Brrrr! The chill in the air signals the arrival of winter, and in my neighborhood, we’re all gearing up for the snowy days ahead. Alongside dusting off our snow shovels and bundling up in winter gear, there’s a crucial ritual that every dedicated Weber enthusiast should remember: clearing off that grill!

While some might assume that grilling season ends when the cold sets in, I couldn’t disagree more. Grilling is an all-year-round affair for me, and there’s something exhilarating about wrapping up warmly and igniting the grill amid the winter frost.

So, I’ve compiled a set of essential tips for successful winter grilling, tailored for our year-round grillers:

1. Dress for the cold: Layer up in your best winter attire. Even though the grill may radiate heat, it’s wise to bundle up. However, steer clear of scarves or clothing that might accidentally touch the grill during use. Prioritize warmth for your hands, feet, ears, and face.
2. Safety first: Remember, snow gloves won’t serve as barbecue gloves. Ensure you wear heat-resistant gloves while handling the grill.
3. Grill in the right place: Never grill indoors or under cover, regardless of the weather conditions – be it snow, rain, sleet, or wind. Safety is paramount, so maintain a minimum distance of two feet between your grill and any flammable materials. Also, ensure proper ventilation in the grilling area.
4. Prepare your grill area: Clear a pathway to your grill and remove all snow and ice before starting. The external weather will already impact the grill’s internal temperatures; additional snow will only exacerbate the issue. Give your grill ample space and time to preheat.
5. Have extra fuel ready: Winter grilling may require extended time or additional fuel to reach the desired temperature. Keep extra hardwood pellets, briquettes, or a spare propane tank handy. Positioning the grill perpendicular to the wind can help maintain consistent temperatures during windy conditions.
6. Exercise patience: Freezing temperatures might slow down the grilling process. Plan for an extra 5-10 minutes for preheating compared to warmer months.
7. Utilize Weber Connect: Regardless of the weather, a meat thermometer ensures your food is grilled to perfection. The Weber Connect Smart Grilling Hub assists in monitoring the grilling process step by step, turning any grill into a smart one, and any griller into a maestro. Its remote Wi-Fi access, flip & serve notifications, and readiness countdowns are invaluable tools for impeccable grilling.
8. Grill with the lid closed: Cooking in sub-zero temperatures requires longer cooking times. Minimize lid openings to prevent heat loss and expedite the cooking process.
9. Stick to familiar recipes: Winter is an ideal time to rely on trusted recipes for efficiency at the grill.
10. Cover your grill: Protect your grill from the harsh winter elements by keeping it covered when not in use.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, it’s time to grab my coat and head out to the grill. I encourage you to join in and keep the grilling spirit alive throughout the year!