How to Grill in The Winter: 6 Tips to Get You Through the Coldest Months

As the winter chill sets in, many backyard chefs pack away their grills, bidding farewell to the sizzle of summer. But for the true grill enthusiast, the cold weather is another exciting challenge to conquer. With the right preparation and techniques, winter grilling can be a rewarding and delicious experience that keeps the flame of outdoor cooking alive all year round.

As you master the art of cold-weather grilling, you'll discover new favourite recipes and techniques that work best in winter conditions. From hearty stews to perfectly seared steaks, your culinary repertoire will expand, and you'll impress family and friends with your year-round grilling prowess.

Let’s get started.

Article summary

1. Preparing your grill in the winter
2. Winter grilling tips
3. Winter grilling safety
4. Optimizing your winter grilling experience
5. Frequently asked questions about winter grilling

Preparing to grill in the winter

As winter approaches, preparing your grill and grilling area for the colder months ahead is essential, whether you continue grilling or store it until spring. Proper winterization can extend your grill's lifespan and ensure it's ready for action when warmer weather returns.

To start, thoroughly clean your grill. Remove the grates, heat plates, and drip trays, then soak them in warm, soapy water. Scrub the interior and exterior with a grill brush to remove any built-up grease or food residue. This deep clean prevents corrosion and deters pests seeking food scraps. After cleaning, apply a light coat of cooking oil to the grates and other metal parts to repel moisture and prevent rust.

For pellet grill owners, winter preparation involves a few additional steps. Stock up on high-quality hardwood pellets, as your grill will burn through fuel more quickly in cold weather. Consider investing in an insulated grill blanket to help maintain consistent temperatures and improve fuel efficiency. Remember to keep your pellet grill covered when not in use to protect it from snow and ice.

Choosing the right location for winter grilling is crucial. Position your grill in a sheltered area, ideally near your home, for easy access, but maintain a safe distance to prevent fire hazards. If necessary, create a windbreak and ensure the area is well-lit for those early winter evenings. Clear a path to your grill and keep it free of snow and ice throughout the season.

Winter grilling tips

Now that you have your grill ready for the winter season, let’s get into the meat of this article and talk about how to grill in the winter.

1. Keep the grill cover on when the machine is off

Cold temperatures can cause pellets to swell and clump, so keeping them dry is crucial. A grill cover also helps prevent moisture from snow and rain from damaging the electronics and other non-weather-resistant parts.

2. Use quality wood pellets

Not all pellets are created equal. It's vital to use high-quality pellets in winter to ensure efficient burning. Look for pellets made from 100% hardwood with no fillers. Pellets from oak, hickory, or mesquite will burn hotter and provide better flavour than those with added softwoods or fillers.

Some pellet manufacturers offer specific "winter" pellets designed to burn more efficiently in cold weather, producing more heat and reducing the need for constant refilling.

3. Allow more time to pre-heat

When the air is cold, it takes longer for your grill to heat up. Charcoal grills are the slowest to heat, and gas grills are the fastest. Pellet grills are in between, but once they are up to temperature, they hold heat better than the others. Whichever grill you’re using, be patient and allow it to fully preheat, which can take 10 to 20 minutes longer than usual in cold weather.

Learn more about how a pellet grill works.

4. Shelter from high winds

Wind is one of the biggest reasons we choose pellet grilling in winter. Charcoal grills can struggle with maintaining a consistent temperature, and gas grills can experience flame instability and pressure issues, making cooking in windy conditions more difficult. A pellet grill can also experience slight temperature fluctuations in very high winds but generally maintain a more stable temperature.

Whichever grill you’re working with, less wind is better – so position your grill in the most sheltered place you can.

5. Have extra fuel or pellets handy

Cold weather affects how quickly any grill burns through its fuel. Since the grill needs to work harder to maintain temperature, ensure you have enough fuel to avoid running out mid-cook.

If you grill for long hours, check the hopper every 30 to 45 minutes to ensure it’s still full. It's also a good idea to invest in a pellet storage container that keeps pellets dry and accessible.

6. Be Prepared for Longer Cook Times

It’s important to factor in the longer cooking times needed in cold weather. Depending on the temperature and wind, cooking your food may take 10-20% longer. This is true for all grills.

Investing in a meat probe like the MEATER Plus can make winter grilling easy. The MEATER system allows you to check the temperature of your food remotely without opening the lid, which will increase the cooking time. Ultimately, it lets you worry about the game on the TV rather than your food.

