Summer in Quebec only lasts 3 months, but that doesn't mean you can only BBQ during the warm season! Here are 10 tips for barbecuing in the winter.
Make a shelter for your barbecue
If you want to enjoy your barbecue without cursing the elements, it is best to protect it from the wind and weather. To do this, you can make a windbreak out of wood or a tarp or surround it with water heater insulation. This way, the temperature is no longer a factor. You will therefore want to do it again.
If you don't feel like building a shelter, the easiest solution is to move your barbecue closer to your patio door. You can simply open the door to cook your food. The only downside is that your heating bill will increase depending on how often you open the door.
Do not wear long clothes
Avoid wearing clothing that is too long, such as a scarf, which could drag on the grills and risk catching fire. Nylon or polyester clothing is also flammable. Be careful!
Clearing snow from your barbecue
Snow on the grill will force it to work harder, remove the snow before you start grilling.
Check the propane level
If you are using a propane grill, it is essential to check the level of your tank. Barbecuing in the winter requires a little more propane than in the summer. It would be unfortunate to have to go refill your tank in the middle of cooking.
Check the inside of the barbecue
Your barbecue can be the perfect hiding place for a small animal. Make sure there is no intruder in your BBQ. Check especially under the grills.
Be organized
Making a recipe in winter requires flawless preparation. If you want to avoid the back and forth between your barbecue and your kitchen, put all your ingredients in a tray and make sure you don't forget anything!
Preheat the barbecue
Since it's cold, allow 5 to 10 minutes to preheat your grill so it's at the right temperature. The lower the temperature and the windier it is, the longer it takes to preheat.
Avoid opening the lid
Since it's cold in winter, avoid opening the grill lid as much as possible to keep the grill warm so that the cold doesn't affect your cooking temperature. As in summer, but even more true in winter: when you're watching, you're not cooking.
Using Mitts for BBQ
Yes I know, oven mitts are hot, but they can also be flammable, so don't take any chances and buy yourself some mitts or gloves that are specifically designed for BBQ .
Bluetooth thermometer
If you want to go outside as little as possible, get yourself a bluetooth thermometer , this way you can check the temperature of your food from the comfort of your living room.
Click on the link if you want to know how to organize a good winter barbecue .