive warming racks, and many others. These top-tier grills are crafted from high-quality stainless steel and cast aluminum, allowing the company to offer extensive warranties. Unlike mid-range units, PGS provides a selection of outdoor grill parts when wear and tear requires replacement. The availability of quality outdoor grill parts and the wide range of accessories are also why a PGS Grill might be the last one you ever need to buy.