Americans Just Set a $27.9 Billion Father's Day Record -- And the Steel Tariff Math Is Why Almost Nobody Bought Dad a New Grill

Father's Day spending hit a record $27.9 billion in 2026 -- but new steel tariffs added $165 to a $550 grill, so the smart-money move shifted from buying new to protecting what you already own.
Gas grill on display in a home improvement store aisle with a large price tag showing current retail cost

The 2026 Grill Math: Replacement Costs Are Up 23% in 18 Months and Owners Are Eating the Difference

Grill replacement costs are up 23% in 18 months, driven by 50% steel and aluminum tariffs. Here is the math that makes grill protection a 21% reduction in annual ownership cost.