As we head into the winter months, many grill masters put down their spatulas convinced that the season of the grill is complete. But for those willing to brave the cold, there are still many ways to get your fill of barbeque. Here are some tips for grilling during the winter.
Protect Your Investment
One of the biggest things people forget to do each winter is to cover their grills. Leaving your grill exposed to the elements can introduce dirt and bacteria to the cooking surface. Rust is also a worry because you do not want your grill to fall apart. If you are using a gas grill, be sure to check hoses and seals for potential leaks. These can become especially brittle in the cold.
Be Mindful of Time
Because of the obvious temperature drop in winter, you will need to be sure to leave yourself enough time for your grill to warm up before use. You will want to give yourself an extra 15 minutes for your grill to heat up, compared to normal. You should also be sure to have all your grilling necessities, like sauces and brushes, easily accessible to save yourself the time of walking back and forth.
Bundle Up
Being out in the cold, you obviously want to bundle yourself up. While in the summer, a pair of shorts and a t-shirt would suffice, but in the winter this could cause serious health risks. Be sure to wear insulated clothing whenever possible to help seal in warmth. You should also remember that you will need to be out with the food longer because it cooks slower during the winter. Keep this in mind when deciding what to step outside in.
Carefully Consider the Menu
The last of the tips for grilling during the winter that you will want to follow is to consider your menu before grilling. While a full day of smoking pork may have been a fantastic way to waste a summer day, babysitting that same rack will be much more miserable come winter. You should know the differences in cuts of beef and pork so that you aren’t wasting your time. Be sure to pick meats that cook up quickly to avoid unnecessary exposure to the harsh winter elements.