If the weather outside is awful, there’s no reason the barbecue can’t be… well, yes. You know.
In fact, there’s something exhilarating about braving the elements to deliver a delicious, juicy meal fresh off the grill to those (weaker) friends and family who chose to stay indoors during inclement weather. Today’s grills know no limits when it comes to lighting up the grill. Check out the “5 Top Tips for Grilling in Cold Weather” below to get the most out of your grill during these cold winter months.
Tip #1: Give the grill more time to heat up… Cold temperatures affect standard gas and charcoal grills, so you’ll need to allow at least an additional 10 minutes of preheat time. Some grills, like the Saber line with its infrared system, don’t need additional preheat time, except in extreme temperatures, minus 10 degrees or more.
Tip #2: Select meats with shorter cooking times. It’s 38 degrees outside; now is not the time to recreate your dad’s all day smoked ribs. Think fish or brats or skinny burgers and flank steaks. Unless, of course, you love cold, in which case go ahead and throw in a couple of thick, juicy steaks.
Tip #3: Grill everything. If you’re going to fire up the grill in the snow, make it count. Don’t settle for just sliding a couple of burgers on the grill. You’re already in the mix, so add some bell peppers and onions, maybe a portabella mushroom, or some bacon. Grilled romaine lettuce? Yes please. And don’t forget that cold, lonely little bun. Toss that baby on the grill with a little butter and toast it.
Tip #4: Grill with the lid closed. I don’t care how good your infrared system is, it still won’t keep a pork chop dry if it’s sleeting. If it is snowing, raining, or sleeting (or if temperatures are below freezing), close the lid. Please note that closing the lid of any grill will reduce cooking time by compensating for ambient temperature.
Tip #5: Seek shelter. There is no point in standing outside in the wind and rain just to watch the meat cook. Put the food on the grill, bring your timer inside, and only come out when it’s time to flip the meat or bring it in. And while you’re protecting yourself, protect your grill from the elements, if possible. At a minimum, position it 90 degrees from the wind for optimal performance. And protect your investment by always keeping your grill covered when not in use.
Finally, less of a tip than a precaution, never grill indoors, even in your garage, no matter what the weather. But don’t let a little snow and cold stop you. There’s something about having to work a little hard to make your food taste that much better.