NPD ’s 22nd annual “Eating Patterns in America ” report shows that outdoor grill usage in America is at an all-time high; nearly double what it was 20 years ago. In 1985, 17 percent of households used a grill at dinner at least once during an average two-week period throughout the year; in 2007, it was 38 percent.

“While summer still accounts for the highest consumption levels of grilled food, grilling has increased the most in the other seasons of the year, ” says Harry Balzer, vice president at NPD and author of the firm ’s report on “Eating Patterns in America. ”

The increase in year round grilling coincides with the increased ownership of gas grills, according to Balzer. The majority of households have an outdoor grill (76 percent) and the grill of choice is one that uses gas — 75 percent of grill owners have a gas grill.

In 2007, NPD estimates grill sales grew by 3.2% (unit sales) from the previous year (2006).

"Grills and other outdoor living products continue to be a bright spot in an otherwise challenging market," says Mark Delaney, director of NPD ’s Home industry sector. “There's a BBQ grill designed to fit the needs and budget of every consumer, helping to make this category the most popular outdoor entertaining item owned."

Balzer also attributes the steady rise in grilling with the increasing number of men cooking at home. “This is the one cooking appliance men are more likely to use than any other appliance in the home, ” he says.

According to NPD ’s latest data, 41% of men say they always do the grilling, while only 17% of women say they always do the grilling.

“There is no doubt we are a nation of grillers, ” says Balzer. “It ’s convenient, saves time, tastes good, and, perhaps most important to women, the man does it. ”