How to Throw a Perfect Winter BBQ

How to Throw a Perfect Winter BBQ

Barbecues are traditionally held in summer due to the more favorable weather, but for barbecue enthusiasts, grilling is still possible in the winter. A winter barbecue held later in January or February might bring more favorable temperatures and relief from the winter blues.

According to Weber Grill, more than 50% of American grill owners grill all year round and 37% keep on grilling when it goes below freezing.

Winter BBQ's can be executed if you make some modifications and can be just as fun as the 4th of July if you follow some simple guidelines.

Check The Weather

Check out the weekly forecasts to make sure there is not going to be "north easter" on party day.

Try not to set the event when the weather is expected to be too nasty as your guests may not make it at all.

100 mile an hour gusts might blow out the flame of the grill so be on the safe side and just avoid white-out blizzard conditions all together.

Shoot for cold but mild weather, freezing temps are Ok (around 30 degrees) but if you got a windchill below zero, maybe push it back a week.

Proper Tools

Before you start you might need to purchase some equipment depending on what you already have and don't.

It’s important to have the right tools when grilling. Do you want to waste a grass fed burger because of a flimsy spatula?

In general, just invest in sturdy tools that are well made and will last more than 20 minutes.

You may have to shell out some cash but it's an investment that pays for itself.

First and foremost have a decent grill.

Remember, you're not just buying a grill, you're buying a piece of equipment that creates lasting food memories for your friends and family.

This is a serious decision and should not be taken lightly.

That having been said...do you like gas or charcoal?

Although many BBQ masters have strong opinions and will tell you that one is better than the other, there’s no right answer.

In an ideal world, you should have both, but for the sake of retaining heat in the cold, go for a charcoal kamado grill.

The Kamdo Grill

A kamado is a traditional ceramic Japanese wood or charcoal fueled cooking stove.

The name kamado literally means “place for the cauldron”.

The ceramic construction for kamado's means there is no flavor contamination or metallic taste given to the food.

Kamado's use lump wood charcoal which creates very little ash which can taint food and is manufactured in an environmentally sustainable manner.

Regular charcoal briquettes contain many chemicals that contaminate the flavor of the food.

The earliest kamado's have been dated by archaeologists to be over 4000 years old and have been found mainly in China and India.

That's way before the Big Green Egg came along.

The round shape gives the best heat distribution, unlike rectangular grills which can create hot and cold spots.

The heat retention properties of the ceramic shell can reach up to 1200 degrees F making it the ideal winter BBQ grill.

They are made from the same materials used to make kilns and pizza ovens which are extremely good insulators that radiate heat effectively.

The sides and domes absorb heat and radiate it back like a brick oven, so food cooks evenly from above which is important when it is 20 degrees outside.

Lighting

Ok, it's dark and winter so having proper lighting is important to see your guest.

Candles or lanterns are a great way to make the atmosphere cosy and well-lit.

Create a winter wonderland with a ton of LED lights.

Cook Outdoors But Eat Indoors

Buy a few extra fleece blankets and some hats to make sure everyone is covered to hang outside while you grill and socialize.

But don’t force your guests to eat out in the cold!

After all the food has been cooked, bring it inside so everyone stays warm.

You can go back out later when it's time for s'mores.

Beer

Having a great winter beer is just as important as getting the right grill.

As winter approaches, drinkers gravitate towards heavier beers that pair well with warm parkas, gloves and a wool blanket.

Choose a porter or a winter ale that is perfect for hearty meals or sipping in front of the electric fireplace.

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