Grilling Tips For The Winter Season Too
Some people think of grilling as a summer pleasure, but why limit that delicious flame-broiled goodness to one season?
Cold weather cooking on your propane grill is easy, but it does require a bit of planning and strategy. If you want to try it out in the months ahead, follow these ten tips:
- Clear the cooking area – Carve a save path from your home to your grill to avoid slips and falls.
- Be extra vigilant for leaks – Check your propane gas grill for leaks and your hoses for leaks and cracks, which can be more common in cold weather.
- Ventilate! – Grilling in an enclosed space can trap deadly carbon monoxide – stay away from areas inside a garage, under and overhang, or anywhere else that isn’t well ventilated.
- Dress for safety as well as warmth – Gloves are better than mittens when it comes to handling utensils – but even the best snow gloves don’t have enough insulation to handle anything that’s too hot. Avoid wearing baggy clothes and jackets, which could catch fire.
- Always preheat – A propane grill will need a little more time to get going when temperatures drop (don’t we all!). Pre-heat your grill to about 400 degrees for 10 minutes, then drop the temperature as needed.
- Keep the wind at bay – If you’re grilling at lower temperatures, make sure the wind doesn’t blow out the flame; position your grill to block as much wind as possible.
- Keep the menu simple – Use familiar recipes that require minimal monitoring and flipping.
- Keep a lid on it – Every time you open your grill, heat escapes; try to keep your reveals to a minimum.
- Be patient – Food takes longer to cook in winter, and grills take longer to reach the temperatures you want. Leave extra time to prepare.
- Order extra propane – Your grill will have to work harder to stay hot, so have more fuel on hand than you would in the warmer months. Fill your propane tank (or pick up a spare) today!
Need propane cylinder refills in western NC? James Oxygen can help. Visit one of our conveniently located propane cylinder refill stations today and get $14 refills for 20 lb. barbecue tanks!
