Tips for Grilling In Cold Weather

Just because it's winter, everyone knows that here that doesn't mean the grilling stops. Put on some pants and lets go outside and grill something!

Unlike up North, we don't have to shovel a path to get to grill, but there are some issues that the cold might cause if you are trying to get things up to temperature. During the 3 normal grilling seasons here, I usually grill about 2-4 times a week. But when it's almost freezing out, I usually limit it to about once a week.

I don't have the greatest grill so heating things up is a bit of a challenge. I usually turn my grill all the way up, and preheat it for at least 10 minutes in the summer to get the grill hot enough to get things going. In the winter you can pretty much double that time. Even then it might be a good idea to dust out the meat thermometer.

You will go through more propane, but you can get things done. I usually just time my steaks, a little over 2min per side, 6min total for about an inch and a half steak. I tried this weekend to go a little more than that, and it wasn't necessary. Just more pre-heat time and they should be fine next time.

Here are some more hints for Winter Grillin'!:

1. Dress the part: You know you may be outside for a while at times, so be prepared, but be careful of any scarves or loose clothing, it may catch fire!
2. Position the grill: The wind can really whip in the winter, so keep those flames at bay away from your house or garage. And of course make sure you are outside in a well ventilated area.
3. Do a safety check: Check the burners and tubes to make sure they are not clogged and that the gas flame is blue not orange….that could mean you have a clog somewhere.
4. Block The Wind: If you have an outside area that can cover you on more sides like a fence or wall of the house from the wind, you will get it up to temperature faster. But stay with it at all times to make sure it doesn't get out of control.