Don’t let the chill keep you away from the grill.

As the temperatures start to decline in the winter months, so do the number of people who use their grills. Still, there are the loyal few who brave the freezing cold to grill up a succulent steak or juicy burgers. For those of you who have yet to grill in the winter or just want some tips on grilling in the winter time, we’ve covered all the bases for you.

Before you start to use your grill make all gas lines and burners are free from spider webs or insect nests. A friend of mine had a burner out and it turned out there was a huge spider web inside blocking the gas from turning on. These unsavory critters like to hide from the elements in enclosed spaces, so be sure to check for them. Also, make sure that you have enough propane or charcoal; you will be using more energy when temperatures drop so it’s important to account for that. The grill area should be safe from any ice or snow, so shovel around the area to have a clear cooking path; the grilling area should be a good ten feet away from your home.

Once you are ready to grill be sure to bundle up for the cold weather in a winter jacket, boots, hat, and gloves. Just be careful not to have anything you’re wearing dangle over the grill. Your grill should be pre-heated for a good amount of time as it will take longer in the cold.

While cooking, don’t leave the grill unattended, and if you must leave make sure it is only for a moment. It may be tempting to open the grill to check on your food but don’t do it. This will severely hamper the internal temperature of the grill. If you have a charcoal grill keeping the lid closed is even more important, as it is harder to heat up. It will also be a good idea to keep it out of windy areas. Check your meat with a meat thermometer and always take gloves off before using barbeque utensils.

When your food is finished allow the grill to cool completely before putting it away or covering it back up. Clean up any oils or fats that have dripped to prevent flare-ups and keep the grates clean, allowing them to heat properly. If you don’t put your grill away be sure to put the propane tank somewhere out of the elements.

Winter grilling isn’t so tough after all; a few adjustments from your regular grilling routine shouldn’t stop you from enjoying a fantastic meal. The most important thing is being familiar with your barbeque. Every grill cooks differently so adjusting times and temperatures to the weather will always vary. Just follow our tips and enjoy your homemade cuisine.

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