8 Tips for Grilling in Winter (Come Rain or Shine)

When it starts to get a little chillier, most people turn to the heat of their kitchens. But not us - and certainly not you, the ultimate outdoor cooking enthusiast. The KUDU thrives in cooler weather, which makes it perfect for grilling in winter. In fact, not only does it create delicious meals for you during those cold winter months, it also keeps you and your guest warm during the process. However, there are a few tips and tricks that come in handy when you're grilling in winter and tackling the elements to get your grilled dishes on the table. Read below as we let you in on a few of them so you can grill, come rain or shine.

Tip 1 - O Ye, of Little Faith: Trust Your Grill

If you’re going to be grilling in winter you need to put the utmost faith in your grill. But, of course, that means having a grill you can trust. You need a grill that is made from high-quality materials to ensure that it’ll keep your flames going no matter what storm is heading your way. Our KUDU Grill is made from stainless steel and coated with an ultra-high temperature ceramic coating, making it equipped to perform in any kind of weather condition. It really is the ultimate backyard grilling companion that deserves a standing ovation for its performance - every time.

Tip 2 - Give Some Extra Love (and Heat): Preheat Your Grill

If the outdoor temperature has dropped, you’ll need to build up some extra heat in your grill before you start cooking. As soon as you’ve built your fire, put the lid back on and allow it to preheat for at least 20 minutes.

Tip 3 - Keep it Covered: The KUDU Smoker Lid

Keeping your grill covered is one of the simplest tips for grilling in winter. Having a cover for your grill will not only protect it from the elements, but also makes grilling more convenient during the months of heavy snowfall. Our KUDU Smoker Lid is made of stainless steel and built to last for many winters to come.

Tip 4 - You Already Know What’s Cookin’ Good-Lookin’: Stop Checking

This tip ties into allowing and trusting your grill to do a good job. We know it’s tempting, but try to not open up your grill as much as you would cooking on warmer days. Opening your grill too often will cause all the heat to escape and the grill to drop in temperature. So keep that lid closed, set your timer, and limit the time you’re peaking!

Tip 5 - Feed the Beast: Stock Up On Fuel

Ensure that you keep extra fuel nearby during colder months. Charcoal should be stored in a dry place to protect it from snow or rain. When you’re grilling with charcoal, also use a little bit extra because it burns much faster in colder and windy weather.

Tip 6 - Let There be Light: Invest in Outdoor Lighting

Remember that wintery days only give you access to natural sunlight for so long, and the later it gets, the more you’ll struggle to see what’s going on in your grill. However, there are plenty of affordable ways to solve this problem. You can use a clip-on grill headlight, outdoor patio lanterns, or a simple torch will do the trick.

Tip 7 - Keep it Simple: Choose Dishes That Grill Faster

Now we’re not saying you aren’t capable of cooking a full-course meal out in the cold, but it is always a better option to go with recipes that require minimal flipping. Something as simple as Grilled Corn or an Egg Bake can be grilled and on your plate in under 20 minutes.

Tip 8 - Linger Longer: Give Your Food Some Extra Cooking Time

If you want to go for the more ambitious recipes, you’ll need to let your food cook for a little longer than usual. Food made in cold weather naturally takes longer to cook, but hey, we’ll take any excuse to linger around the warm open flames with family and friends. You’ll want your dish to cook anywhere between 10-30 minutes longer than usual, depending on what you throw on the grill.

Light up Your Fire All Year Round

Winter has to be one of the best seasons to gather around the open fire, and it’s even better when there’s a perfectly grilled meal involved. With your trusty grill and the right outdoor cooking utensils, you can have amazing outdoor cooking experiences, regardless of the weather. Contact us today and we’ll tell you all about how the KUDU Grill can enhance your outdoor cooking gatherings. A word of warning: our passion is infectious and you might want to solely cook on the KUDU going forward!