EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Urban grilling often presents a challenge when it comes to cleaning barbecue grates. Traditional methods like burning out the grill or using chemical cleaners have limitations. Burning out the grill creates smoke pollution, disturbing neighbors and raising environmental concerns. Chemical cleaners, while effective, can leave harmful residues on the grates and pose health risks. The BBQleaner was developed to address these limitations, offering a clean and convenient solution for urban grillers.

Goal

The BBQleaner aims to provide a clean and convenient solution for urban grillers to remove burnt-on residues from their grates. This promotes healthier grilling practices by eliminating the potential health risks associated with leftover residues from traditional cleaning methods. The compact, space-saving design makes it ideal for balconies and small spaces.

Methodology

To understand the needs of our target market and validate our assumptions, we conducted customer surveys. These surveys explored customer pain points and preferences related to grill cleaning. Additionally, a competitor analysis was performed to identify the strengths and weaknesses of existing grill cleaning solutions. Finally, a proof-of-concept prototype was created to test the core concept of the BBQleaner. The prototype confirmed the effectiveness of soaking grates in a cleaning solution for easy scrubbing.

Results

The BBQleaner is designed and manufactured with cost-effectiveness in mind (around €31.16 per unit). Customer surveys revealed a strong market demand, with over 70% of respondents, particularly urban balcony grillers, expressing a willingness to invest in a product that simplifies cleaning. These surveys also confirmed the need for a faster cleaning solution, with most respondents spending significant time cleaning their grates frequently. Market research indicates a significant niche for the BBQleaner, with an expected market coverage of 8,000 customers in the first two years (Austria alone). Finally, customer surveys and research suggest a growing preference for eco-friendly cleaning methods, which aligns perfectly with the BBQleaner's water-based approach.

Cooperation Partner

• BBQleaner

Contact Person

• tom.frederic.treichel@s.wu.ac.at

Student Team

• Matthias Grabner

• Jakob Adler

• Tom Treichel

• Samuel Einspieler

• Paul Neumann

• Philipp Linsbichler

Project Manager

• Caroline Kunesch

• Thomas Pannermayr

• Dragos-Cristian Vasilescu