Tips for Grilling in Winter with GRIPmitt

January 19, 2024

Are you a BBQ enthusiast who doesn’t want to give up on grilling even when it’s freezing outside? Check these tips from GRIPmitt to help you make the most of your winter grilling sessions!

1. Prepare your grill station

Summer or winter, it all starts with prepping your BBQ station and choosing the right grill. If you want to grill all year long, even in winter, opt for a gas grill that provides more consistent heat in cold weather. We also recommend placing your grill in a sheltered area to minimize exposure to wind and snow. On a gusty day, position your grill at a 90-degree angle to the wind so the flames don’t blow out. And remember – grilling safely should always be your policy. So never grill inside your garage or closed in porch and set up your grill station at least 10 feet away or more from all flammable materials.

2. Prepare an extra propane tank or bag of charcoal

Once your grill station is ready for your grilling session, check the propane levels and prepare an extra propane tank or an extra bag of charcoal before starting to grill. In cold weather, you are going to use more fuel than in warmer month. You don’t have to be afraid to store your extra propane tank during the cold winter because low or freezing temperatures aren’t dangerous for propane. But don’t forget that the snow or rain can cause rusting on the actual tank. If you’d like to reduce fuel costs, you should increase the insulation of your grill.

3. Preheat your grill in advance

Plan your grilling session accurately. You will need to give your grill more time to warm up. Depending on the temperature, the preheating can take twice as long in winter. Does your grill normally preheat in 15 minutes? In cold weather, it will most likely take around 30 minutes. If you’re using a charcoal grill, you might want to consider using a chimney starter to preheat your coals before adding them to the grill.

4. Choose the right accessory for your comfort

This might be very obvious – dress appropriately when planning a winter grill session and don’t forget that winter gloves don’t protect your hands against the heat. So while turning pieces of meat, use your favorite GRIPmitt, multi-purpose kitchen mitt that was designed to work naturally in your hands while improving your grilling skills and hygiene.

5. Pick Winter-friendly recipes and keep it simple

We recommend picking the cut of meats that require longer grilling time so you don’t have to stand outside in freezing cold to flip the meat. Also stick with simple recipes that don’t require too many steps or frequent flipping or basting and consider using fresh and seasonal fruit and veggies such as beets, cauliflower, broccoli or sweet potatoes!

6. Try not to open the lid

You’re adding minutes of grilling time when you constantly open the lid, especially in cold weather. Are you asking how you will know when it’s done? Consider investing in a grilling thermometer – there are countless options. We recommend using a wireless one so you can check the temperature without the need to open the lid which is especially helpful when the air is cold. As soon as your food is ready, cover it and take it into the house so the food stays hot.

Winter grilling can be a fun experience with a bit of preparation. The basic is to adjust your grill station and your recipe to cold weather and don't forget about your loyal sous-chef that will stick with you in every condition – GRIPmitt. Embrace the cold and savor the delicious flavors of grilled food, even in winter months!

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