Winter BBQ Tips: How to Grill Like a Pro in Cold Weather

As the final leaves fall and the darkness lasts longer and longer, cold and snowy days are almost inevitable (depending on where you live). For many, this means packing up the BBQ and setting it aside for the cold months. But what’s nicer than a family dinner with a meal fresh off the grill? Does winter mean I have to shut down my grill and keep it in the garage! Or are there ways to work around the cool temperatures?

The short answer is yes! You can definitely BBQ in the Winter and achieve the same results as during those warm summer days. Although grilling in the cold may seem much less appealing to the masses, BBQing occasionally during the winter months can actually keep your BBQ in good health, making it that much easier to work with when spring rolls around again. 

Before you jump outside and start grilling in the cold, there are some important factors you should be aware of that make grilling in the cold more challenging. If this is your first time grilling in the cold, you should expect to use more gas/propane, wait longer for the BBQ to heat up, and be weary of cold spots around the grill. Cold spots are parts of the grill that receive less heat due to clogs in the burners. A full deep clean can easily take care of hot & cold spots on your grill, but cleaning companies do not operate in the winter!

To prep for a Winter grill session, here are our top five tips:

1. Ensure Good Visibility. Winter-time is infamous for getting dark early and fast. It is very likely that you could start cooking, come back 15 minutes later and have a dark cooking space. To avoid this, many BBQ companies such as Napoleon and Weber offer built-in light options for their BBQs as well as battery powered BBQ handle lights which can serve as great substitutes during the Winter. Having proper lighting around the BBQ is also important. It will allow you to properly see and use your cooking equipment and avoid slipping on any snow or ice.

   
   

2. Check Fuel Levels. As mentioned before, your grill will need more fuel to properly operate during the Winter months. This is because heat is lost more rapidly to the environment, and more heat must be supplied to maintain proper cooking temperatures. If your grill is connected to natural gas, this shouldn’t be a problem. However, if your BBQ uses propane it is important to check and make sure the tank is at least half full before any meal is made. 

   
   

3. Keep Your Grill Covered. Covering your grill is one of the easiest yet most important ways to prevent long term damage to your grill over the winter. Without a cover, your BBQ is exposed to the elements and will begin to rust, deteriorate, and break much faster. A cover prevents moisture and snow from making its way into your grill, and provides a layer of insulation for the Winter. A cover will also protect your grill from critters. If you have a cover, make sure to remove it before ANY heat is added to the BBQ, and allow it ample cooling time before placing the cover back on. 

   
   

4. Cook Close to Home. Having your BBQ close to the house is super helpful in colder months. It means shorter trips to and from the house, less time for food to cool down once done, and generally means better visibility of the cooking area. If possible, we recommend moving your BBQ closer to your home to take advantage of these perks during the Winter. 

5. Dress appropriately. When cooking in the cold it is most important that you are safe and comfortable. Grilling in a T-shirt may be great for the summer, but could easily get you sick in the winter. Heavier, warmer clothes may be necessary especially if you expect to spend 30+ minutes outside. Be cautious though, not all warm clothing is appropriate. Avoid oversized or drapey clothing like scarfs or big coats. These may catch ablaze if they come in contact with the BBQ flame. Instead, try to wear good fitting winter wear that you can move around in unrestricted. 

Winter grilling can be a fun and delicious way to enjoy your BBQ year-round, as long as you’re prepared! From ensuring good visibility to dressing appropriately, these simple steps can make all the difference when braving the cold. Ready to keep your grill sizzling even in snowy weather? Try out these tips and let us know how your winter BBQ adventures go!

Need a deep clean before firing up the grill? Contact us to book a professional BBQ cleaning and make sure your equipment is in tip-top shape for any season!