When you think of grilling, it's normally associated with hot summer days and barbecuing with friends and family. This stems from the knowledge that summertime is peak grilling season, but it's still very much possible to grill during the cold winter months, and it’s especially easy to do in warmer states like California, Texas, Arizona, and Florida where it doesn't get as cold.
So, when fall rolls around and the cold weather starts to creep in, you don’t need to pack up your apron and spatula. Plenty of grill enthusiasts cook outdoors year-round, even in the coldest winter months, just be sure to take care of your grill during this time. If you plan to grill year-round, you should still prepare your grill for lower temperatures and nasty weather. Read How to Winterize Your Grill to ensure you're properly maintaining your grill in the cold weather.
How to Grill During Wintertime
When it comes to grilling in the cold it’s not as difficult as it may seem, as long as you take proper precautions. To help you with this, we’ve compiled a list of key tips to follow when you decide to fire up your outdoor grill this winter.
Bundle Up
Not only should you prepare yourself with something warm to wear, you should also bundle-up your grill. Although keeping your grill covered year-round is advised to maintain its beauty, this is especially important when it gets cold. You should always keep your grill covered in the winter to keep it protected against the harsh winter weather.
Keep Your Grill Clean
It’s also extremely important to keep your grill clean during the winter. If your grill grates have a lot of build-up, the convection air doesn’t move around inside as quickly. Convection heating is how food cooks on a grill, and if it’s not fully effective, your food will take longer to cook. Foods like chicken breast or steak will dry out quicker the longer they’re on the grill.
Keep Things Hot
Keep an extra propane tank or bag of charcoal near your grill to keep your fire hot. Cold weather will cause your grill to eat up more fuel than usual, and you’ll be surprised by how quickly you burn through it. Natural gas grills may be better when it comes to grilling in the winter, since you won’t have to worry about refueling in the cold.
Also remember to factor in more time than usual to preheat your grill. Because of the cold weather, it may take twice as long to get your grill to temperature. When grilling, try to keep the lid closed as much as possible to avoid the heat from escaping and to keep the cold air out.
Is Year-Round Winter Grilling Right For You?
If you’re not sure if braving the cold temperatures outside during the wintertime is right for you, try shopping our Evo Affinity Series Indoor Gas Grill. This flat top grill provides a unique grilling machine designed for use in your indoor kitchen so that you can bring the pleasures of grilling indoors.