50% of Americans prefer gas grills for barbecuing, while 44% prefer charcoal grills. The majority (54%) prefer store-bought barbecue sauce over homemade (38%). Potato salad is the most popular barbecue side dish at 27%, followed by corn on the cob at 21% and baked beans at 15%. Steak is the favorite barbecue food for 30% of Americans, followed by chicken at 19% and burgers at 18%.