With summer approaching, many are dusting off their barbecues or prepping outdoor kitchens. It's the perfect time to inspect your grill's condition. In the Netherlands, you're likely in good shape: Dutch barbecue owners are the most diligent in Europe, cleaning their grills promptly after use. Half clean immediately afterward, and a third do so the next day, typically with soapy water. This sets us apart as the cleanest among Western European nations, outshining even the English, who lag behind. These insights come from HG, a leading manufacturer of specialized cleaning products, based on their survey of barbecue habits in the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, France, and England.
Dutch households barbecue frequently: 4 in 10 fire up their grills more than five times a year. Germans top the charts here, with nearly 70% using theirs that often, despite only 25% owning one compared to 46% of Dutch. In France, almost 70% have a backyard barbecue.
Barbecuing evolves into an art form. The Dutch's economical use stems from its rising popularity—40% grill over five times annually, and half do so 2-4 times. Advanced models and premium meats are now commonplace. World barbecue champion and Smokey Goodness founder Jord Althuizen notes: "The Dutch have elevated barbecuing beyond basic sausages and shashliks to include vegetables, slow-cooked large cuts, and full meals. Maintaining a clean grill is crucial—it's safer and enhances flavor and quality." While half of Dutch users rely on soapy water or all-purpose cleaners, which work but require effort for thorough results.
Cross-country comparisons
HG's research across the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, England, and France ranks the Dutch as cleanest, followed by Belgians, Germans, and French. The English rank lowest, with nearly a third delaying cleaning until next use, once a year, or never. Yet, they more often use specialist cleaners or brushes (nearly 60% vs. under 50% elsewhere).
Notably, Germans and English downplay dirty grills' risks: over 40% of Germans see no health issues, and nearly half of English believe food quality holds. Other nations, especially the Dutch, are more vigilant. HG Marketing Director Bregtje van Aalten explains: "Eight in 10 Dutch recognize that dirty grills harm health and meat quality, yet many stick to soap and water. Specialized barbecue cleaners deliver faster, safer results."
