The weather outside might be frightful, but that doesn’t have to stop you from firing up the grill. Here are some quick tips for cold weather cooking, courtesy of the world’s largest BBQ, grilling, and griddling website, AmazingRibs.com!
1. Don’t Believe The Hype
Many people believe that gas will not flow at low temperatures. Not true. Propane is in liquid form in the tank, and it must boil to become a gas. The boiling point of propane is -44°F, so you should have no problem getting gas to flow – unless you live in Siberia.
2. Bring The Heat
Be sure to preheat your grill a little longer than you would in warm weather. You may waste some energy getting your grill up to temperature, but it's necessary when it's cold outside. By keeping an extra tank on hand, you'll be able to swap out an empty tank when you need to and keep the internal temperature of the grill where it needs to be. You won't miss a beat!
3. Put A Lid On It
We’ve all heard the old adage, “If you’re looking, you’re not cooking.” While AmazingRibs.com has proven here that opening the grill lid actually has little effect on your grill’s internal temperature during warm months, it does have a notable impact during the winter. The best way to keep temperatures up when grilling in the cold is to keep the lid closed as much as possible. If there is room, add a few bricks to the cooking chamber to absorb energy and keep the heat consistent.
4. Break The Wind
Place your grill where it won’t get hit by the cold wind and snow. Avoid placing it near vinyl siding which can melt or under a low-hanging eaves which can catch fire. Also, NEVER use a grill inside of your home or in a garage. Carbon monoxide, which is an odorless, colorless gas, can build up and become potentially dangerous or even deadly.
5. Working Remotely
A quality multi-probe remote thermometer that talks to your smartphone or a remote module allows you to stay indoors while still keeping a close eye on your cooker, its temperature, and your food. Never leave your grill unattended, as flare-ups can happen quickly and unexpectedly.
6. Patience Is A Virtue
Cooler temperatures mean that food will take longer to cook. Allow a little extra time when planning meals.
7. Dress The Part
Winter is not the time to be heading out to the grill in your bathrobe and slippers. Dress in layers to stay warm, but avoid wearing loose articles of clothing like scarves, which could catch fire.<
8. Cars Can Wait
The grill is always the first thing that gets shoveled out after any snowfall.
About AmazingRibs.com
Founded by BBQ Hall of Famer, Meathead, AmazingRibs.com is the largest and most popular BBQ, grilling, and griddling website with more than 2,000 free pages with tested recipes, product reviews, science, techniques, and mythbusting. Our Pitmaster Club is a lively community with more than 15,000 paid members, making it the largest BBQ association in the world.