Barbecue season is in full swing, but 2021 brings some fresh twists on traditions. Online butchery The Butchery surveyed 1,200 barbecue fans to uncover these shifts—revealing that men still dominate the grill.
Still Predominantly a Man's Domain
This research reaffirms barbecuing as a 'man thing': 88.3% of men prefer manning the grill themselves. Among married men surveyed, that figure rises to 90.3%. However, women are stepping up too—49.7% say they sometimes take charge. Singles stand out as self-proclaimed grill masters, with single women (18.5%) leading the pack, followed by single men (13.2%). Grilling solo clearly has its perks.
A Welcome Alternative "Barbecuing is a cherished Dutch tradition that's surged in popularity during the pandemic," says Bert-Jan Lantinga, founder and owner of The Butchery. "With restaurants closed, nearly all participants grilled as often or more frequently. It's ideal for families—fun, shared, and safely distanced." Even singles barbecued just as much (53.9%) or more (16.3%), finding creative ways to connect.
Men Stick to Meat
Men overwhelmingly favor meat on the grill, though women like to mix it up with fish (46.7%) or vegetables (47.6%). Top picks remain skewers, spare ribs, and steaks, but many are experimenting with premium cuts like Wagyu, Ibérico, and Black Angus. Notably, singles grill the most fish but the least veggies—cohabiting couples lead in plant-based options.
Low & Slow vs. Hot & Fast?
"Women are encouraging more experimentation," notes Lantinga. While hot & fast remains popular, low & slow is gaining traction—48.9% of cohabitants prefer it. Women drive this shift: 62% of married men stick to basics, versus 46% of married women.
