Cold weather shouldn’t stop you from warming up your grill.
While many aspiring home chefs let cooler temperatures put a damper on their BBQ, we believe in getting your grill on 365 days a year, no matter the weather.
How do you conquer the BBQ in below freezing temperatures? With our tips below!
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Prep
A little planning goes a long way if you’re thinking about firing up the BBQ in the middle of winter. From brushes to tongs and everything in between, lay out all of the tools you need so you don’t waste time (and heat) searching for things you need.
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Timing
There’s nothing worse than keeping your guests – and yourself – waiting for delicious BBQ food. Remember, a gas grill can take twice as long to heat up during the winter than the summer, so plan for the extra time you’ll need to combat low temperatures. Using charcoal? Have an additional supply of lit and ready to use coals – you’ll use more while keeping your grill at ideal temperatures, and you don’t want to waste time re-heating.
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Keep it simple
Save your most complex dishes for warmer weather. You lose heat every time you open your BBQ lid and recovery time can be doubled in freezing temperatures. Stick with single-flip items and save yourself time without sacrificing flavour.
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Be bold
Just because you should cook with simple cuts of meats doesn’t mean you should skimp on flavour. Combat the winter blahs by generously seasoning your steaks, chicken and chops with big, bold flavours. We’ll be using a classic Montreal steak marinade.
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Keep it hot
Bringing your food from grill to table can cool it down significantly in the winter. Try preheating a baking pan before heading out to the BBQ, and place your cooked items on the warmed tray once finished to keep food warm and delicious. Bonus: have a piece of foil handy to tent food immediately after removing it from the barbecue.
More than anything, using the BBQ is a great way to relax and enjoy a meal with family and friends. Whether it’s the dead of winter or the height of summer, get your grill on all year long!
