Introduction
Winter doesn’t mean you have to pack away the grill. In fact, some of the most memorable barbecues happen when there’s snow on the ground. I learned this firsthand one January in Michigan. The snow was falling and the temperature barely hit 20°F. I still fired up my charcoal grill for some steaks. My neighbors thought I was crazy at first for winter grilling. But the aroma of sizzling meat in the crisp air soon had them smiling and wandering over for a taste.
Grilling in cold weather has its challenges, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. You don’t have to be a daredevil to barbecue in winter; you just need the right tips and mindset. In this guide, we’ll share how beginners and intermediate grillers can confidently cook outdoors. Even when it’s freezing outside, you can turn out delicious grilled meals. From safety precautions to cooking tricks, these winter grilling tips will help you enjoy great BBQ year-round. Bundle up, grab your tongs, and let’s embrace the sizzle of winter grilling!
Embrace the Chill: Why Grill in Winter
Grilling isn’t just a summer sport. Many grill enthusiasts (myself included) actually love grilling in winter. In fact, surveys show that a majority of American grill owners keep grilling year-round. They don’t let a little snow stop them from cooking outdoors. There’s something special about the contrast of a hot grill against the frosty air. Your senses come alive with the smell of charcoal and wood smoke swirling through cold, crisp air. Plus, food just tastes amazing when you’ve cooked it over fire, no matter the season.
Winter grilling also breaks up the monotony of the cold months. Instead of being cooped up inside, you get to step out and do something fun. It turns a dreary winter evening into a mini adventure. Imagine biting into a juicy burger or smoky BBQ ribs while snowflakes drift down. That’s a simple pleasure you don’t get from stovetop cooking. By embracing the chill, you’ll find that winter barbecues can be as enjoyable as summer cookouts. And they come with a fraction of the bugs!
Safety First: Preparing for Winter Grilling
Grilling in winter requires a bit of prep work to keep things safe and comfortable. Before you spark up the grill, make sure your cooking area and gear are winter-ready. Here are some essential cold-weather grilling prep tips:
- Dress for the weather (but safely): Bundle up in a warm coat, hat, and gloves, but avoid dangling scarves or loose sleeves. Wear insulated gloves made for grilling, not just regular winter gloves. That way your hands stay warm and protected from the heat.
- Clear a path to the grill: Snow and ice are the enemy of a stable footing. Shovel any snow and sprinkle salt or sand if needed. Create a non-slip path from your door to the grill. Also clear snow off and around the grill itself so you have room to work.
- Check your grill and gear: If it’s been sitting outside, brush off any snow or ice. Make sure vents aren’t clogged by ice. If you use a gas grill, inspect the hose for cracks and ensure connections are tight. For charcoal grills, make sure the grill grate and bottom vents are clean and dry.
- Position the grill wisely: Place your grill in a spot that’s sheltered from wind if possible. But never bring it into an enclosed space like a garage or porch. Keep it at least 10 feet away from your house or any flammable materials. This prevents accidental fire hazards and keeps smoke out of the house.
- Light up your workspace: Winter days are short. If you’re grilling at dusk or after dark, set up a light so you can see clearly. You can use a motion-activated outdoor light, a work lamp, or even a headlamp. Make sure the grill and your path are well-lit. Good lighting prevents accidents and ensures you can monitor your food properly. After all, no one wants to guess if the meat is done in the dark.
- Stock up on fuel: Cold weather cooking can use up more fuel. Propane grills may take longer to heat, and charcoal briquettes burn faster in the cold and wind. Have an extra propane tank or an extra bag of charcoal on hand. That way you don’t run out mid-cook. Running out of fuel with half-cooked chicken on the grates is not fun. I’ve been there, and trust me, it’s worth having backup.
- Ignite carefully: If you’re using charcoal, a chimney starter can be a lifesaver in winter. It lights coals more efficiently without needing much lighter fluid. Starter fluid doesn’t work well in very cold temperatures anyway. For gas grills, open the lid when lighting to prevent gas buildup, especially if it’s windy. A strong wind can sometimes snuff out the flame as you start the grill. Be cautious and make sure the burner actually stays lit.
