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Author Topic: Winter Grilling  (Read 13058 times)

Tim in PA

  • WKC Ranger
  • Posts: 822
Winter Grilling
« on: November 12, 2012, 10:29:53 AM »
Any tips on using charcoal during the winter? I imagine it is harder keeping the inside hot with the temperature outside being much colder.
-2012 Black Performer-2006 Green OTG-2009 Q Gasser-

Troy

  • Statesman
  • Posts: 9479
Re: Winter Grilling
« Reply #1 on: November 12, 2012, 10:56:25 AM »
i'm working on a blog post on this right now (for this site).

if anyone has tips, post them here and I'll also include them in the blog post.

DoppelBock

  • WKC Ranger
  • Posts: 1030
Re: Winter Grilling
« Reply #2 on: November 12, 2012, 02:33:21 PM »
Wear a warm coat, hat & gloves!

Seriously though, I grill/smoke all year 'round. From what I have observed, wind is the biggest factor, it can sap the heat from your grill/smoker as well as drive the temps up via the vents. I grilled tonight, it was about 20 degreeswith a north wind coming in at 10 mph; which makes it about 15 degrees. I don't do anything different as far as coals go, but I place a wind break around my performer and the wind is no longer a factor.
« Last Edit: November 12, 2012, 03:41:31 PM by Chad A »

glrasmussen

  • WKC Performer
  • Posts: 3275
Re: Winter Grilling
« Reply #3 on: November 12, 2012, 06:37:14 PM »
Wear a warm coat, hat & gloves!

Seriously though, I grill/smoke all year 'round. From what I have observed, wind is the biggest factor, it can sap the heat from your grill/smoker as well as drive the temps up via the vents. I grilled tonight, it was about 20 degreeswith a north wind coming in at 10 mph; which makes it about 15 degrees. I don't do anything different as far as coals go, but I place a wind break around my performer and the wind is no longer a factor.

I agree with Chad, being here from MN. Not much of a difference. I prefer cold to a hot,  humid and a no wind day.

Greg

Heyjude

  • WKC Performer
  • Posts: 4660
Re: Winter Grilling
« Reply #4 on: November 12, 2012, 07:11:50 PM »
I have no advice.. It rarely dips below the 40's here in Cali..
I agree though, wind chill is the worst thing that can zap the heat out of a cooker.

I don't care if you don't like my Avatar, its there for me..

Troy

  • Statesman
  • Posts: 9479
Re: Winter Grilling
« Reply #5 on: November 12, 2012, 09:03:15 PM »
Grilling in the winter

i haven't had time to proof this or add an image, but I've been neglecting the site for far too long.
If you find problems, object to things, want to add things, please let me know!

1911Ron

  • WKC Performer
  • Posts: 4457
Re: Winter Grilling
« Reply #6 on: November 13, 2012, 10:26:50 AM »
When i grill in the winter i find that my beer stays colder longer ;D
Wanted: 18" Platinum any color will work
This is my Kettle there are many like it but this one is mine......

glrasmussen

  • WKC Performer
  • Posts: 3275
Re: Winter Grilling
« Reply #7 on: November 13, 2012, 07:49:34 PM »
When i grill in the winter i find that my beer stays colder longer ;D

LOL! No need for huggie, but a glove for the 12oz curl hand comes in handy.

Heyjude

  • WKC Performer
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Re: Winter Grilling
« Reply #8 on: November 13, 2012, 09:00:12 PM »
Quote
When i grill in the winter i find that my beer stays colder longer


Just how cold does it get in Arizona, Like 80?
« Last Edit: November 13, 2012, 09:03:30 PM by Heyjude »
I don't care if you don't like my Avatar, its there for me..

DoppelBock

  • WKC Ranger
  • Posts: 1030
Re: Winter Grilling
« Reply #9 on: November 14, 2012, 04:36:18 AM »
When i grill in the winter i find that my beer stays colder longer ;D

I noticed that the other night ;) Plus if the beer is not cool enough to your liking, you can always stick it in the snow bank ;D

DoppelBock

  • WKC Ranger
  • Posts: 1030
Re: Winter Grilling
« Reply #10 on: November 14, 2012, 04:39:06 AM »
When i grill in the winter i find that my beer stays colder longer ;D

LOL! No need for huggie, but a glove for the 12oz curl hand comes in handy.

"Curl hand" LOL isnt that the truth!

1911Ron

  • WKC Performer
  • Posts: 4457
Re: Winter Grilling
« Reply #11 on: November 14, 2012, 10:04:47 AM »
Quote
When i grill in the winter i find that my beer stays colder longer


Just how cold does it get in Arizona, Like 80?
Brutal no? LOL
Wanted: 18" Platinum any color will work
This is my Kettle there are many like it but this one is mine......

HankB

  • WKC Performer
  • Posts: 2326
Re: Winter Grilling
« Reply #12 on: November 22, 2012, 07:39:48 PM »
I find the biggest challenge to maintaining heat is heavy rain. Cold temperature is nothing compared cold rain. Wind can be troublesome too but I usually find ways to block that. One way is with my gasser with the cover on. It extends nearly to the ground and can be positioned to block the wind.
kettles, smokers...

Easy

  • WKC Brave
  • Posts: 408
Re: Winter Grilling
« Reply #13 on: December 31, 2012, 02:57:32 PM »
I find the biggest challenge to maintaining heat is heavy rain. Cold temperature is nothing compared cold rain. Wind can be troublesome too but I usually find ways to block that. One way is with my gasser with the cover on. It extends nearly to the ground and can be positioned to block the wind.

Hank I have used my cover as a wind block for my gasser I have never cooked in snow with my kettle will have to try it. With gasser it takes a little longer but you do not sweat in the winter, so far not bad aroud here only two snows and about 6 inches thus far, more coming. Not as bad as many parts of the country.

HankB

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Re: Winter Grilling
« Reply #14 on: January 01, 2013, 03:52:37 PM »
Hank I have used my cover as a wind block for my gasser I have never cooked in snow with my kettle will have to try it. With gasser it takes a little longer but you do not sweat in the winter, so far not bad aroud here only two snows and about 6 inches thus far, more coming. Not as bad as many parts of the country.
Hi Easy,
I've cooked down to the teens but today it was in the low twenties. I had several things to prepare so I used my gasser to hold stuff that was finished and keep it warm while the rest of it finished. Then it all came in at the same time (on cast iron to keep it warm.)

No snow to speak of just west of Chicago but we'll get some some day. ;)
kettles, smokers...