By Steiners

How to Enjoy Grilling in Winter!

Feb 25, 2022 | 3:00 PM

Barbecuing isn’t just for the lazy days of summer. With the right equipment and the right approach, you can enjoy the unique and mouthwatering flavour of grilled foods year-round. Yes, even in the winter! And it just might help you feel like summer is on its way!

First off, if you want success with winter grilling, you will want a quality BBQ that can heat up to a high temperature and maintain that temperature even in the cold. Look for high-quality burners – a minimum of three and preferably stainless steel with at least a couple of rows of flame on each burner—to create even heat distribution. You’ll also want a solid oven with a heavier-weight construction and enough depth to hold the heat even when it’s frosty outside. Having lights also helps when you are out there in the dark.

Here a few tips to follow for success with your winter grilling!

· Always pre-heat your barbecue and allow for more time than you would on a warmer day. Pre-heat to 400º f – 450º f at minimum and adjust the temperature from there. Remember, if food doesn’t sizzle when you put it on the grill, your barbecue is not hot enough.

· If you are grilling with charcoal, include more charcoal for increased pre-heating time and extra heat while grilling.

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· Cooking times may change with extreme cold; always use an instant read thermometer to ensure that foods are cooked thoroughly.

· Grill with the lid down – heat loss on a cold day is significantly greater than a warm summer day – keeping your barbecue at a consistent temperature will be very difficult with the lid open.

· When grilling on a windy day, try to reduce your exposure to the wind – if grilling at lower temperatures, keep an eye on your barbecue to ensure that it does not blow out. If you do need to move your barbecue out of the wind, keep minimum clearances in mind to avoid damaging your deck or home.

· Be sure to dress for the weather! You probably wont’ have much fun out there if you’re wearing shorts and flip flops!

· Never use your barbecue indoors, in your garage, or in an enclosed area. Carbon Monoxide accumulation, accidental fire damage, and smoke damage are all possible – it’s not worth the risk.

HOT TIP: Not sure how much propane you have left? An easy way to check is to remove the tank from your grill and pour some hot tap water over the side of the tank. Feel the side of the tank, it will be significantly cooler at the level where the propane begins. This will give you an idea how much fuel you have.