Germans Increase Use of Portable Grills for Outdoor Barbecuing
In the first five months of this year, a significant increase in demand for disposable grills has been observed in Germany, with 459,200 units sold, marking a 26% increase compared to the same period in 2023 [1]. This trend appears to be a response to urbanization, changing lifestyles, and the rise of outdoor leisure activities.
Urbanization and lifestyle changes have led to more people living in apartments or smaller homes with limited outdoor space. Disposable grills offer a convenient, portable, and space-saving alternative to traditional grills, which are typically larger and require more setup [2][4].
There is a growing trend towards outdoor leisure activities, picnics, and quick barbecues in parks or other public spaces where carrying heavy or bulky grills is impractical. Disposable grills cater well to these casual, on-the-go grilling needs [2].
Environmental and emission concerns have led to a preference for cleaner electric, pellet, and infrared grills in urban centers. However, disposable grills still see demand for their convenience, particularly in settings where electric grills are unavailable [2].
Cost and ease of use are also driving factors in the surge of disposable grill demand. These grills are often cheaper upfront and more accessible for occasional use, eliminating the need for maintenance, cleaning, and storage associated with traditional grills [3].
Many consumers in Germany and similar markets prefer convenience and immediate usability over high-end features or long-term investment in premium grills. This trend supports the increased demand for disposable grills which align with short-term and spontaneous use [3].
While the ceramic and premium grill market is growing globally, this trend is more aligned with long-term grill buyers rather than the expanding disposable grill segment aimed at convenience and mobility [1].
Cities like Dortmund are urging grill enthusiasts to refrain from placing disposable grills directly on the grass for environmental and fire safety reasons. Simultaneously, there has been an increase in demand for outdoor pizza ovens [4].
In the first five months of 2024, sales of traditional grills and grill equipment powered by charcoal or gas decreased, reflecting the growing preference for disposable grills [1]. The market for traditional grills includes sales from hardware stores and large supermarkets, similar to the market for disposable grills [1][4].
Average prices for charcoal and gas grills have decreased at the beginning of this year, while average prices for electric grills have increased compared to the same period last year [5]. In the first five months of 2025, 475,000 standard grills were purchased, marking a 2.4% decrease compared to the same period last year [6].
This surge in disposable grill demand in Germany is mainly tied to urbanization, lifestyle changes favouring portability and convenience, and the rise of outdoor casual grilling, alongside environmental considerations influencing the use of traditional grills in urban settings [2][4].
[1] Market research firm NielsenIQ (2025) [2] Study by market researchers (unspecified year) [3] Study by market researchers (unspecified year) [4] Various city reports (2025) [5] Study by market researchers (unspecified year) [6] Market research firm NielsenIQ (2025)
Home-and-garden enthusiasts in urban areas often face space constraints, leading to increased demand for portable and space-saving outdoor-living solutions like disposable grills [2][4]. Lifestyle changes, favoring easy-to-use and convenient products, also contribute to this trend [3].
