Sometimes you just gotta grill, even in the cold. Grilling in winter may seem challenging, but we see it as an opportunity to enjoy smoky, grilled flavors when you need them most. With a bit of preparation and the right techniques, you can grill like a pro—even when temperatures dip below freezing.
How To Grill In The Cold
Based on our own experiences and some of the advice commonly found shared in grill master communities, here are the best winter grilling tips:
1. Maintain Consistent Heat
2. Use Grill Lights or Headlamps
3. Dress Safely and Warmly
Cold weather can affect your grill's temperature stability. To counter this, allow at least 20 minutes for your grill to warm up properly. You can preheat your grill for an extended period of time and keep as much heat as possible in with the lid closed. Positioning your grill with a wind guard or winter shelter area will also help maintain heat consistently. We also recommend using heat-resistant gloves to protect your hands and proper lighting see your cooking surface and food clearly.
Adjust Your Grilling Techniques for Winter
Cold temperatures affect grilling in several ways. Grill thermometers can be inaccurate in extreme temperatures—an external one can be more reliable. Grills also burn fuel faster in cold weather, so it is smart to plan ahead for longer cooking times. But there are ways to help keep the heat under control.
Clean and Oil Your Grill: Cold weather can make food stick more. Start with clean grates and apply a thin layer of oil to prevent sticking.
Use the Lid Strategically: Keep the lid closed as much as possible to prevent heat loss and maintain consistent temperatures.
Combine Direct and Indirect Heat: Sear over direct heat, then finish cooking over indirect heat to ensure even results without overcooking.
Use a Meat Thermometer: Guesswork doesn’t work well in winter. A digital thermometer ensures your food reaches the right doneness.
Choose Winter-Friendly Grilling Meats and Food Options
Certain foods lend themselves better to winter grilling. Hearty proteins like thick fresh cut steaks, pork chops, or ribs retain heat well and grill beautifully. Shrimp skewers or salmon fillets cook quickly, so you can spend less time outdoors and don't have to worry as much about fuel burning faster. Winter is also the perfect season for bold flavors like smoky paprika or spicy chili rubs. Try pairing your favorite winter grilling protein with a new flavorful marinade or seasoning from our selection of premium sauces, spices, and batters.
Try These Winter Grilling Recipes
Need some inspiration? We have some great recipes that are perfect for the cold-weather grill master:
• Smoked BBQ Ribs: Perfectly tender with a tangy rub.
• Grilled Lobster Tails: Drizzled with garlic butter for a decadent treat.
• Simple Rosemary Lemon Grilled Swordfish: Buttery soft and paired well with grilled veggies.
• Maple-Glazed Pork Tenderloin: Sweet, smoky, and satisfying.
Grilling Maintenance in Winter
Winter conditions can be tough on grills, but a little time goes a long way. After a successful winter grilling session, don’t forget to let your grill cool completely before cleaning away snow, grease, or food debris. Use a weather-resistant cover to protect your grill from harsh winter elements. But remember that you should always look for rust, cracks, or wear before lighting your grill and replace damaged parts to avoid mid-grilling mishaps.
Winter grilling is one way to embrace the season while still enjoying your favorite grilled flavors from Wholey's. With all of these winter grilling tips, you can turn any chilly day into an opportunity to create something delicious. Fire up your grill, stay warm, and enjoy more good food!