Grilling survey: Don’t try desserts

Desserts topped the list of “most challenging to grill” in the 22nd annual GrillWatch survey conducted by Weber-Stephen Products. Fish and pizza tied for second place, followed by shellfish and fruit.

Seven percent of Americans reported spending more than 10 hours each week cooking outdoors during their "grilling season," with almost half (49%) of all study respondents reporting that they grill or smoke-cook year-round, including 37% at or below freezing temperatures.

Not surprisingly, hamburgers were the favorite food to grill, followed by steak, chicken, hot dogs and ribs.

Currently, 71% of all Americans (21 and older) own an outdoor grill and/or smoker, based on the survey results, and the majority (67%) own a gas grill. But a sizeable number of the survey respondents -- 46% -- said they owned charcoal grills. Some households (36%) owned two or more outdoor grills and/or smokers.  

Headquartered in Palatine, Ill., Weber-Stephen Products makes charcoal, gas and electric grills, grilling accessories and other outdoor room products.