Winter Grilling Tips: How to Grill in Cold Weather

Grilling is not just a summer thing. You can grill all winter long and get the same bold, smoky flavor you love in July. Cold air just means your grill works harder, so you need a little more fuel, a little more time, and a few smart habits. Here are the winter grilling tips that keep the fire going when it is cold out.

Does cold weather affect grilling?

Yes. Cold air and wind pull heat away from your grill, so it takes longer to warm up and burns through fuel faster. Your food can also cook slower. None of this stops you from grilling. You just plan for it.

Winter grilling tips that work

1. Preheat longer. Give the grill an extra 10 to 15 minutes to reach cooking heat. Do not rush it.
2. Keep the lid closed. Every time you lift the lid, heat escapes and the grill has to recover. In winter, that recovery takes longer, so peek less.
3. Use more fuel. Keep a full propane tank or extra charcoal on hand. Cold burns through fuel faster, and a half-empty tank can struggle in the cold.
4. Block the wind. Wind is worse than cold. Set up near a wall or fence, but keep the grill at least a few feet from anything that can catch fire.
5. Clear a safe path. Shovel the snow and clear ice so you are not slipping with a plate of hot food.
6. Use a thermometer. You cannot judge cook time by feel in the cold, so trust the temp, not the clock.

Keep your food hot

Food cools off fast in cold air. Have your plates and sides ready before the meat comes off. Carry it inside right away, and serve on warm plates if you can. A quick trip from grill to table keeps everything hot and juicy.

Best foods to grill in winter

Pick foods that cook fast so you spend less time in the cold. Burgers, steaks, chops, and chicken thighs are all great. For a cozy winter cookout, season everything with Dad Spice The Classic and keep the menu simple.

• Burgers, which cook in minutes
• Steaks, hot and fast over direct heat
• Chicken thighs, which stay juicy
• Brats and sausages

Stay safe and warm

• Never grill indoors or in a garage. Grills give off carbon monoxide. Always cook outside in the open air, even when it is freezing.
• Dress for it. Wear a close-fitting jacket and avoid loose sleeves near the flame. Skip the scarf that could dangle into the fire.
• Use good lighting. It gets dark early in winter, so set up a light so you can see your food and your footing.

Winter grilling is worth it

A hot, smoky meal tastes even better on a cold night. With a full tank, a closed lid, and a little patience, your grill is a year-round tool. Not sure what to make? Let the What Should I Grill quiz pick your dinner, then head out and fire it up.