Having spent countless hours over open fire, Eddie van Aken has developed a strong sense of what’s coming next in the BBQ world. He now shares the trends he believes are set to take backyard grills and smokers by storm in 2026.

As the founder of The Grilling Dutchman and a pitmaster with thousands of hours logged on both charcoal and wood, he is eager to highlight the flavors, gear, and cooking styles shaping the year ahead. These predictions come straight from the forefront of the BBQ community — drawn from hands-on testing as well as insights gained from competitions, social channels, and backyard cookouts.

1. Dutch-American Flavor Mashups

People are getting more adventurous with cross-cultural BBQ. Think smokey brisket with Dutch mustard notes, or ribs finished with brown sugar and speculaas spice rubs. These mashups have been tested throughout the year and continue to deliver surprising and satisfying results.

2. Low and Slow Gets Smart

The focus is shifting beyond temperature alone to precision and control. More people are adopting advanced controllers and smart thermometers to achieve consistent outcomes. Reduced guesswork and increased accuracy are making a noticeable difference in texture and flavor.

3. Plant-Forward Smoke

Veggies and plant proteins aren’t trends anymore — they’re staples. But the next wave is creative smoke pairings that bring out deep, savory notes without losing that authentic BBQ vibe.

4. Sustainable Smoking Wood

There is growing interest in the origin of smoking wood. Locally sourced and responsibly harvested wood chunks and logs are becoming more important. This shift benefits both flavor and environmental responsibility.

5. Backyard Competitions Level Up

Neighborhood BBQ competitions are on the rise, and with them comes a higher level of technique. More backyard cooks are applying competition-style methods on casual grills, turning driveways into serious smoking setups.

“These trends are more than buzzwords,” says Eddie van Aken. “They’re about how we actually cook, experiment, and celebrate food with the people we love. BBQ has always been about community — and 2026 is shaping up to push that even further.”

About The Grilling Dutchman:

The Grilling Dutchman is a barbecue brand focused on helping home cooks and pitmasters improve their grilling and smoking skills. Through recipes, gear reviews, and how-to content, the brand provides practical advice drawn from years of hands-on experience at the fire.

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Company Name: The Grilling Dutchman
Contact Person: Eddie van Aken The Grilling Dutchman
Email: Send Email
Phone: 270-350-0856
Address:1212 Pond River Road
City: Elkton
State: KY 42220
Country: United States
Website: https://thegrillingdutchman.com/