The grill's job description has been redefined, according to a new report from ButcherBox, a direct-to-consumer meat and seafood brand.

The second annual ButcherBox Grill Index found that the grill is playing a more central role in cooking routines, particularly breakfast. While dinner remains the top meal on the grill for nearly all Americans (90%), Southern residents are leading the breakfast trend with 40% using the grill for morning cooking followed by West Coast residents (21%), Midwest residents (21%) and Northeast residents (18%). More than half of Americans (54%) report using the grill for lunch.

By incorporating the grill into their lunch breaks and breakfast routines, Americans have taken a step beyond thinking of the grill as strictly a cooking appliance for warm, sunny days and larger gatherings. The Grill Index found 4 in 10 Americans (40%) grill mostly for everyday cooking, whereas less than a quarter (12%) of Americans are using the grill strictly for large gatherings such as holiday cookouts or special occasions.

The report shows that not even inclement weather can dampen the dedication of these frequent grillers. Nearly 40% of respondents are firing up their grill all year long, while more than half of Americans (51%) say they grill in the rain. A third (30%) of respondents report that snow doesn't prevent them from keeping their grill game strong in the winter.

Grill usage increases more in the summer months across the U.S., with more than three quarters of Americans (79%) grilling at least once a week and a quarter of those respondents (27%) firing up the grill at least two to three times per week.

Female confidence behind the grill remains steady for the second year in a row with 43% of women citing they feel "very confident" behind the grill, continuing to suggest that the role of grillmaster is no longer reserved just for men. Similarly, male confidence remains the same year over year with two thirds of American men (64%) reporting that they feel "very confident" behind the grill.

"It is clear there is a cultural shift happening around the grill and how Americans are incorporating the appliance into more of their everyday lives," said Mike Salguero, founder and CEO of ButcherBox. "The fact that folks are finding use for the grill during breakfast is inspiring, especially for the team at ButcherBox, as we've really focused on increasing our breakfast selection to ensure we're offering a wide variety of protein for every meal of the day. For so many, the grill can feel intimidating, but it is one of the easier appliances to navigate and can sometimes be more forgiving for those just starting out, and we hope to see confidence continue to rise over time."

Although Americans' overall approach to grilling has changed, a majority of respondents (71%) still find grill inspiration and recipes from friends and family. One fourth of Americans (42%) say their confidence behind the grill increases by watching others, suggesting that gathering around the grill is as much of a social activity as gathering around the table.

Additional Grill Insights from ButcherBox's Chef-in-Residence, Ashley Lonsdale:

ButcherBox Grill Index says: Nearly 60% of respondents named taste as the top reason they choose to use their grill.

"Because of the high levels of heat, grilled food has unmistakable browning, which gives grilled foods a wonderful and savory flavor," said Lonsdale.

ButcherBox Grill Index says: More than three quarters of Americans are leveling up their barbecue game with sauces and seasonings.

"Sauces and seasonings may feel like adding prep time to your grill routine, but they are a great way to add some excitement to your meal. Typically, when using high-quality proteins, I don't always reach for complex seasonings because of the rich flavor, particularly with grass-fed beef, but I love investing the time to make a yogurt marinade or spice to complement the milder flavors of pork or chicken," said Lonsdale.

ButcherBox Grill Index says: Nearly a third of Americans report feeling not at all confident when grilling seafood.

"Grilling seafood is intimidating, and rightfully so, it's an investment," said Lonsdale. "Begin with skewers to keep things simple. Salmon and shrimp are both easy, cook quickly, and have a lot of great flavors. Grilling scallions and blending them into an herby sauce is a great graduate step to elevating your grilled seafood."

ButcherBox Grill Index says: Nearly 15% of Americans cook breakfast on the grill.

"I love incorporating grilled foods into breakfast or brunch entertaining," said Lonsdale. "A cast-iron skillet easily transfers from the kitchen to play well on the grill for one dish meals, but don't shy away from grilled breakfast pizzas and tacos, too ... "

Source: ButcherBox