7 Must-Have Backyard Products from the HPBExpo

Your sneak peek at the newest innovative products coming to a backyard near you.

This week’s guest article is written by Ed Reilly, a self-described “BBQ-ologist” who has worked in the industry for 35 years, including in sales for Weber, Char-Broil, Sunbeam, Old World Spices, and B&B Charcoal. In today’s article, Ed writes about new BBQ products at the 2024 HPBExpo. You can reach Ed on Instagram and Facebook. If you would like to write a guest article for The Smoke Sheet, please get in touch.

Each year, the Hearth, Patio, and Barbecue Association (HPBA) hosts its annual trade show, the HPBExpo, to showcase the newest backyard products to people in the industry. This year’s event was held in Nashville and featured seminars, certification classes, roundtable discussions from industry leaders, and outdoor demonstrations.

This year, the tone was more independent-dealer-focused, with many large manufacturers displaying products only available to specialty dealers, not big box or national chains. There was also an increase in high-tech gadgets that are designed to make outdoor cooking easier and help you explore more cooking techniques. Live-fire grilling also had a large presence. 

Blackstone, Green Mountain Grills, Louisiana Grills/Pit Boss, Napolean, Broil King, Ooni, MHP, and more had exclusive models they revealed for the first time, and many of them were only being sold to specialty dealers.

There were plenty of high-tech companies like Brisk It and Flame-tec to show you how to control your gas, charcoal, or pellet grill from the other side of the patio or even from across town. Their Wi-Fi and Bluetooth controllers add flexibility and the freedom to grill, smoke, or cook from anywhere.

Here are seven products from the HPBExpo that caught my attention.

Napoleon’s New Kettle Grill

Napoleon Grills has a few new players in the outdoor grill market that will get your attention. This one is a twist on the classic kettle that has all the upgrades you could ever need, including a cast-iron grate with hinged access doors, a vortex coal ring, folding side tables, one-touch air vents, and a bottle opener. It retails for $499 at independent grill stores.

Meater M2

Meater recently revealed the M2, a new slimmer five-sensor probe. It is completely waterproof and can stand temps up to 1000 degrees. That means it can be used to deep fry and cleaned in the dishwasher. You can find them at specialty retailers and online.

Louisiana Grills Rust-Proof Griddle Top

Louisiana Grills has a new rust-proof griddle top. Anyone who has kept a cast iron griddle outside for any length of time will know the value of this feature. These will be available at specialty dealers across the country.

Halo Battery-Operated Grills

Halo brings innovation to outdoor cooking with its battery-operated grills, griddles, and pizza ovens. Its rechargeable batteries will last up to 20 hours and get your grills up to searing temps within minutes. It’s power and convenience all wrapped up in one place. Perfect for locations that do not allow open flames or for trips.

Blackstone Omnivore Griddle Tops

Blackstone’s newest creations include 304-grade stainless steel grills with chef tables and cold-rolled “Omnivore” griddle tops. These will be available at independent specialty retailers.