Tips for Outdoor Grilling Year-Round
Just because the weather is colder, it doesn’t mean you have to stop cooking outside. In fact, cooking outdoors in the chilly season can be fun for you and enjoyable for your family and guests. Here are some winter outdoor cooking tips that will allow you to make the best use of your outdoor kitchen all year long.
Choose A Perfect Location
We recommend using a gas grill for winter cooking because it requires less prep. It is important to think about all seasons while you are deciding on your outdoor kitchen layout. Especially during the winter you will want your outdoor kitchen to be in a location that is protected from the elements (wind, rain, snow etc.).
In addition, make sure to be mindful of awnings, decks, and anything that could be a fire hazard. If you have an indoor/outdoor room (California room), a BBQ hood to ventilate the space is critical. You may also want to invest in some outdoor heaters so that you and your guests can mingle outside while the food is cooking. (While we don’t recommend grilling in the snow, an outdoor kitchen can be enjoyed year round in more temperate climates such as California, Texas, and Florida. Your guests will most likely appreciate the outdoor heaters.)
Related – Outdoor Kitchens on Decks: What You Need to Know
Plan Ahead
You may also need to allow a few more minutes for your grill to heat up during the winter. When it’s frigid outside, your grill will be starting out colder than usual. For winter grilling, it’s important to remember that each component of your barbecue is cold and parts could be frozen solid. Additionally, you may want to start warming the grill slower than you would during the warmer season. Proper heating of your grill will also prevent foods from sticking to the rack. Our outdoor grill hoods are perfect for year round use and provide a sleek appearance for your outdoor kitchen.
Keep the Lid Closed on Your Grill
During the winter use a timer and keep the lid to your grill closed as much as possible. Opening the lid to check on your food will extend the cooking time as the grill loses heat quickly when it is open. By using a timer and only checking on your food when necessary you can keep the grill hot and your cooking time down.
Use Ceramics
Ceramic cookware is great for heat retention. It will keep your food insulated and at the right temperature. Ceramics are also useful for transporting food from your house to the grill or back inside after you’re done cooking without losing temperature.
Simplify
For outdoor winter cooking, consider recipes that are simple and easy to make so that you can minimize your time outside in the cold. In addition, take the time to prepare all of your vegetables and meats before you bring them outside to grill to further decrease your time spent outside.
Regardless of the season, the stainless steel outdoor cabinetry from Brown Jordan Outdoor Kitchens is designed for year-round use and is made to withstand harsh weather with our powder coat finishes. Especially if you live in areas which snow, make sure to winterize your outdoor kitchen with our tips. This will ensure your outdoor kitchen will last season after season. This allows our outdoor kitchens to maintain their quality and aesthetic for years to come.
Updated May 15, 2020.