HPBA reports that nearly 6 million charcoal grills were sold in the U.S. last year, almost 2 million of them full sized units that fetched an average price of $66 USD. While gas remains the most popular type of outdoor grill, charcoal maintains its loyal followers.
The biggest thing you’ll probably see this year in the way of new charcoal grills is the new and expanded line of Kingsford Charcoal Grills. Built by Masterbuilt, these units are been selected to appear next to Kingsford charcoal in displays all over North America. A cross promotional deal that promises to boost sales of these new grills through the roof, at least that’s what Masterbuilt is hoping for. This is a complete line of charcoal grills and smokers of all sizes.
Up on the higher end price range there has been a surge of charcoal grills built for custom enclosures. These inserts give the people who want the flavor a great alternative to gas grills and for those people who live in areas without natural gas lines, these are high end stainless steel grills that burn charcoal. Since Cal-Flame introduced their unit last year, several high end manufacturers have fallen suit. Companies like Firemagic, makes of some of the best grills in the world, has jumped into the market and others are following. The true flavor of charcoal is catching up with some of the big spenders and lots of products are coming out to meet this need.
Smokers:
According to HPBA, a little more than 700,000 smokers were sold in the United States with an average price just over $90 USD. Those of you who know your smokers can quickly see that most smokers sold were inexpensive vertical water smokers.
Weber has increased the price of its popular Smokey Mountain Smoker from $199 USD to $249 USD. This price change is due to increased costs. While this smoker is very popular with the backyard barbecue crowd, it remains a relatively small portion of Weber’s business. Weber seems perfectly confident that the increase won’t reduce sales and will help offset production costs. After all, Weber has to figure out ways to stay in business and to keep its factories in America.
When CFM, owner of Vermont Castings bought out Great Outdoors, they nearly destroyed both companies. What we have today is an empty company, a brand name for Great Outdoors and products with the Vermont Castings name on them. Vermont Castings is now making a big block gas powered smoker, similar to the Great Outdoors Smoky Mountain. The great thing about this new design is that it has silicon gaskets around the door to help reduce smoke leakage. Something many people do to modify their smokers. Perhaps, Vermont Castings is listening to people now and will start moving in the right direction.