Learn more about the basics of meat smoking.

Winter grilling safety tips

Not to rain on anyone, but winter grilling requires a few extra safety precautions. Proper grill placement and ventilation are crucial. Wind can be stronger in the colder seasons, so position your grill at least 10 feet away from structures; never grill in enclosed spaces. Choose a location with firm, level ground and place the grill at a 90-degree angle to the wind. Also, proper ventilation should be ensured to avoid carbon monoxide buildup.

Clear snow and ice from the grilling area before starting. Shovel a path to your grill and remove any snow or ice buildup. Use salt or sand to prevent slipping hazards. Keep the area around the grill clear of snow throughout your grilling session.

Optimizing your winter grilling experience

While the above covers the basics, here are a few ways to take your winter grilling to the next level.

Use winter-friendly recipes

Adjust your techniques and recipes to optimize your winter grilling experience. Choose hearty, winter-friendly dishes that can withstand colder temperatures. Braised pork shoulder, grilled sausages, whole squash, and thick cuts of meat are excellent options. These foods cook well with longer grilling times, helping maintain grill temperature in cold weather.

Did you know? You can bake a cake with a pellet grill. Here’s more about what you can cook on a pellet grill.

Embrace cast iron cookware

Cast iron cookware is invaluable for winter grilling due to its superior heat retention. Preheat skillets or Dutch ovens on the grill to maintain consistent cooking temperatures. Use cast iron for stews, braised meats, or even toasting pumpkin seeds. Its versatility and heat distribution properties make it perfect for cold-weather grilling.

Frequently asked questions about grilling in the winter

Can I use my electric smoker in cold weather?

Yes, you can use your electric smoker in cold weather, but some adjustments and precautions are required to ensure optimal performance.

How does altitude affect winter grilling temperatures and cooking times?

Altitude significantly impacts winter grilling by lowering atmospheric pressure, which decreases boiling points and increases evaporation. This leads to longer cooking times, cooler grill temperatures, and faster food moisture loss.

Successful high-altitude grilling requires adjusting cooking temperatures and times, typically lowering temperatures by 25°F per 1,000 feet elevation and increasing cooking duration by 25-50%. Close monitoring and moisture retention techniques are crucial for optimal results.

What are the best marinades or rubs to use for winter grilling?

Winter grilling marinades and rubs typically feature bold, warming flavours complementing hearty seasonal dishes. For marinades, focus on rich, savoury combinations like soy ginger, honey BBQ, or red wine with herbs. Rubs often incorporate robust spices such as black pepper, cumin, and smoky paprika.

Key flavour profiles to consider include:

1. Savoury and umami (soy sauce, Worcestershire)
2. Sweet and tangy (honey, brown sugar, mustard)
3. Warm spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice)
4. Herbs (rosemary, thyme, sage)
5. Heat (black pepper, chilli flakes, cayenne)

These flavour combinations help enhance the taste of grilled meats and vegetables while adding a comforting warmth to winter meals.

Is it safe to store propane tanks outdoors during freezing temperatures?

Yes, it is safe to store propane tanks outdoors during freezing temperatures. Propane tanks are designed to withstand various weather conditions, including extreme cold.

How can I prevent my food from sticking to the grill grates in cold weather?

To prevent food from sticking to grill grates in cold weather, follow these tips:

1. Preheat thoroughly: Allow extra time to get the grill hot.
2. Clean and oil the grates: Use a high smoke point oil like canola or avocado.
3. Keep the lid closed: Minimize opening the lid to maintain temperature.
4. Use citrus slices: Place lemon slices on the grates for delicate foods like fish.
5. Prepare food properly: Ensure food is at room temperature and lightly oiled.

These steps will help reduce sticking and improve your grilling experience in colder conditions.

Final thoughts

Winter grilling is more than just a way to cook; it's an adventure that challenges your skills and rewards you with unique flavours. The crisp air, the sizzle of food on a snow-dusted grill, and the warmth of gathering around the flames create unforgettable experiences.

Don't let the cold keep you from enjoying outdoor cooking. Embrace the season, adapt your methods, and savour the distinctive tastes that only winter grilling can provide. Ready to take your winter grilling to the next level? See our line of Traeger grills for sale and equip yourself for year-round grilling success.