Get Ready for Winter Grilling

No need to stick to the indoor oven and stove when preparing your winter meals. This winter, get ready for some winter grilling! That’s right, whether or not you have outdoor kitchen equipment, grilling in cold weather is not only possible, it’s enjoyable. So as you get out there and break out your snow shovels, put on your winter gear and dig out after a big storm, don’t forget to dust off your grill!

Winter Grilling Tips

Grilling isn’t just a summer thing—it’s a year-round event. Winter grilling should become a ritual once you learn to love to bundle up and fire it up. In fact, according to the latest GrillWatch™ survey, tons of people share a passion for winter grilling. More than half of American grill owners with or without outdoor kitchens grill all year round. Plus, a staggering 37 percent keep on grilling when the temperatures dip below freezing. Now, that’s hot!
So, how can you get it right grilling in the winter? Check out the top five tips for the best of winter grilling.

1. Bundle up. Your grill may be warm, but the air is not. Even if you live in the depths of Alaska and love the cold, be sure to wear your best winter weather clothing when grilling in cold weather.  And while they may be part of your normal attire, don’t wear scarves, hats with tassels or other items that can come in contact with the fire.
2. Shovel a path. Another one of the best grilling tips is to shovel a path to your grill and/or outdoor kitchen equipment, as well as an ample area of space around it. Especially remember to remove snow and ice from the grill before igniting it.  It’ll be hard enough to light the grill in the cold weather, and snow will just make it more difficult. You’ll find that pre-heating can take up to twice the time when grilling in winter, so be prepared.
3. Use more briquettes. Gas grillers have it a bit easier when it comes to winter grilling, but if you typically use charcoal, prepare to use extra briquettes. Grilling in cold weather may require more cooking time or you may find you need a bit more fuel to reach the right temperature. To control the temperature inside the grill, remember to tilt it at a 90-degree angle to the wind. And keep the lid closed to shorten your cooking time.
4. Use a meat thermometer. Even if you’ve created one of the coziest, warmest outdoor kitchens, the cold weather may cause your grilling time to increase. In frigid temperatures and extreme winds, you’ll need to have some more patience when grilling in winter and it’s always a good grilling tip to use a meat thermometer to ensure your meat is cooked properly.
5. Stay outside. While you may be tempted to bring your grill into the warmth of your garage during cold weather, this is an extreme danger hazard. Regardless of the weather, No matter the weather, never grill inside or even under an overhang. Grilling safely is always a must whether you’re grilling in cold weather or on the sunniest summer day.