In winter it's too cold to grill? no way! All you have to do is prepare your grill properly and dress appropriately, and then the winter grilling will be wonderful.
A good grilled steak tastes good at any time of the year. Not only a few or die-hard grill masters know this, but also the many hobby grillers who are already looking forward to the next grilling in spring at the beginning of autumn. But why wait so long anyway? Even in winter, the grill can be fired up without any problems and the winter temperatures in recent years have often been reminiscent of spring. After all, at Christmas two years ago it was 16 degrees in some places. But can the grill be used in winter like any other time of the year? Or do barbecue fans have to consider something? This article explains.
Winterizing the Grill
Most barbecue enthusiasts make sure that the barbecue is protected over the winter anyway. The grill is often carefully cleaned, dried and finally wrapped in a tarpaulin. However, if it is to be used in winter as well, the location is particularly important.
The lawn on which the good piece stands more often in summer is often not really usable in the winter months. A location on the terrace or in another covered place would be particularly useful. The following is important for protective equipment:
❍ Handling:
The grill should be packed up again between the individual grilling sessions. This is where grill hoods that are specially designed for this model of grill are good. Alternatively, sturdy plastic tarpaulins that are wrapped tightly around the grill with a rope. They can be quickly released and removed.
❍ Cleanliness:
Of course it depends on the type of grill. Gas grills can be cleaned quite quickly and are quickly ready for use in winter. If you want to grill with charcoal in winter, you have to be a little careful. Since the grill has to be stored and covered again after use, special attention must be paid to the charcoal container. It must be emptied before the tarpaulin is placed over the grill.
❍ Connections:
TheConnections from the gas grill must be particularly checked in winter. The gas hose is rather stubborn in cold temperatures and does not attach well. Here it helps to warm it up indoors before connecting it. Incidentally, all connecting parts should only remain on the grill during use in winter. This also applies to gas bottles or gas cartridges.
❍ Gas:
The gas grill should be operated with propane and not butane gas in winter. Propane gas only liquefies from almost minus 50 degrees, while butane gas already liquefies around the freezing point.
In general, the barbecue area should be covered in winter. The weather is often simply too changeable to just throw on the grill. But beware: The location may only be covered. Enclosed patios or the garage are not suitable for grilling, even if the door is left open. Charcoal grills produce life-threatening carbon dioxide.
What to wear?
The temperatures at the grill are always warm, but grill masters should dress warmly. It should not be forgotten that most of the heat comes from the front, so the back often cools down. If you only wear a thin sweater, especially when it's windy, you're guaranteed to catch a cold. Otherwise:
❍ Tight clothing:
Clothes should fit as tightly as possible. Ordinary jeans, a sweater and a jacket will do. However, care should be taken that no drawstrings are dangling around. You could get caught in the grill and catch fire.
❍ No scarves:
Scarves have no place on the grill - not even in winter. Even around the neck, they come loose too quickly and can catch fire.
❍ Solid jacket:
Down jackets or winter jackets filled with polyester do not belong near the grill. Sparks can fly and set the jackets on fire, especially with charcoal. And even if there is no fire, burn holes from sparks will ruin any jacket.
Which food is suitable for grilling in winter?
What ends up on the grill is of course decided by your own taste. However, barbecue lovers have to put in a little more effort in winter, because a quick trip to the meat counter of the local supermarket does not bring ready-seasoned and marinated results. The grilled meat must be seasoned and prepared in winter. Otherwise everything that would cook on the grate in summer can be put on the grill. OnlyWhen it comes to vegetables, barbecue fans can - and should - rely on seasonal varieties. Pumpkin, mushrooms, Brussels sprouts or leeks taste wonderful grilled. Things only become problematic when the food is cooked:
❍ Meat:
In winter, meat should be prepared in just enough quantities to be eaten straight away. It just takes a while between individual courses or until you have a second helping. To prevent the cold wind from re-freezing the steak, it is served in a bun or between slices of bread.
❍ Vegetables:
Again, not too much should be prepared at once. However, barbecue fans can help themselves a little by using insulated bowls for aubergines, onions and the like. Casserole dishes, earthenware or insulated bowls keep the vegetables warm.
❍ Soups:
Soups are a great way to stay warm while grilling. Of course, they can be cooked right away on the grill.
By the way, charcoal grills should get the charcoal and lighters in summer, because in winter they can often only be bought online. In addition, more lighters are often required in cold temperatures, just as it takes longer for the charcoal to be grilled. However, you can speed up the process with a chimney starter.
Conclusion: Enjoy your meal!
There is no wrong season for a barbecue. In winter, barbecue lovers can swing their tongs just as much as in summer - only the external circumstances change. However, the grill must be prepared for the winter and grills with a lid are generally more useful. If you have the equipment, you can get started. Grill masters only have to do without one thing: beer. As good as it tastes with grilled meat in summer, guests at the winter garden party don’t want to hold the cool blonde in their hands. A good punch or mulled wine can of course be prepared for this - in style on the grill.