Most grills sit unused during the winter season, packed away in the corner of a garage or covered by tarps and sealants. When it’s 30 below outside, the snow is drifting, and the thought of a juicy steak is driving you to distraction, what can you do?
It is just as easy to have your BBQ steak as it is in the summer time. You just need to take a few extra precautions before getting started.
Gas or Charcoal
Gas grills do best during the winter, especially when the wind is blowing. Charcoal briquettes can be used, but will take longer to heat sufficiently, and therefore take longer to cook with. The coals will likely need stirred often to keep them burning correctly.
Whichever grill type you use, ensure that it is working properly before beginning to cook. When putting the grill away in the fall, take the time to replace any parts that have become worn down or damaged, as well as checking the amount of gas in the tank if you are using a propane grill.
Using Salt
Using salt is important when grilling during the winter months, and not just on your food. Any snow around the grill will melt from the radiant heat, which will then turn to an icy slush. Lay down salt or sand to keep the areas where you will be walking safe, especially between the grill and indoors.
Dress Appropriately
Even though you will be standing by a hot grill, dressing warmly is still important. Be cautious when wearing scarves and gloves to not get them too close to the grill; some materials can easily catch fire.
Wear clothing that is more form-fitting to keep loose clothing from being blown into the fire.
Shelter
Though tempting, avoid grilling inside of a garage or other shelter without proper ventilation, especially when cooking with gas. Oxygen will quickly deplete in closed areas with a fire. Propane is a heavy gas; if there is a leak of any kind in the grill, the propane can pool low to the ground, creating a very dangerous situation. The air can become unbreathable or an explosion may occur.
If the wind is blowing hard when cooking, setting up a windbreaker will help keep the grill hot.
It Takes Longer
If you have only cooked during the warmer months of the year, the colder air temperatures will make grilling during the winter a longer-lasting affair than you might be used to. Avoid checking the food too often; each time the grill is open, a great amount of heat will be lost. Having a good cooking timer on-hand is a good idea to reducing the amount of times the food needs checked.
Depending on the air temperature outside of the grill, some foods, such as beef or pork, can take twice as long to cook properly. If you use sauces, apply them at the very end to keep the sauces from burning.
The Results Are Worth It
It has its difficulties, but with proper planning and precautions, grilling during the winter is a rewarding and tasty experience.
It is just as easy to have your BBQ steak as it is in the summer time. You just need to take a few extra precautions before getting started.
Gas or Charcoal
Gas grills do best during the winter, especially when the wind is blowing. Charcoal briquettes can be used, but will take longer to heat sufficiently, and therefore take longer to cook with. The coals will likely need stirred often to keep them burning correctly.
Whichever grill type you use, ensure that it is working properly before beginning to cook. When putting the grill away in the fall, take the time to replace any parts that have become worn down or damaged, as well as checking the amount of gas in the tank if you are using a propane grill.
Using Salt
Using salt is important when grilling during the winter months, and not just on your food. Any snow around the grill will melt from the radiant heat, which will then turn to an icy slush. Lay down salt or sand to keep the areas where you will be walking safe, especially between the grill and indoors.
Dress Appropriately
Even though you will be standing by a hot grill, dressing warmly is still important. Be cautious when wearing scarves and gloves to not get them too close to the grill; some materials can easily catch fire.
Wear clothing that is more form-fitting to keep loose clothing from being blown into the fire.
Shelter
Though tempting, avoid grilling inside of a garage or other shelter without proper ventilation, especially when cooking with gas. Oxygen will quickly deplete in closed areas with a fire. Propane is a heavy gas; if there is a leak of any kind in the grill, the propane can pool low to the ground, creating a very dangerous situation. The air can become unbreathable or an explosion may occur.
If the wind is blowing hard when cooking, setting up a windbreaker will help keep the grill hot.
It Takes Longer
If you have only cooked during the warmer months of the year, the colder air temperatures will make grilling during the winter a longer-lasting affair than you might be used to. Avoid checking the food too often; each time the grill is open, a great amount of heat will be lost. Having a good cooking timer on-hand is a good idea to reducing the amount of times the food needs checked.
Depending on the air temperature outside of the grill, some foods, such as beef or pork, can take twice as long to cook properly. If you use sauces, apply them at the very end to keep the sauces from burning.
The Results Are Worth It
It has its difficulties, but with proper planning and precautions, grilling during the winter is a rewarding and tasty experience.
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