At PK, grilling is a year-round lifestyle. It’s easy because the thick cast aluminum PK Grill and Smoker will retain heat better than thin steel grills when it’s cold outside. In addition, the rust-proof PK is built to withstand the corrosive effects that winter grilling can have on outdoor cookers. While grilling in the winter can take a bit more effort, it can also warm your soul with satisfying comfort food. So, pull on your coat and boots; whip up a hot toddy and check out these helpful tips to simplify winter grilling with your PK Grill & Smoker:

It's time to brave the cold, dig out your PK and get grillin'!

Pre-Grilling:

1. Thaw Out Your Frozen Grill: If your grill is frozen shut, a simple solution is to light a starter cube and push it into the lower vent. It will quickly heat the leftover coals and melt the ice and snow quickly.
2. Use Lump Charcoal Instead of Briquettes: Lump charcoal burns hotter than briquettes, helping your grill get up to temp fast and stay there.
3. Plan for a Little Extra Time: Lower winter temps also mean your grill will need to produce 
   more heat to reach and maintain cooking temperature. Good thing your PK Grill has thick cast aluminum to help retain and radiate the heat efficiently!

Grilling:

1. Choose Your Meat Wisely: Select smaller cuts of meat and fast cooking vegetables. Smaller cuts take less time to thaw, season and cook; which is great for winter grilling.
2. Keep the Lid Closed: Avoid the temptation to peek! Every time you lift the lid, you’re losing heated air. Your food is cooking to perfection-- the PK’s quarter-inch thick cast aluminum makes sure of it by keeping the temperature steady inside the grill even when it is cold outside.

Post-Grilling:

1. Clean While the Grids are Hot: Wear protective gloves, use a quality grill brush or Grate Scrape to remove the build-up on grids while letting your food cool.
2. It’s Ok if You Forget the Cover: The aluminum PK is inherently rustproof unlike many other grills.
3. Stock-up on Charcoal: In colder regions, it can be more difficult to find charcoal during the winter months - how awful! Stock up early-on so your taste buds don’t go into hibernation until spring!

Delicious barbecue doesn’t have to wait for Spring. Grab your coat and your seasoned meats and get grillin’, even while the weather is chillin’.

Needing a few new recipes to grill this winter? Seafood is a fast winter grilling option. Here are a couple recipes we like:

• Cajun Grilled Shrimp Recipe
• PK Grilled Salmon Soft Tacos Recipe