The weather outside might be frightful, but that doesn’t have to stop you from firing up the smokers and grills this winter.  Here are six quick tips to cold weather grilling to get you through the next few months.

The Cars Can Wait

If you’re as serious about grilling as I am, the smokers and grills are always the first things that get shoveled out after any snowfall.  Be sure to clear all of the snow off of the cookers and shovel a clear path from the house to the cookers.

Break Wind

Retaining heat in the grill is one of the biggest challenges when cooking during the winter months.  If possible, place your grill near a wall in order to cut down on the cold wind that will lower the temperature of the grill.

Bring the Heat

Cold temperatures mean more charcoal is needed in order to maintain proper temperatures in your grill.  While I normally add one full charcoal chimney’s worth of hot coals to the grill during the Spring and Summer, I tend to add another half chimney’s worth during the cooler days of Fall and Winter.

Put a Lid on It

The old adage “If you’re looking you’re not cooking” rings even truer during the Winter as the heat of your smoker or grill will rapidly decrease each time you open the lid.  The best way to keep temperatures up when grilling outdoors during the colder months is to keep the lid on the grill as much as possible, opening it only once to flip your chicken, burgers or steak as needed.

Patience is a Virtue

The cooler temperatures mean that food will take longer to fully cook.  As such, always allow a little extra time when planning meals.

Dress the Part

Winter is not the time to be heading out to the grill in your bathrobe and slippers.  Dress is layers, avoiding bulky jackets, sweaters or scarfs that could possible catch fire when managing the fire.

* Content developed by Clint Cantwell and courtesy of Kingsford.com