Calor Fuels BBQ Debate

Easter weekend often signals more than chocolate eggs and simnel cake for many Brits: it’s also the start of BBQ season. While BBQ and outdoor cooking grow in popularity, it seems there is an appetite for new and creative dishes that are brought to life on the grill. However, new research commissioned by leading fuel supplier Calor highlights which dishes actually reign supreme in Britain, and the others that are dividing opinion.

The study asked British BBQ fans to rank popular BBQ mains and sides into a hierarchy, from ‘BBQ royalty’ favourites like beef burgers and pork sausages, followed by ‘tasty crowd pleasers’, ‘hidden gems’ and finally ‘divides opinion’ at the lowest tier. Other dishes that came out on top include chicken skewers and chicken burgers, along with classic sides like potato salad, corn on the cob and coleslaw. 

Foods ranked at the lowest tier include more adventurous options like tuna steak, asparagus, grilled courgette, cauliflower steak and kofta kebabs, along with vegetarian and vegan burgers and sausages. The research findings suggest that while traditional favourites remain firm staples, those polled are still open to trying new or non-traditional British BBQ foods, with 45% willing to try mushroom steaks, and 44% open to sampling pineapple spears or halloumi. 

But as anyone who loves a good BBQ will know, the most important ingredients are not necessarily the food alone. Calor’s research backs this up, finding that 74% of Brits say that eating or cooking outdoors improves their mood, while 87% agree that BBQs are a great way of bringing people together. 

Made in Chelsea alum Ryan Libbey, who has partnered with Calor, says the findings reflect the role BBQs and outdoor entertaining play in bringing people together: “BBQs are always a mix of tradition and experimentation. The classics like burgers and sausages are hard to beat, but everyone has their own idea of the perfect plate whether that’s flame-grilled favourites or firing up a pizza oven for something a little different.

“For me, food is only part of the story. A great BBQ is really about the atmosphere and the people you’re sharing it with. Some of my favourite moments have been cooking outdoors with my family, having friends round, trying new dishes and enjoying time together.” 

Calor’s research findings echo this, showing that nostalgia plays a big part in BBQ enjoyment, with nearly two third (63%) of Brits saying they have happy memories of family BBQs growing up. The research also found that British weather was not always a deterrent, with 60% of Brits admitting to having a BBQ in the rain, showing the enthusiasm that we as a nation have for outdoor cooking.