BBQ trends 2025 – what’s on the grill?

In short: BBQ in 2025 will be more diverse, creative, and sustainable than ever before. From new cuts like tri-tip and picanha to fermented marinades, umami rubs, and grilled fish, as well as smart technology and social BBQ events—the scene is evolving. Here are the most important BBQ trends for 2025 you should know about.

1. New meat cuts & international inspiration

In 2025, unusual cuts of meat will be the focus. Instead of just beef fillet and pork loin, cuts like tri-tip, picanha, flat iron, and bavette will be more common on the grill. Many originate from Brazilian, American, or Asian BBQ cultures.

2. More fish & seafood on the grill

Fish and seafood are a real trend: salmon planks, shrimp skewers, scallops , or whole fish like sea bream. Combinations with smoked wood and Asian flavors are particularly popular.

Trending dish: Grilled octopus tentacles with chili-lime marinade, served on a dark walnut board.

3. Plant-Based & Vegetable Deluxe

Vegetarian BBQ will become a separate discipline in 2025: grilled eggplant steaks, whole cauliflower, BBQ mushrooms with portobello mushrooms or shiitake mushrooms. Meat-free burgers and grilled tofu are also becoming increasingly sophisticated.

  • Vegetable cuts: grill thick celery slices like steaks
  • BBQ Cheese: Halloumi & grilled cheese in marinades
  • Fermented vegetables: Kimchi as a side dish

4. Umami, fermentation & new spices

In 2025, flavors will go even deeper: Umami boosters like soy sauce, miso paste, or mushroom powder are standard in rubs and marinades. Fermented sauces like gochujang or homemade BBQ kimchi sauces are taking over the scene.

5. Sauces & Rubs – more creative than ever

Classic BBQ sauces remain, but new blends are emerging: beer BBQ sauce, olive BBQ sauce, espresso rub, cocoa chili glazes . Sweet and spicy combinations with honey and chili or fruit and pepper are trending.

trend Example
Fruity-spicy Mango Chili BBQ Sauce
Coffee & Cocoa Espresso rub for beef
Herb-heavy Rosemary-lemon marinade

6. Equipment & Technology 2025

BBQ is getting smarter: Smokers with digital controls, thermometer apps, and pellet grills are booming. At the same time, wood-fired BBQ remains popular – especially for premium events. Professional-quality boards and knives are a must for presenting large cuts with style.

  • Digital: Smart thermometers, app-controlled smokers
  • Analogue: Wood fire & Dutch oven
  • Must-have: Solid cutting boards, Damascus knives

7. Sustainability & Nose-to-Tail

In 2025, BBQ will become more sustainable. Many are focusing on locally produced meat , "nose-to-tail" concepts (using the whole animal), and reusable utensils . The topic of "less plastic" in accessories is also a real trend.

8. BBQ as an event & lifestyle

BBQ is becoming more and more of a social experience . Whether it's tailgating in the US, garden parties in Europe, or BBQ competitions – grilling is a lifestyle. In 2025, community culture will also grow, with many sharing recipes, cuts, and experiences in forums and social media.

wood & more tip: In our Facebook community BBQ & Grillmeister Recipes you will find exactly this passion.

9. Practical tips for your trendy BBQ

  • Try new cuts – tri-tip, picanha or flat iron.
  • Combine sweet & spicy: honey + chili, mango + pepper.
  • Include umami – soy, mushrooms, tomato powder.
  • Experiment with fermented marinades (e.g., gochujang).
  • Use sturdy boards and sharp knives for perfect presentation.

10. Mini FAQ

What is the biggest BBQ trend in 2025?

New meat cuts, umami rubs, and more vegetables on the grill – variety is the mega trend.

Do I need expensive equipment for the trends?

Not necessarily—many things can be done with a kettle grill or gas grill. Good knives and boards are essential.

Which trends are suitable for beginners?

Grilled vegetables, fruity-spicy sauces, and simple cuts like flat iron are ideal for beginners.

Author: wood & more – BBQ knowledge & trends for grill masters.
Last updated: 01.09.2025

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For all those who don’t just want to buy – but want to understand.

Everything you want to know about wood, knives & quality.

Holzschneidebrett mit einem Messer.

Which Damascus knives are right for me?

A good knife is more than just a tool—it's a matter of precision, ergonomics, and the right application. Choosing the right knife type makes work easier, improves cutting results, and protects the material and your hand in the long run. Our hand-forged Cuttworxs Damascus knives are tailored to different tasks and needs. Below you'll find an overview of the most important blade shapes and their applications.

Chef's knife – For large cuts and precise power

The classic chef's knife is the most versatile tool in any kitchen. The long, slightly curved blade is ideal for cutting meat, fish, vegetables, or herbs. Thanks to its balanced and high stability, it masters both powerful and controlled cuts.

To the Damascus Chef's Knife Evolution - FlameWood

Santoku knife – the compact all-rounder

The Santoku knife originates from Japan and is known for its handy blade shape. It's particularly suitable for vegetables, fish, and smaller portions of meat. Its light weight and flat cutting surface make it ideal for fine, precise cuts.

