Can You Grill in the Winter?
Absolutely – you can grill even when it’s cold outside.
Many people assume grilling season ends with the summer, but that’s a myth. As winter sets in across much of the U.S., seasoned grillers know that with some adjustments, you can barbecue year-round.
In fact, surveys show over half of American grill owners keep grilling all year, and about 1 in 10 even grill when it’s below freezing.
Sure, cold temperatures, brisk winds, and shorter daylight present challenges. But by understanding how winter weather affects your grill (and planning for it), you can enjoy smoky, flame-kissed meals in January just as easily as June.
This guide will debunk winter grilling worries and show you how to grill confidently and safely all winter long.
7 Practical Tips for Grilling in the Winter
Here are seven hands-on tips to make winter grilling safe, easy, and fun. These tips address the most common cold-weather grilling challenges – from keeping your grill hot to keeping yourself warm.
1. Choose the Right Spot and Block the Wind
Wind can cool your grill faster than cold air can. Even a light breeze will steal heat from your grill, so try to set up in a spot that’s sheltered from the wind.
Position your grill near a wall or windbreak (but never in an enclosed space or inside a garage).
Safety experts recommend keeping the grill at least 10 feet away from your house or anything flammable and only using it outdoors in a well-ventilated area.
If possible, angle your grill so that the wind hits it at 90° – this helps prevent gusts from blowing out the flame.
Safety note: Never move your grill indoors or onto a covered porch to avoid wind or cold. Grilling in an enclosed area can trap deadly carbon monoxide and is a serious fire hazard. Stay outside and stay safe, even if it means putting on an extra jacket!
2. Give Your Grill Extra Time to Preheat
Cold weather means cold grills – so preheat longer.
When it’s freezing outside, the metal of your grill starts off colder and the air around it saps heat. That means you should double your normal preheat time, and with the lid down in winter.
For example, a grill that usually takes about 15 minutes to warm up might need 30 minutes in freezing temperatures.
Be patient and wait until your grill reaches the proper temperature before cooking. This extended preheating ensures the grates, air inside, and the whole grill box are truly hot and ready to sear your food.
To monitor preheating, use the thermometer on your grill lid (if it has one) or a grill thermometer probe. On very cold days, you’ll literally see it climb more slowly.
3. Keep the Lid Closed as Much as Possible
No peeking!
In winter, every time you open your grill’s lid, you let out precious heat.
The temperature inside the grill will drop fast, and in cold air it takes much longer to climb back up. That’s why the golden rule is to keep the lid closed unless you absolutely need to flip or check something.
It might be tempting to peek at those burgers or steaks, but know that even a quick look can add a few minutes to your cooking time as the grill heats back up.
Instead of opening the grill frequently, trust your cooking times and use tools like a meat thermometer. Consider using a wireless or app-connected thermometer that lets you monitor your food’s internal temperature without lifting the lid.
4. Dress Smart — But Stay Safe
Bundle up, but use safe gear around the grill.
Grilling on a snowy night can actually be fun – as long as you’re dressed for the weather. Wear a warm coat, hat, and sturdy boots with good traction (to avoid slipping on ice).
Layer your clothing so you stay warm, but be careful about scarves, tassels, or any loose ends on your outfit. You don’t want anything dangling near the flames that could catch fire.
Your hands will get cold outside, but don’t grill in bulky ski gloves – they’re not designed for handling hot grill tools.
Use heat-resistant grilling gloves or mitts that still let you move your fingers. There are insulated BBQ gloves made for exactly this purpose, keeping your hands warm and protected from heat.
If you don’t have those, leather work gloves can also work in a pinch, as they’re tough and somewhat insulating.
Finally, consider non-slip boots or shoes. Good boots with rubber soles will give you better footing.
5. Use the Right Fuel and Watch Propane Flow
Winter can affect your fuel, so plan ahead.
If you’re using a gas grill, you might wonder: Does propane work in cold weather?
The good news is yes – propane will still vaporize and burn in all but the most extreme cold. Propane only stops turning to gas (basically “freezes”) at about -44 °F, which is far colder than any normal winter day in most places.
So you don’t have to worry about your propane literally freezing.
However, as temperatures drop, the pressure in your propane tank does decrease. This means the gas may flow a bit slower and the tank gauge might read lower than actual when it’s below freezing.
A simple tip: keep your propane tank at least 1/3 to 1/2 full during winter. More propane in the tank = more pressure to push gas out despite the cold. If the tank is almost empty and it’s very cold, you might notice weak flames due to low pressure.
