Cold Weather Grilling Tips

If you’re like us, we love to grill! Why?

It’s the thrill of cooking outside, and the terrific flavor grilling gives to food. Plus, the easy cleanup is a bonus.

Grill ownership is at an all-time high, with more than 70% of grill owners cooking through the summer. Yet, what happens when the cold weather hits? Do you have to stop grilling?

Here are our cold weather grilling tips:

Dress warmly. Even though you’re standing next to a warm grill, bundle up.
Avoid scarves or other clothing items that might get caught in your grill.
Before you start grilling, make sure the path to your grill is clear. That means getting rid of snow from your house to the grill.
Make a plan. In really cold weather, it’ll take extra time for your grill to preheat. Plan for this so your dinner is on the table at the right time. Plan on about 15 to 20 minutes for preheating rather than the warmer weather rule of thumb of 10 minutes.
Keep extra wood on hand – you’ll probably burn more.
Really quick cooking or really slow cooking dishes work best on super cold days.
Try not to open the lid as much so you can control the temperature.
To help keep the temperature inside your grill consistent, position your grill at a 90° angle from the wind. At the very least, position your grill so it’s sheltered some from the wind.
Never, ever grill inside. Always stay at least five-six feet away from your house or building structure.
Keep a warm pan nearby to slip your finished meal in so it stays warm on the way inside.

Final Thoughts

With more than 50% of Americans grilling year round, we wonder, how many of you like to grill right on through the fall and winter seasons in Arkansas?

We encourage you to keep right on grilling through the winter. Use this cold weather grilling tips to extend your season!

What are you waiting for? Let’s get grilling!