To the Damascus Santoku knife Evolution - Flamewood

Nakiri knife – specialist for vegetables

The Nakiri was specially developed for vegetable cooking. With its straight, rectangular blade, it's ideal for finely dicing, chopping, and slicing vegetables and herbs. It cuts cleanly all the way to the board – without any rocking motion.

To the Damascus Nakiri knife Evolution - OriginWood / Rosewood

Bread knife – For crust, fruit and more

The serrated bread knife glides effortlessly through hard crusts and soft interiors. It's suitable not only for bread, but also for large fruits like pineapple, melon, or pumpkin. It's also a reliable helper for tomatoes or hard-shelled baked goods.

To the Damascus Bread Knife Evolution - OriginWood / Rosewood

Knife block or individual set?

Anyone who performs multiple cutting tasks will benefit from a well-stocked set. Our knife blocks offer secure and stylish storage for a variety of blade shapes. Those seeking even more flexibility can create their own set: Choose your chef's board made of solid oak in your desired size and combine it with the matching Cuttworxs Damascus knife.

To the chef's board & damask knife set

All Cuttworxs Damascus knives are made of genuine Damascus steel with an elaborate grind – for long-lasting sharpness, perfect balance, and a distinctive blade pattern that makes each knife unique. The handles are made of fine woods, ergonomically shaped, and fit securely in the hand even during extended use.

What makes a good cutting board?

A high-quality cutting board is characterized by three things: the right material, well-thought-out functionality, and a durable construction. We use solid oak and walnut wood – natural, robust, antibacterial, and gentle on knives. Our cutting boards are 4 cm thick, making them noticeably more stable than many commercially available models. No warping, no slipping – just a reliable work surface that will last for decades.

Our boards also make a difference in terms of functionality: a precisely milled juice groove, usability on both sides and, depending on the model, practical recessed handles or stainless steel elements ensure that the board becomes a real tool - in the kitchen, at the grill or on the buffet.

We have developed four well-thought-out board lines for different requirements:

Chef board – The robust kitchen board

Compact, functional, and versatile: Our 30 × 30 cm and 40 × 30 cm chef's boards are ideal for everyday use in the kitchen—for cutting vegetables, meat, or herbs. Solid wood combines clean lines and high-quality craftsmanship.

For the robust chef's board for the kitchen (also suitable as a burger & steak board)

Chef Board XL – For grill, BBQ & large cuts

The 50 × 40 cm and 60 × 40 cm versions offer generous space for large pieces of meat, roasts, or pulled pork. Perfect for grilling, preparing, and serving food—sturdy, cut-resistant, and with plenty of presence.

To the BBQ & Grill chef board for carving and serving

The Chefstation – More than just a board

Our Chefstation is a modular system for professional demands: 4 cm thick oak, combined with removable GN containers, a stainless steel console, and an optional hygienic countertop. The perfect solution for structured preparation, clean work, and efficient processes – whether in the kitchen, at a BBQ, or catering.

To the boss station - where work becomes a pleasure

Steak & Burger Boards – For a stylish appearance

More compact than the Chef's Board, but no less impressive: The steak and burger boards combine aesthetics with functionality – with a milled juice groove, recessed handles, and a refined wood texture. Ideal for serving meat, burgers, or small meals – straight from the grill to the table.

To the Steak & Burger Board - present and enjoy becomes the motto

Our cutting boards are handcrafted with passion for materials, form, and function. They are made for people who want to experience quality, who shop consciously, and who value durable tools. Not mass-produced items—just honest products that last.

Discover all cutting boards at a glance

Are the products also suitable as gifts?

Absolutely! A solid cutting board or a fine Damascus knife is more than just a tool—it's a gift with value and character. Whether for a wedding, a birthday, Father's Day, or as a sophisticated corporate gift, handcrafted products made of wood and steel are always well received. Packaged in elegant outer packaging, engraved upon request, or as a set—a gift for people who prefer to burn fires rather than just cook.

What makes wood & more special?

With us, you won't get anonymous mass-produced goods, but lovingly crafted unique pieces – made from solid wood, refined with experience and quality. We are passionate BBQ fans, kitchen people, and hosts ourselves. Our products are created from this passion, with genuine handcraft – fair, honest, and uncompromising quality. And that's exactly what you'll feel with every cut.

How do the boards from wood & more differ?

Each of our boards is unique – yet they follow a clear standard: solid wood, perfect craftsmanship, and a sophisticated design. Our chef stations are workstations with GN containers and a stainless steel console, ideal for professionals and prep workers. Our chef boards, on the other hand, offer solid support, flexible use, and an optional juice groove – perfect for everyday use at the grill or in the kitchen. Our burger and steak boards, on the other hand, focus on presentation: with or without handles, striking in both form and function. What they all have in common? Real wood, real work, real tools.

Where do the materials come from and how are they produced?

We use only high-quality, sustainable wood – oak, walnut, elm, ash, or maple. All boards are handcrafted in our factory, one by one. We focus on short distances, fair conditions, and 100% quality assurance. Our Damascus knives are the product of traditional blacksmithing and are processed in small batches – each piece is inspected, sharpened, and ready for use. No industrialization, no compromises – only genuine products with a provenance.