Gossip Grill: 3 Current Grilling Trends
Since we’re here to spread all the great grilling gossip, it wouldn’t be summer without taking a look at 3 fun grilling trends! We’re here to put some new ideas on your radar and to get you inspired for the summer season ahead. Let’s dive in!
Charcoal is Making its Comeback
Are you guilty of having a charcoal grill sitting in the corner of your patio, covered up and collecting dust? (We aren’t blaming you for doing this, we’re just pointing it out because we are in the same boat!) Charcoal grilling is absolutely making a comeback, driven by a blend of culinary, social, and environmental factors. Here’s what’s fueling the resurgence: let’s examine why it’s time we should all CHOOSE CHARCOAL!
Flavor
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Charcoal imparts that signature smoky, deep flavor —something gas grills can’t replicate.
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When fat and juices from the food hit hot charcoal, they vaporize and create flavorful smoke. This smoke surrounds the food and infuses it with a distinct, rich, smoky flavor that’s hard to replicate on a gas grill. Gas grills can produce some smoke, but it’s not as intense or complex.
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Charcoal burns hotter than most gas grills, especially when using lump charcoal. This higher heat helps create a better sear and crust on steaks, burgers, and other meats — adding that signature grilled texture and deep, savory flavor (thanks to the Maillard reaction).
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Natural lump charcoal or wood-infused briquettes add subtle, nuanced flavors from the types of wood they’re made from — like oak, hickory, or mesquite. This contributes to the layered, wood-fired taste.
Sustainability & Eco Trends
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Sales of eco-friendly charcoal—like lump charcoal, coconut-shell briquettes, biochar—are rising, reflecting growing demand for sustainable cooking.
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Eye-catching flame, sizzling meat, and smoky drama = perfect for TikTok and Instagram.
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Influencers and food bloggers are showcasing creative charcoal recipes that spark interest.
Charcoal Grills to Check Out
That’s So Smart! AI-Powered Grills Have Entered the Scene
It was only a matter of time until something as simple as grilling entered the 21st century. AI-powered smart grills are high-tech outdoor cookers that use artificial intelligence and smart sensors to help you grill, smoke, or roast food more precisely, efficiently, and hands-free.
What Makes a Grill “AI-Powered” or Smart?
These grills often include:
Sensors & Probes
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Track internal meat temperature, ambient grill temp, humidity, and even wind or weather.
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Some adjust automatically for fluctuating temps or lid openings.
Auto Temperature Control
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Automatically adjusts airflow, fan speed, or fuel delivery to maintain the exact target temp.
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No more babysitting the coals or fiddling with vents.
App Integration & Wi-Fi/Bluetooth
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Monitor your grill from your phone, get alerts, and follow step-by-step recipes.
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Some apps offer AI-driven cooking guidance based on what you’re making and how it’s progressing.
AI + Machine Learning
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These features may “learn” your cooking style, adjust based on food weight/type, or fine-tune heat curves.
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They help avoid undercooking, overcooking, or burning, even on long smokes.
AI Grills to Examine
Plant-Based Preferences
It is time to dismantle the myth that grilling is a meat-only event. Plant-based grilling is more popular than ever! Plant-based grilling is rising fast in popularity—and not just among vegetarians. It’s part of a broader movement toward healthier, more sustainable, and more creative outdoor cooking. While we do love grilled veggies (especially in the summer when they’re at their peak), we can look even beyond the veggie burgers and grilled corn into some other fun options. First, let’s check out why people are going crazy for plants!
Health Consciousness
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More people are reducing meat to improve heart health, lower cholesterol, or manage weight.
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Grilling vegetables, tofu, tempeh, or legumes keeps things high in fiber, low in saturated fat, and packed with nutrients.
Environmental Impact
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Plant-based grilling has a smaller carbon footprint than meat-heavy cookouts.
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Grilling seasonal vegetables, mushrooms, or plant-based proteins aligns with climate-conscious living.
Inclusivity at Cookouts
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Offering plant-based options means everyone has something to enjoy—vegans, vegetarians, flexitarians, or people with dietary restrictions.
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It encourages creative, crowd-pleasing menus: veggie skewers, grilled flatbreads, portobello burgers, grilled fruit for dessert.
Get Grilling With:
- Eggplant steaks
- Jackfruit “pulled pork”
- Tofu and tempeh
- Portobello mushroom burgers
- Pineapple and peaches
- Halloumi cheese
- Brands like Beyond Meat, Impossible, and others have made plant-based burgers, sausages, and skewers that sizzle like the real thing.
That’s it for now…we will revisit this topic later on in the summer, because you know Gossip Girl doesn’t like to leave you in the dark!
How will you upgrade your grilling this summer?
XOXO,
Gossip Grill