During the winter months, it’s hard not to dream of warmer temperatures. Find out how to enjoy a bit of summer with your grill during the winter months with these four tips.
1. Keep it Safe
Grilling always comes with some risk, but by taking these safety precautions, you can avoid certain risks that you will encounter when grilling in the winter.
One of the biggest risks for fire is the extra layers of clothing worn to keep warm during winter. It’s a good idea to avoid scarves that are long and clothing items that won’t remain close to your body. Flame’s from the grill can easily ignite loose-hanging clothing.
Winter conditions can be unpredictable, so we recommend equipping the lid handle of your grill with an LED light. The LED light can help reduce the risk of accidents due to insufficient lighting while prepping your favorite grilled meals. Since LED lights are battery-powered, they can also be useful during power outages. Don’t forget to check the floor surface for ice, salt or sand can help you avoid slipping!
One last important safety reminder is to make sure you never store a propane tank in your house or shed! Propane gas is heavier then the air we breathe, which means if there is a leak from your tank it could potentially lead to big trouble!
If you would like more tips on keeping your home safe and prepared for next winter, check out our chimney sweep recommendations here.
2. Plan Ahead
Giving yourself adequate time can be essential when grilling in the winter. Lower temperatures during the winter months will extend your gas grill’s cooking and preheating times. You should also expect to have higher fuel consumption, so make sure you have enough fuel on hand.
Depending on the weather conditions and type of grill you’re using, cooking times can go up to 20 minutes longer than normal. Gas grills take more energy to produce heat and depending on the thickness of the steel on your grill, keep the warmer interior temperature consistent. Fortunately, the faithful charcoal grill isn’t affected by these things as frequently, although you may use more charcoal. Kamado-style grills that use hardwood charcoal work great in the cold – check out our grill page or online store for ideas!
3. Get A Thermometer
Want to grill your food perfectly and save time? Only open the lid occasionally after reaching the desired temperature.
“But how will I know when it’s done?”
When cooking in the winter, make sure to have a thermometer and a timer on hand. There are excellent probe-type cooking thermometers that talk to a remote located inside the cozy house. You can reduce cooking time by using smaller pieces of meat and avoiding windy locations.
When your cooking timer goes off, check the internal temperature or your remote probe temperate, and bon appétit, serve when ready. 
4. Storing Your Grill
When you’re not using your grill, make sure to remove snow and put a cover on. Keeping your grill clear from the moisture and humidity of melted ice can prevent rust from forming. Lastly, make sure you have adequate fuel levels in your tank to prevent the pressure from dropping too low (and to make sure you have enough fuel for your next grilling adventure!).
Now that you know how to keep your winter grilling safe and efficient, check out our selection of grills to really keep you at the top of your grilling game!
