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Increasingly More Austrians Grill in Winter

Wintergrillen hat in Österreich für viele Tradition.
Wintergrillen hat in Österreich für viele Tradition. ©Philipp Lipiarski
According to a survey by grill manufacturer Weber, 89.7% of Austrians also grill in winter, combining the joy of grilling with social gatherings. Popular dishes include steak and burgers.

Grilling in summer is a classic, but what about winter grilling? A survey by grill manufacturer Weber now provides a clear answer: 89.7% of Austrian grillers are also at the hot grill in winter. What drives them is primarily the joy of grilling, the passion for good food, and spending time with friends and family.

Punch and Charcoal Scent in Winter is Part of It

Weber's large winter grilling survey was presented in Vienna, fittingly at the grill: There, TV presenter Silvia Schneider met grill world champion Patrick Bayer, who demonstrated live how enjoyable and cozy winter grilling can be. "Winter grilling is a special highlight for many people. Memories are created that last forever. Punch from the charcoal grill and the scent of grilling in the cold winter air are not everyday occurrences," said Daniel Ipser, Managing Director of Weber-Stephen Austria.

Monthly Winter Grilling in Austria is Not Uncommon

For nearly 9 out of 10 BBQ fans, grilling is a year-round passion. For almost all respondents, the grill is used at least once a month in winter, often even more frequently. You don't have to be a professional to grill in winter: only 6% would describe themselves as such, while all others simply as passionate grillers. A trend is emerging: the longer you have been grilling, the more likely you are to become a winter grilling fan.

Where Are Austria's Winter Grillers at Home?

  • Platz 1: Niederösterreich (24,4 %)
  • Platz 2: Oberösterreich (22,7%)
  • Platz 3: Steiermark (16,8%)
  • Platz 4: Wien (13,7%)

A Very Special Atmosphere

"Winter grilling is strongly associated with coziness, hot drinks, and winter as well as Christmas atmosphere. Most people immediately think of mulled wine and punch – which can be quickly prepared and, above all, kept warm on any grill," summarizes Ipser. Winter grilling fans appreciate being together, chatting, and enjoying. For many, winter grilling is primarily about passion, relaxation, and enjoyment, but also freedom – namely being outside regardless of the season
and preparing good food. Silvia Schneider shares this sentiment: "What I love about winter grilling is the special atmosphere – when the scent of the grill lingers in the cold winter air and you warm yourself around the fire with family or friends. It has something incredibly homely for me."

What is most often grilled in winter

You can't accuse local winter grillers of boredom at the grill, more than half enjoy trying out new recipes. The variety on the grill seems endless: From smoked celery cream soup to Christmas turkey on the rotisserie or classic Kaiserschmarrn as a dessert, there is plenty to enjoy. And yet: The undisputed favorite recipe of Austrian winter grillers is still steak (17.8%), just ahead of juicy burgers.

No fear of the new

Looking into the accessories corner, the "Dutch Oven" is the be-all and end-all: a
thick-walled cast iron pot with a lid, known for its excellent heat retention
and thus particularly suitable for roasting and braising. No wonder,
that stews are especially popular among winter grillers, such as goulash or
layered meat. Also very popular is a good grill thermometer for perfect results with
the right core temperature of fine meat.

Christmas menu from the grill

Often, respondents from the winter grilling community describe Christmas and Advent grilling – including family, Christmas music, and Christkindl atmosphere, as one of their favorite grilling moments in winter. For many, the first winter grilling is a highlight that counts as a favorite memory. New Year's Eve is also a common occasion to fire up the grill, as well as birthdays. PS: For one in five respondents, it is already certain that this year's Christmas menu will come from the grill.

(Red)

This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.

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