Licensed to Grill

By Reena Jana
August 16, 2011

Summer is in full swing, and barbecue season is heating up. If you can't look at your old, over-used tongs can barely hold a burger or else you haven't yet tasted a hot-off-the-grill steak and corn on the cob this year, the time may be right to stock up on grilling gadgets and gear. (After all, barbeque season lasts until its too cold to stand outside to cook.) There are a slew of new, innovative tools that make it easier than ever to look like Bobby Flay in your own backyard.

Puget Sound, Whidbey Island, Washington

A family enjoys a hot dog lunch on Puget Sound, Whidbey Island, WA, in 1960. (photo by Merle Severy/National Geographic/Getty Images)

This year, the Hearth, Patio, and Barbecue Association (HBPA), a trade group that tracks grill sales, has identified several new product trends that are likely to influence how Americans might reinvent the traditional summertime ritual of grilling in 2011. These include a significant wave of new add-on grill accessories (such as additional cooking surfaces and storage areas that can attach to or supplement a large barbecue system), new barbecue sauce recipes that feature natural or organic ingredients, and portable grills that families will enjoy bringing to picnics and tailgating parties or use in smaller homes.

In addition, the HPBA says that there are many new grill-cleaning tools on the market. These include brushes with hollow wands that fill with water and heat up to provide steam to loosen caked-on grease from grills and can serve as a healthy alternative to using harsh chemical cleaners on cooking surfaces.

Elizabeth Taylor and her mother Sara at a family barbecue

British-born actress Elizabeth Taylor and her mother Sara at a family barbecue, circa 1949. Also present is Liz' fiance, Conrad Hilton, Jr. (photo by Archive Photos/Getty Images)

If you're looking for tips as to what sort of grilling unit to purchase, the HPBA has noted that gas grills are most popular right now, according to their latest sales statistics. Gas grills make up 57 percent of all grill sales, the HPBA states, followed by charcoal grills, which make up 41 percent of sales. Electric grills, while convenient for rainy-day gatherings, make up only 2 percent of sales.

On eBay, sales of items with the term "grill" in the listing are up 14 percent in the past 90 days compared to the previous period. We hit the online marketplace and put together a list of stylish grilling must-haves, from equipment that reflects the latest trends named by the HPBA to elegant serving platters, new gadgets, and classic tools that are sure to add a sense of panache to your next batch of burgers.

Weber Genesis Natural Gas Grill

(buy it now price, $579)

This elegant, stainless steel model offers a giant 507-inch cooking surface, making it ideal for big gatherings. One great feature: the bars on the unit's grill are designed at a precise angle to encourage meat juices to fall away from the burners to avoid fires. The enclosed storage area that’s built-in to the system includes a handy, 10-foot flexible hose--yet another safety feature.
Cuisinart Tabletop Propane Gas Grill

(buy it now price, $184.98)

This sleek little number was designed with smaller patios in mind. It’s also ideal for barbecue enthusiasts who like to grill on the go. It comes with handles for easy carrying to picnic grounds or to the ballpark.
Vegetable Grilling Pan

(buy it now price, $27.95)

Vegetarians can enjoy barbecue season by using this separate veggie-grilling pan accessory. It can be set atop a grill, so there’s no fear of mixing meat drippings and asparagus or corn.
Grill Daddy Grill Cleaning Tool

(buy it now price, $15.95)

This clever gadget uses steam to gently loosen charred food and grease from a grill. It works on all surfaces, from stainless steel to iron. Steam is also a healthy alternative to chemical cleaners.
Amazing Dad’s Honey Garlic BBQ Sauce

(buy it now price, $7.79)

This gluten-free sauce, made with USDA Certified Organic ingredients, comes in an eco-friendly pack.
Marimekko Unikko Apron

(buy it now price, $31.50)

An apron made from Finnish design house Marimekko’s iconic Unikko floral print fabric not only protects clothes from barbecue sauce stains, but also lends a cheery, hip vibe to any outdoor party.
Sanyo Electric Grill

(buy it now price, $48.69)

If it’s raining outside, you can still barbecue indoors with this electric grill. It has a large, 200-square-inch, non-stick surface, and it's engineered for even distribution of heat to help you cook meat and vegetables to perfection.
Backyard Classics Outdoor Hybrid Grill

(buy it now price, $399.99)

This unit was just launched this year by Backyard Classics. It offers a gas grill, a charcoal grill, and an infrared burner, meaning cooks can vary their method of cooking while investing in only one grill. It even comes with handy—and trendy—accessories built in, like extra shelves for grilling tools and a bottle opener.
Oxo Good Grips Locking Tongs

(buy it now price, $14.28)

These tongs not only look cool, but they also feature non-slip handles with comfy thumb rests. They’re dishwasher safe, too.
Massimo Vignelli Platter

(buy it now price, $26.99)

Design aficionados will recognize this brightly-hued serving dish. The simple shape was created by renowned designer Massimo Vignelli for Heller Design and produced by iconic design manufacturer Kartell.