Who said you need to tuck away your grill during winter? Cold weather calls for hot and hearty meat cuts fresh off the grill!
There are a couple of rules you need to be aware of before firing up the grill in winter, though. Otherwise, the cool weather will completely ruin your grilling experience.
Keep reading to learn how to get signature flavorful meats throughout the winter. Let’s dive in!
1 – Make Sure the Grates Are Clean
Cleaning the grill is crucial for its operation. It ensures the grates don’t rust, and that there’s no leftover food falling into the fuel.
Additionally, the food will be in direct contact with the heat, resulting in richer flavors and even cooking. Since winter makes firing up the grill harder, you need to take extra measures, so that the grill works perfectly.
Your grill will definitely appreciate a good scrub after working tirelessly all summer.
2 – Clear the Snow Before Grilling
If you’re grilling outdoors, maintaining a high enough temperature will be extremely tough. This doesn’t mean you need to sacrifice your indoor area smelling of smoke if you want to grill.
Instead, choose the best weather and location for grilling. Naturally, there shouldn’t be any snow or rain. Clear any snow in your yard before grilling, as it’ll keep the grill’s temperature down.
3 – Crank Up the Heat
It’s crucial to maintain a consistent temperature when grilling. You don’t want the cold winter weather to lower the grill’s temperature, nor do you want to suddenly turn up the heat at the risk of charring the food.
The solution is simple. You should turn the heat slightly higher than you usually would, ideally using the indirect flames. Keep the hood closed throughout grilling to trap as much heat as possible.
4 – Invest in a Grill Thermometer
Even professionals need help estimating the temperature of their grill in unpredictable weather.
Though most grills have a built-in thermometer, you’ll also need a meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature of your food.
This might seem excessive, but it’s the best way to gauge the degree of doneness of your meat, particularly in winter when the grilling time fluctuates.
5 – Preheat the Grill
Preheating the grill is essential if you want delicious and well-cooked meat. However, the cold weather means the grill will take longer to reach a consistent temperature.
To preheat the grill, just turn on all burners and put down the lid until you’re ready to grill.
While you usually need to allow the grill to heat up for about 15 minutes, give it an extra 10 minutes in winter. This ultimately depends on the weather and how hot your grill burns.
6 – Check on Your Fuel
Grills simply don’t burn as efficiently in winter. It takes longer for the grill to heat up, and more fuel to maintain the same temperature.
For this reason, the amount of fuel you’re using—whether you go for gas or coal—won’t do, especially if it’s windy or gets colder suddenly.
You must keep enough spare fuel in a cool, dry space. This way, you’re ready for any weather fluctuations.
7 – Serve Immediately
Grilled meat is best enjoyed sizzling hot! Unfortunately, cold weather will quickly cool any food you’re serving.
So, even if you’re hosting a barbecue for a large group, serve every piece of meat immediately after taking it off the grill. If you prefer to let the meat rest, allowing it to cool for only two minutes will do.
Ben has a bachelor’s degree in construction engineering. When not constructing or remodeling X-Ray Rooms, Cardiovascular Labs, and Pharmacies, you can find him at home with wife and two daughters. Outside of family, He loves grilling and barbequing on his Big Green Egg and Blackstone Griddle, as well as working on projects around the house.
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