Also remember that cold weather grilling uses more fuel in general.
Your grill has to work harder and burn more propane (or charcoal, or pellets) to maintain heat in the cold. Plan for this by having extra fuel on hand.
If you use propane, keep a spare tank ready so you don’t run out mid-cook. For charcoal or wood pellets, stock up a bit more than you normally would. (Stores often carry less grilling fuel in winter, so it’s smart to buy some ahead of time.)
6. Plan Simple, Quick-Cooking Meals
In frigid weather, cook foods that finish faster.
Winter is not the ideal time for a 12-hour brisket or other very long, involved barbecues – unless you’re a truly die-hard pitmaster with lots of insulation and fuel.
For the average griller, it’s smarter (and more comfortable) to choose recipes that cook quickly and simply when it’s cold out.
Opt for thinner cuts of meat, smaller portions, or foods that don’t require constant tending.
For example, burgers, hot dogs, sausages, chicken breasts, shrimp, or kebabs are great winter grilling picks. They’ll cook through relatively fast, so you’re not standing in the cold for too long.
If you do want to grill something like a steak in winter, you can! Just be sure to pre-warm thicker cuts to room temperature before they hit the grill, and maybe use a cast iron pan on the grill grates to help get a better sear.
7. Clean and Cover Your Grill After Every Use
Don’t skip cleanup just because it’s cold.
In fact, cleaning your grill right after cooking (once the burners are off and it’s cooled a bit) is even more important during winter.
Why? Because grease and residues will harden very quickly in the cold air. If you leave that gunk on your grill grates and inside the grill, it can congeal into tough, thick buildup once everything gets cold.
Later on, it’s much harder to scrape off. Take a few minutes while the grill is still warm to scrape the grates and wipe down any grease – you’ll find it comes off easier than if you wait until it’s all cold and stuck.
Use a good grill brush or a wad of foil to clean the grates. This also prevents old grease from causing flare-ups next time.
Why a Gas Timer Is Crucial for Winter Grilling
Winter grilling is wonderful, but it does come with a few extra safety considerations. This is where a gas grill timer can be your best friend.
Shorter days and chilly weather often mean we’re grilling in the dark, possibly wearing thicker clothes, maybe running inside to warm up periodically – all of which make it a bit easier to get distracted.
The last thing you want is to accidentally leave your grill’s burner on or gas flowing when you’re done cooking, especially in winter conditions.
A mechanical gas timer device attaches to your grill’s fuel line and acts like a safety switch: it will automatically shut off the gas supply after a set time. This simple addition can prevent a host of winter grilling worries.
Gas timers not only prevents potential accidents, but also saves fuel.
As we mentioned, grills use more propane in winter just to stay hot. You don’t want to waste expensive propane by leaving the tank valve open by mistake after cooking.
With a timer, you’ll conserve fuel because it cuts off the gas supply once you’ve grilled for your pre-set duration.
Keep the Heat, Lose the Worry — Grill On Safely
Winter may be cold, but your backyard meals don’t have to be!
With the right preparation, you can keep the heat on the grill and lose the worries. We’ve shown that a little snow and ice shouldn’t stop you from enjoying juicy burgers or smoky ribs.
By following the tips above – finding a wind-blocked spot, preheating longer, keeping that lid closed, dressing warmly, managing your fuel, choosing quick-cooking foods, and cleaning up – you’ll be set up for winter grilling success.
Add in a handy device like the Now Worriez gas timer for an extra layer of safety and peace of mind, and you’ll wonder why anyone ever packs their grill away for winter.
Trusted by home grillers across the U.S., Now Worriez is dedicated to making outdoor cooking safe and worry-free in every season.
So bundle up, get those coals or burners going, and savor the unique joy of grilling on a crisp winter day. Winter might be long, but life’s too short to not grill whenever you want!
FAQs
Q: Can propane freeze in winter?
A: Not unless it’s below -44°F, which is colder than almost anywhere people live. Your tank will work just fine in typical winter weather.
Q: How do I keep my grill warm in freezing temps?
A: Preheat longer, block the wind, and keep the lid closed. Cold weather burns more fuel, so have extra on hand.
Q: Is it safe to grill in the snow?
A: Yep — just clear snow from around the grill, keep it fully outdoors (never indoors or under a low roof), and watch your footing. Keep air vents clear, use a timer for safety, and close the lid to hold heat.