BBQ Trends to Watch in 2025: What's Hot This Grilling Season
There’s something about BBQ season that brings people together—the smoky smells, the clink of tongs, the casual vibe of it all. And every year, things shift just a little. New gear, new flavours, new ways to cook. 2025 is shaping up to be a big one for BBQ lovers, with some genuinely exciting trends taking centre stage.
Here’s what’s getting us fired up this year.
1. Gas and Charcoal? Yes Please.
If you’ve ever had that moment of “I wish I could just fire this up quickly” followed by “but I really want that smoky flavour,” then hybrid grills are your answer. These are popping up everywhere now—grills that let you cook with gas on one side and charcoal on the other.
It’s the best of both worlds: speed when you need it, flavour when you want it. And you don’t have to choose one or the other. Pretty ideal if you ask me.
2. Plant-Based BBQ is Actually Really Good
Gone are the days when veggie BBQ meant a sad mushroom burger and some corn on the cob. These days, plant-based grilling is packed with flavour, texture, and variety. Think charred cauliflower steaks, BBQ tofu that actually gets crispy, and things like jackfruit pulled “pork” that hold their own next to the brisket.
Whether you’re vegetarian, flexitarian, or just into trying something new—this is the year to branch out a bit.
3. Big Global Flavour Energy
Grilling in 2025 isn’t sticking to burgers and sausages. More and more, people are bringing in flavours from around the world: Korean BBQ marinades, Jamaican jerk chicken, Argentinian chimichurri, North African spice blends.
People are mixing it up, experimenting with new ingredients, and really pushing beyond the standard BBQ sauce and ketchup routine. If you’ve been cooking the same things for years, it’s a fun way to shake things up.
4. Pizza Ovens Are Becoming BBQ’s Best Friend
There’s been a huge rise in people adding pizza ovens or pizza accessories to their BBQ setups—and it makes total sense. You can get restaurant-style, stone-baked pizzas at home with gear like the Kamado Joe DoJoe, or even compact outdoor ovens that sit on your grill.
It’s not just for pizza either. You can use it for flatbreads, roasted veg, and even desserts if you’re feeling adventurous.
For those who have been following us for some time, you’ll know that we’ve also done some in-depth Pizza Oven Reviews too.
5. BBQ Tech Is Getting Smart
Yep, even BBQ has gone high-tech. These days you can monitor your meat’s internal temperature from your phone, control your grill with voice commands, or get real-time alerts when your sausages are ready to flip.
There are grills with digital displays, WiFi connectivity, and built-in timers—stuff that used to sound a bit over-the-top but now genuinely helps you cook better (and chill with your guests instead of hovering nervously over the grill for hours).
6. Infrared Heat = Juicier Meat
Infrared burners aren’t new, but they’re becoming much more accessible—and they’re genuinely great. They heat more evenly, reduce flare-ups, and help your food retain moisture.
If you’ve ever bitten into a grilled chicken breast that somehow managed to be dry and undercooked at the same time, you’ll appreciate what infrared cooking can do.
7. The Grazing Table BBQ
One trend that’s everywhere this year? Casual, grazing-style BBQ setups. Instead of one big sit-down plate, people are doing things like:
1. Slider bars with toppings
2. Skewers with different dips
3. Build-your-own taco or bao bun stations
It’s more relaxed, more fun, and perfect for those long summer afternoons when everyone’s just picking at food, having a drink, and hanging out.
Wrapping It Up
Whether you’re a grill-every-weekend type or someone who just fires it up when the sun comes out, there’s a lot to get excited about this year. The gear is smarter, the flavours are bolder, and the rules are a bit more flexible.
Try something new. Invite your friends over. Burn a sausage or two—it’s all part of the fun.
BBQ in 2025? It’s not just about what’s on the grill. It’s about how you do it.