Every year, BBQ changes a little. Not because someone says it should, but backyard cooks figure out what actually works. Here are my BBQ trends for 2026
I pay attention to that. What people are buying. What they are cooking. What keeps showing up around my grill and on other patios.
This page is my take on BBQ trends for 2026. No hype. Just real trends I see sticking around this year.
I update this page every year as things change.
BBQ Trends at a Glance for 2026
If I had to sum it up quickly, BBQ in 2026 is about:
- Easier cooking without losing flavor
- Smaller, more frequent cooks
- Smarter tools that actually help
- Simple food done really well
Now let’s break that down.
Pellet Grills Keep Pulling in New Backyard Cooks
Pellet grills aren’t new, but they’re still one of the biggest BBQ trends in 2026.
I see more folks jumping into BBQ because pellet grills lower the learning curve. Set the temp, load the pellets, and focus on the food. That’s a big deal for people who don’t want to babysit a fire all day.
What’s changing this year is how people use them. More hot-and-fast cooking. More weeknight meals. Less “special occasion only” BBQ.
Pellet grills aren’t replacing charcoal. They’re just making BBQ easier to start.
You can read my reviews of pellet grills and decide if this is the best option for you.
Eddie’s Tip! If someone tells me they want to learn BBQ but are nervous about fire management, I usually point them toward a pellet grill first. Confidence comes fast when the food turns out right.
Drum Smokers Are Gaining Popularity Again
On the flip side, drum smokers are getting more attention in 2026.
They’re simple. They’re efficient. And they cook amazing food once you learn them.
I see more backyard cooks wanting that hands-on charcoal flavor without dealing with a big offset smoker. Drum smokers hit that sweet spot. Once they’re dialed in, they run steady and don’t need constant babysitting.
This trend feels like people rediscovering “simple but effective” BBQ.
Flavor Trends: Cleaner Rubs and Global Inspiration
Flavor trends in 2026 aren’t about piling on ten different seasonings.
What I see more of:
- Cleaner ingredient lists
- Less sugar, more balance
- Global flavors mixed into classic BBQ
Things like:
- Coffee in beef rubs
- Lighter heat instead of burn-your-face-off spice
- Savory profiles that work on more than one cut
People want rubs they can use on chicken tonight and pork tomorrow without overthinking it.
I have a large section for my simple homemade rubs for you to try out making yourself.
Smart BBQ Tools That Actually Help
I’ve tested a lot of BBQ gear over the years. Most of it ends up in a drawer.
In 2026, the tools people stick with are the ones that actually make cooking easier:
- Reliable meat thermometers
- Simple wireless temp monitors
- Heat-resistant gloves that don’t fall apart
I don’t see folks chasing gimmicks as much anymore. They want tools that help them cook better meat, not just look cool.
Eddie’s Tip! If a tool doesn’t save me time or improve my food, it’s gone. That’s my rule now.
More Weeknight BBQ, Less “Once a Month” Cooking
This is a big one.
BBQ used to be an all-day weekend thing. In 2026, more people are firing up the grill on a workday!
I see more:
- Chicken thighs instead of whole briskets
- Pork tenderloin instead of big shoulders
- Veggies and seafood getting more grill time
People still love big cooks, but they also want BBQ to fit into real life.
I have a ton of weekday recipes for the BBQ to choose from that you can use any day of the week!
Learning BBQ Through Community and Real Experience
Another trend I see growing is how people learn BBQ.
Less reading manuals. More watching real cooks.
- YouTube
- Backyard groups
- Social media cooks sharing mistakes and wins
People want to see real food, real grills, real results, including mistakes. Not perfect marketing shots.
That’s a good thing. BBQ has always been about learning by doing.
I share all my tips, recipes, and cooks on The Grilling Dutchman YouTube channel.
Frequently Asked Questions About BBQ Trends
Q: What is the biggest BBQ trend for 2026?
A: From what I see, it’s making BBQ easier and more approachable without losing flavor.
Q: Are pellet grills still popular in 2026?
A: Yes. Especially for beginners and busy backyard cooks who still want good results.
Q: Is charcoal BBQ fading away?
A: Not at all. If anything, simple charcoal setups like drum smokers are gaining interest again.
Q: Are people cooking less meat on the grill?
A: No. They’re just cooking smaller cuts more often, and mixing in veggies and seafood.
Final Thoughts on BBQ Trends 2026 – My Experience
I have been cooking outdoors long enough to see trends come and go. The ones that stick always have something in common.
Trends that stick around make BBQ more enjoyable.
In 2026, BBQ feels more relaxed. Less pressure. Less “perfect cook” stress. More good food shared more often.
For 2026, I think it is a kind of back to basics year. Enjoy the journey instead of impressing others
That’s a trend I am happy to see stick around, and will continue to share here on The Grilling Dutchman website.
Eddie van Aken
Eddie van Aken brings years of experience from running a full-service restaurant, where he honed his skills with all types of kitchen equipment. His expertise extends to mastering the art of outdoor cooking, utilizing the right recipes to enhance flavors on grills and smokers. Eddie’s in-depth knowledge allows him to provide comprehensive grill reviews and valuable outdoor cooking tips, helping enthusiasts make the most of their grilling adventures. You can read more on the About page for Eddie van Aken