Press Room

Is It Called “Grilling” or “Barbecue”? Turns Out, It May Depend on Where You Live

Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association Reveals Which States Say “Grilling,”

and Which Declare “Barbecue”

What do you call a backyard cookout? For years, a debate has often flared up: Do you call it “Grilling,” or is it a “Barbecue”?

Turns out, according to the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA), it all depends on where you live.

By definition, according to HPBA, “Barbecue” is the act of cooking low and slow over a number of hours, such as a flavor-dripping pork shoulder in your smoker for half a day at 225 degrees. “Grilling” is cooking fast and hot over direct flame. Think burgers and corn on the cob on a gas grill for a neighborhood gathering.

“Despite the definition – like ‘ketchup’ or ‘catsup,’ ‘sweet potatoes’ or ‘yams,’ ‘coke’ or ‘pop’ – people call it what they want,” said Emily McGee, director of communications for HPBA. “However, also like ‘coke’ and ‘pop,’ we wanted to look deeper and find if there are patterns in where the phrases are used.

“Using Google search data, we found the regional differences are as sharp as the sear marks in a perfectly grilled filet mignon,” McGee added.

·       Most of the Midwest and Rocky Mountain states call it “Grilling”

·       In much of the South and Western states, it’s “Barbecue”

·       The Northeast is firmly in the “Grilling” camp

·       Florida flips the script, calling it “Grilling” despite nothing but “Barbecue” states in its region

·       Only Kentucky and Virginia – holding the line among various regions – show up as equally saying “Grilling” or “Barbecue”

Curious where your state lands? Here’s the full list:

For tips and recipes for your next grilling or barbecue, visit WhyIGrill.org.

About the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA)

The Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA), based in Arlington, Va., is the North American industry association for manufacturers, retailers, distributors, representatives, service firms and allied associates for all types of barbecue, patio and hearth appliances, fuels and accessories. The association provides professional member services and industry support in education, statistics, government relations, marketing, advertising and consumer education.