Grilling Techniques for Cold Weather
Once your area is prepped and you’re geared up, it’s time to cook. Grilling in cold weather isn’t hard, but you may need to tweak your usual cooking approach. Keep these pointers in mind when BBQing on a chilly day:
- Preheat longer than usual: Give your grill extra time to get up to temperature. A grill that might preheat in 10 minutes in summer could take 20 minutes in winter. Be patient and let it heat fully before throwing on your food. This ensures you get a good sear instead of a slow, weak sizzle.
- Keep the lid closed: Every time you open the grill, heat escapes quickly into the cold air. Try to peek or flip food efficiently and keep that lid down as much as possible. Consistent heat means your food will cook more evenly and faster.
- Use a thermometer: Invest in a good meat thermometer, ideally one with a remote probe. This way you can check the internal temperature without opening the lid often. You’ll know exactly when your steak or chicken reaches the right temp. You won’t have to guess or cut into the meat to check doneness.
- Adjust cooking times: Expect everything to take a bit longer to cook through. If a steak usually takes 8 minutes, it might need 10 in the cold. Start checking internal temperatures earlier than normal, but plan for a longer cook just in case. It helps to pick slightly thinner cuts of meat or cut veggies smaller. Smaller pieces will cook a bit quicker in winter conditions.
- Manage wind and airflow: Wind can cool your grill or even blow out a gas flame. If it’s breezy, face the grill away from the wind. You can also shield it safely with a windbreak, like a piece of plywood set a short distance away. For charcoal grills, keep the vents open to maintain airflow. You might need to open the bottom vents more than usual to keep the fire hot. If using gas and the flame goes out, turn off the gas immediately. Wait a few minutes before re-lighting to let any gas dissipate.
- Cook in batches or smaller portions: Winter might not be the best time for a massive cookout that keeps you outside for hours. It’s okay to cook in smaller batches. Grill what you need, then come back out for round two if needed. It’s better than loading 20 burgers at once and tending the grill for an extended period. Quick-cooking items like burgers, hot dogs, kebabs, or thin-cut steaks are perfect for winter grilling. They’ll be done before you get too cold.
- Warm your serving platter: When you bring that perfectly grilled food inside, you want it to stay hot. Consider warming your platter or an empty baking sheet in the oven on low while you cook. Then transfer your grilled food onto the warm dish and cover it with foil. This way, a cold plate won’t steal the heat from your meal. Your food stays nice and hot until you dig in.
- Keep a hot drink handy: This isn’t exactly a cooking technique, but it sure makes the process nicer. Sip some hot coffee, cocoa, or tea (or even a warm spiced cider) while you grill. It keeps you warm and makes the wait more enjoyable. You’ll be surprised how much a warm mug helps. It makes standing out in the cold tending the grill much more pleasant.
Enjoy the Experience of Winter Grilling
Finally, remember that grilling is supposed to be fun – even in winter! Don’t treat it like a chore; think of it as a quirky outdoor adventure. Get the family or friends involved if you can. Maybe someone can hold an umbrella if it’s snowing hard. You could also take turns tending the fire and warming up inside. Share a laugh about how bundled up you all are. Turn on some music—holiday tunes, anyone?—to set a festive mood on the patio. It’s time for some winter grilling.
Winter grilling can create great memories. There’s a unique camaraderie in sharing smoky, delicious food while braving the cold together. My family has a tradition: we grill on the first snowfall of the year. We even call it our “snow-BBQ”. It started as a joke, but now it’s something we look forward to as winter approaches. With the right mindset, you might find you enjoy these cold-weather cookouts even more than the summer ones. So fire up that grill and make the most of the season!
Grilling can be dangerous. Always follow proper food safety guidelines when handling and cooking meat. Use a meat thermometer to ensure safe internal temperatures, wash hands and surfaces thoroughly, and avoid cross-contamination.
Some posts may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no cost to you.