For most of us, Labor Day marks the unofficial end of the barbecue season. For others—true grill enthusiasts—the calendar means very little. Indeed, with proper planning and techniques, you can enjoy mouth-watering, smoky BBQ any time of the year, regardless of the temperature. Here’s how you ensure your cold-weather grilling comes off right and is just as fun as those summertime cookouts.
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Choosing the Right Grill
First off, if you’re going to do a cold-weather BBQ, you want to make sure you have the right equipment. No doubt gas grills are pretty convenient, but they will often struggle in cold weather to hold high temperatures. On the other hand, a charcoal grill might often deal with the cold better since it is less affected by ambient temperatures. The thick metal construction of most charcoal grills also helps retain heat.
If you are a fan of gas grills, then switch to one having higher BTU output because they are capable of withstanding the cold. Also, ensure there is a nice seal on the lid to provide minimal heat loss. For both types of grills, charcoal or gas, insulation blankets or covers specifically made for grills work well to retain the proper heat.
Plan Ahead and Allow Extra Time
Grilling in cold weather does take a little more planning and patience. It’s no doubt going to take a little longer to reach your cooking temperature when it’s cold outside, and your food is probably going to take a bit longer to cook. Fire up the grill just a little earlier than normal and give yourself a little extra time to allow it to get hot. Keep an eye on the temperature with a grill thermometer. Let the grill get nice and hot before you throw any food onto it.
Also, when cooking, resist the urge to lift the lid too often while it’s cooking. This lets all of the precious heat out. Trust your thermometer, and with as minimal disturbance as possible, allow for the magic to occur inside the grill.
Dress Appropriately
Grilling in cold weather means you are going to be out there for a while, so dress warmly. Put on insulated clothing; include a hat and gloves. Dress carefully for grilling, however, since what you wear must be safe. Avoid loose sleeves or other clothing, like scarves, that may catch on fire or get in the way of cooking.
Specialized grilling gloves can be a worthy investment in cold-weather BBQing. They’ll give you the warmth that you need but still offer you the dexterity to take care of tools and food.
Modify Your Grilling Techniques
Direct grilling does not work well in cold weather, as the temperature at the surface will drop very fast when cooking thicker pieces of meat. Instead, focus on indirect grilling techniques that are more forgiving and allow for better temperature control. Move your coals or burners off to the side, then place your food on the opposite side and let the indirect heat cook it evenly.
You can also use a two-zone fire setup, where one side is hot for searing and the other side is cooler for slow cooking. Using this method, you can start out searing on the hot side and finish up by moving it over to the cool side for completion of cooking—a great strategy during colder weather.
Consider The Wind
Wind, if not controlled, will be one of your largest issues when grilling in cold weather. This will create uneven cooking temperatures and make it hard to hold a steady heat. Here, position your grill in a somewhat sheltered area away from direct wind. If possible, use natural barriers like walls or big hedges, or consider setting up a temporary windbreak with plywood or other stuff. Just make sure to keep any barriers far enough away from the grill to avoid fire hazards.
Keep Your Fuel Supply in Check
Cold weather grilling often requires more fuel than warm weather grilling because your grill has to work harder to maintain the desired temperature. Make sure you have plenty of charcoal or propane on hand before you start. For charcoal grills, you may want to utilize a chimney starter to get your coals scorching hot prior to dumping them in the grill. For gas grills, have a backup propane tank ready for duty, as the low temps will make propane contract, which then creates less pressure, ultimately shortening the cook times.
Safety First
Though safety is always first when it comes to grilling, this is of especial consideration during the cold weather. Slippery surfaces, wind blowing more than usual, and heavy clothing set up the perfect storm for accidents. Ensure to keep bbq cleaning so the equipment does not wear down. Make sure you’re well-lit in your grilling area, that it is obstacle-free, and that snow and ice are shoveled out of the way. If needed, have a fire extinguisher handy.
Never use your grill in enclosed spaces, such as garages or under low overhangs, where potentially fatal concentrations of carbon monoxide may accumulate. Always grill in a well-ventilated area.
Get On Board with Those Cold Weather Flavors
One good thing about cold weather BBQing is the chance to finally try new flavors and techniques out. Seasonal ingredients one might not have gotten to so far could be experimented with: root vegetables, winter squash, even chestnuts—to see which of them one can bring into one’s grilled menu. Hearty marinades and spice rubs that complement the smoky flavors of grilled meats are also a great way to upgrade your winter BBQ experience.
Enjoy It
Finally, remember that cold-weather grilling is supposed to be enjoyable. Have fun with the challenge, enjoy the fresh air, and take pride in the great meals you put together. A bit of preparation and the right attitude can turn cold-weather BBQing into a culinary adventure any time of the year.
With these tips, you will be well-equipped to take on the challenges of cold-weather grilling and enjoy great-tasting BBQ no matter what time of year it is. Fire up that grill, bundle up, and extend flavors from outdoor cooking all year long!