Are you planning on grilling this winter? If so, read on to learn about the top 4 winter grilling tips.

Baby, it's cold outside! But seriously, just because it's cold doesn't mean you can't get your grill on. The hankering for a perfectly grilled steak doesn't only come around during the summer months.

Sometimes it comes right smack dab in the middle of the winter holidays.

However, there is a technique to winter grilling. You must know how to do it properly to stay warm and safe and end up with a perfectly grilled slab of meat.

Check out these great tips!  

1. Bundle Up

It's pretty darn cold out there so we shouldn't have to say it, but here it is. Make sure you dress warm and bundle up while you're manning the grill.

Don't expect the grill to keep you warm. The grill is working hard to keep the heat in as much as possible, not to put heat out for you. 

If you wear anything dangling like a scarf or a hat with a long tie, be sure to tuck it in somewhere so it doesn't fall into the flame. Plus, remember that snow gloves aren't designed to withstand heat.

Even though your snow gloves might keep your fingers warmer, you should still opt for your heat-resistant barbecue gloves.

2. Resist the Temptation to Peek

Every time you open the grill cold air will go rushing in to cool off your grill. Not only will this make your grilling time longer, but it could also prevent your meat from cooking well.

The grill needs to reach a certain temperature and stay there to evenly cook the food.

But how will you know when your food is done?

Try a handy digital meat thermometer. You can get ones that connect to your smartphone via Bluetooth. That way you can keep an eye on your meat without ever having to open the cover.

3. Have Plenty of Ventilation

Always cook in a well-ventilated area. With the freezing temperatures, it might be tempting to cook under an overhang or even inside your garage. But safety first! 

The emissions let off by a grill are not good for you to breathe (other than that wonderful aroma of cooking meat). Plus, be sure there is nothing combustible within 2 feet of your grill.

4. Extra Fuel

Cooking can take a bit longer than you're used to because of the cold temperatures.

To that end, you'll want to make sure that you have extra fuel on hand. The last thing you'll want to be doing is trekking through the snow to buy more fuel and hoping what you have lasts until you get back.

Be sure to store charcoal in a dry place. There's no faster way to ruin a good bag of charcoal than by leaving it out in the rain or snow.

Ready for Winter Grilling?

Are you ready to tackle winter grilling? Follow these top 4 tips to have a safe grilling experience with a delicious result at the end.

Looking for more great grilling tips and tricks? Feel free to browse through the rest of our blog!