With the holidays over and cold temperatures firmly set across the country, some outdoor grillers are asking a question we love: Can you cook on a propane grill in winter?
Short answer is: Yes, absolutely, you can grill on a natural gas or propane grill in winter.
As gas grill specialists here at GrillPartsSearch, we’ve got some tips to help you make the most of your outdoor winter barbecue adventure with the cold season upon us.
Tips to Grill in Winter Temperature Outdoors:
- First of all, be sure to dress correctly to grill this winter. In addition to staying warm for cold weather grilling, you also want to dress safely. That means you may want to leave the scarf or any winter clothing with loose hanging flammable articles inside to avoid catching fire. Also be sure to use heat-resistant barbecue gloves instead of snow gloves or mittens.
- Another important safety tip: Be sure to clear any snow on the path to your grill before lighting it up. Salt the area around the grill if necessary to prevent slipping on ice. Make sure your grill is in a well-ventilated area away from anything flammable. Never grill in your garage or under a patio overhang, even if it’s snowing or raining outside. Use common sense and be safe
- Be patient when winter grilling in cold temperatures. It uses more fuel and takes longer to grill during the winter, but your natural gas or propane grill will absolutely be able to get the job done. Just be sure to test meat temperatures with a meat thermometer to ensure your food is thoroughly and safely cooked.
Heat retention option: Winter Grilling with a Lava Rock Grill Converter
If you’re looking to grill this winter, now’s a good opportunity to test out a volcanic lava rock grill converter kit on your propane or gas grill. Lava rocks have fallen out of vogue since big box retailers started importing cheaper metal plates, but they’re making a comeback.
Here is the benefit of cooking with lava rock, according to our resident Grill Girl:
“Lava rock naturally radiates infrared heat into your food when heated by the flame from your gas grill burner. That radiated heat cooks your food more evenly and leaves it simmering delightfully in the even glow of the lava rock bed.”
That’s an extra advantage for outdoor barbecuers in winter, because, “Lava rock also retains heat on cold and windy days. It stays warmer for longer than metal plates for your gas grill do, instead of losing heat each time the grill cabin is opened.”
No matter what you have inside your grill, keep the hood closed as much as possible!
It’s still important to be patient with your food as it cooks. Keep the grill cover closed as much as possible when grilling in the cold winter air. You might find your lava rock does a better job of staying heated. Plus, they’ll make a fun and great-looking conversation piece as family and friends gather around the grill in warmer weather next spring.
