If you want to start using your grill during the winter, this guide can help. Here are winter grilling tips to follow for your next barbeque.

87% of Americans prefer grilling their food over a barbeque, rather than using an oven. However, many people end up only grilling during the summer months, as the way you grill changes when the weather shifts to cold and snowy.

Most of the time, this is because they may not know the extra steps you should be taking. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to enjoy your grill year-round, no matter what the season. Many New Jersey Homeowners like to use their grill year-round afterall.



This is what we are going to discuss today: winter grilling tips. If you want to learn about how to grill during the colder months, stick around, as we have some amazing tips for you. Let's take a look!

Yes, cold weather does affect grilling. While the grilling process itself will be no more different than usual, certain aspects of grilling in the winter are more challenging than summer grilling. Knowing how cold weather affects grilling will make it simpler and more enjoyable.

The following are some of the elements that may be affected by the cold:

Cooking: Cooking time may take longer than you expect, especially if it is cold outside. Always keep an eye on things to avoid letting anything burn or overcook though.

Fuel: The liquid propane will be colder than normal, causing the pressure to lower. This means your grill's temperature will start off low and stay that way throughout the entire cooking process. It also means that more fuel will be used because you'll be cooking for longer times.

Comfort: If you live in a colder climate, it can be tough to grill when you're outside for such long periods of time. The cold wind and snow will become draining, which is why many people choose to only cook inside during the winter.

Heating: The heating process is different, as it takes more time for the grill to heat up. Consider preheating your grill for around fifteen to twenty minutes, depending on the temperature outside. Then, once your grill reaches its optimal temperature, you will need to make sure the grates are clean before placing any food down.

These are the main points to think about and change when you are grilling in the winter.

Weather for grilling can be unpredictable, especially during the winter, but with some tips, you'll be ready for anything so that you can enjoy some mouthwatering BBQ.

Tips for Grilling During Winter

Before you start grilling out in the snow, you'll want to take a few precautions, as well as learn a couple of tips to make things easier on yourself. You now know what the main differences are between winter and summer grilling now, so here are our best winter grilling tips.

1. Cover the Grill

After you are finished grilling, cover your grill. This will help protect the grill from any snow that may enter it, especially when it's windy out. Not covering your grill can lead to damaging the special coating on the grill.



This coating is made to withstand heat and fire. However, it's not made to deal with snowfall every year. You might be thinking that you're going to grill tomorrow and the next day so you don't want to cover it, but you should. It will help your grill last longer.

2. Stock Up on Fuel

Since the fuel will be working harder for longer periods, you want to make sure that you have more on hand. This way you don't run out and end up having to stop in the middle of cooking.



Fuel is also affected by cold weather, causing it to work less efficiently than normal. Having an extra tank on hand will help prolong your grilling sessions and ensure that you don't run out when you're only halfway cooking through your steaks.

So, before you fire up the grill, make sure to check for extra fuel for winter grilling.

3. Use a Timer

Grilling can be difficult, especially if you are hosting a large event or there are many people talking. Make things easier and use a timer so you do not need to keep checking the food every minute like usual.

You can also set a timer on your phone so that you don't need to go out and buy one. Most phones come with a simple timer on their Clock App. 

4. Clean Your Grills (Extra Clean)

You might be thinking, "I already always clean my grill", but you'll want to clean them even more during colder temperatures.

Extra clean your grill once you are finished cooking, every time. If you don't and there are food particles or BBQ sauce still on the grill, the air won't move around as the way it should. Meaning that your food won't food evenly and could extend the length of cooking even more.



Not to mention you don't want that old food getting stuck on your new food. Which can make you sick. 

5. Double Check the Grills Placement

Make sure that you place the grill in a safe spot before starting it up. Once the coals or propane are going, it can be difficult to move a hot grill without having an accident.

Take a quick look around the grill to ensure that it's on an even and flat surface. Then make sure that there is nothing under the legs that could make it move or tip over. Remove any snow build-up around it as well.



You want to ensure that the space for grilling is all clear so that you don't have any accidents.

6. Dress for Success

When grilling out during the winter, you'll need more than just your regular summer attire. Make sure to wear proper clothing and dress warmly when heading out to the grill this winter season.



This also means using some grilling gloves. This will help to keep your fingers warm as well as keep them safe from accidentally getting burned over the fire. You may be an expert, but even an expert griller can have an accident.

7. Keep Your Lid Closed

Another winter grilling tip is to not open the lid as much as you normally would. Opening the lid allows heat to escape from your grill, which will make it take longer for food to cook thoroughly.



This is more important during the winter, as the air is much colder. Meaning if you open the lid, you're letting in all that cold air and then your grill needs to heat the inside back up again.

If you need to check on something or if there are flare-ups, that's alright. Just don't pop the top off and leave it open too long. Using a timer is also a great idea to help reduce the number of times you open the lid up.

8. Move Your Grill Closer

Some people might say, "I grill year-round, I don't want to move it". However, if you are thinking about winter grilling, moving it should be first on your list.

Move your grill closer to the house or garage so that it's accessible when the weather is bad. This can help reduce the amount of snow or rain you'll have to walk through from the house to the grill and back.



Make sure that you are not moving your grill under something such as a covered patio. You don't want to start a fire in your home, so you still want your grill to have a clear overhead.

9. Watch the Weather

Weather can turn on you very quickly during the winter months. Before grilling, it might be a good idea to keep an eye on what's forecasted for your area that day and even that week.



This will help you avoid any nasty weather surprises and also let you know if you need to move your grill closer before it starts snowing.

10. Make Sure You Have Proper Lighting

Grilling after dark shouldn't ever be an issue, as long as you have proper lighting. Light strings are a great way to provide light as well as bring in a nice ambiance, however, there are many other lighting options for a backyard.



Whether you plan on grilling after dark or not, you should be prepared. Meaning you should set up some outdoor lighting regardless. This way, if you get home later than expected and it's already starting to get dark, if you have the lighting already set up, you can still grill.

11. Get Rid of the Snow

Winter Grilling Tips

If winter grilling is something you enjoy or want to start enjoying, then it's important to take the necessary precautions. Ensure that you follow all of our winter grilling tips this season so that you can enjoy your BBQ food all year round!



If you're looking for more grilling tips, make sure to head over to the rest of our blog. We cover everything you'll want to know about grilling!