Can I BBQ in the Winter?
Grilling isn’t just for the summer months! From burgers and brats, to prime rib and steaks, you can continue grilling up delicious meals any time of year. Throw on a warm coat and a hat and let’s get to grilling.
Does cold weather affect grilling?
Yes! During the colder months, you’ll want to preheat your grill a bit longer than you would during the summer. Make sure to give yourself some extra time for preheating.
Cooking time is also affected by cold weather, as the internal temperature of your grill may fluctuate. Make sure you’re checking the temperature of your meat before removing it from the bbq.
Opening and closing your grill, especially when it’s cold out, can also make your cooking time longer. So avoid checking temperatures too often, or even better, use an electronic thermometer like this one that you can check without lifting the hood of your grill.
How to prepare your grill for the winter
Chances are, you grill more in the summertime, so your grill could probably use a good cleaning for the winter.
Fire up your grill and let it run with the lid closed for 15-20 minutes to burn off food remnants. Allow your grill to cool fully before scrubbing down the inside. Using a grill brush, scrub down the grates and sweep out any ashes from below. Once the inside of your grill is clean, season the grates with cooking oil.
Give the outside of your grill a good scrub with soap and water and make sure to keep it covered with a grill cover when it’s not in use.
Tips for grilling in the winter
– Preheat a bit longer before grilling
– Try to keep the lid closed as much as possible
– Move your grill closer to your house (but not too close)
– Wear heat resistant gloves so you can stay warm safely
– If you have a gas grill, make sure you have enough propane – propane burns less efficiently in the cold, so it may take more propane than usual
– Use a wireless or bluetooth thermometer for efficient cooking
– Keep a cover on your grill whenever it’s not in-use