Certified Winter Grilling Tips

Winter Grilling Tips from Char-Griller Ambassador James Llorens of Certified Creole BBQ

Winter grilling isn’t for the faint of heart, but if you love BBQ as much as James Llorens does, the cold weather is just another part of the adventure. From Illinois snowstorms to freezing winds, James has cooked through it all, delivering mouthwatering BBQ to family, friends, and customers—even during blizzards.

"Being from Illinois and having a deep passion and love for BBQ I have no choice but to embrace the winter elements Illinois provides during cold winter months. You have to be prepared for the freezing cold, cold winds, snow, rain and or freezing rain." - James

Winter grilling isn’t just about pushing through the cold—it comes with its own unique advantages. For one, the lower outdoor temperatures make it easier to maintain consistent low-and-slow cooking without worrying about overheating your grill. This is perfect for long smokes on ribs, brisket, or pork shoulder. Additionally, the cold air acts as a natural fridge, keeping raw ingredients fresher for longer while you prep. Plus, there’s something undeniably satisfying about the smoky aroma of BBQ filling the crisp winter air—it’s an experience that sets winter grilling apart. As James puts it, “At my house, we love BBQ no matter the weather, and grilling in the cold just makes it that much more rewarding.”

Here’s how you can embrace the cold and keep the smoke rolling, no matter the weather.

Prepare for the Elements

Winter grilling requires preparation. James recalls a particularly memorable cook on Super Bowl Sunday 2018, battling heavy snow and freezing temperatures to fill catering orders for ribs, pork butts, and more. His secret? Proper gear and planning.

What to Wear:

• Base Layer: Under Armor Cold Gear: compression shirt, leggings, and socks for insulation
• Outer Layer: Sweatpants or jeans, a hooded sweatshirt, and a skull cap or face-covering headgear
• Footwear: Waterproof boots to keep feet warm and dry.

Pro Tip: Always keep gloves in your pocket for when you need them—cold hands can ruin your focus.

Setting Up for Success

James emphasizes the importance of checking the weather forecast and setting up your grilling station ahead of time.

 

"Looking at the weather days prior leading up to your cook is always helpful, it gives you an idea of the elements you will be cooking through and what you will need to be prepared for." - James

 

Grill Setup Tips for Cold Weather:

Use a canopy or cover to shield your grill and work area from snow or rain.
Keep a leaf blower handy to clear snow off the canopy and a shovel to maintain a clear path to your grill.

Position your grill/smoker strategically to protect it from the wind.

Pro Tip: Allow your grill to preheat thoroughly in cold weather. Add extra charcoal during preheating to warm up all parts of the grill, including the grates.

Managing the Fire and Temperature

Maintaining consistent heat in cold weather is the key to winter grilling success. Cold temperatures can cause your grill to lose heat quickly, so you’ll need to monitor it more closely than in the summer.

"The key to any successful BBQ is the fire, so paying close attention to the fire and temperature is important during cold weather grilling and smoking. When the fire gets low in the cold it goes out quick and then you have to start all over and the food stops cooking including getting cold and trust me, you don't want this to happen. But if it does happen, just keep on pushing and start your charcoal up again and get back to cooking." - James

Fire Management Tips:

• Check the fire and temperature every 35–40 minutes (compared to every hour in summer).
• Add extra charcoal or wood when necessary, and do it quickly to avoid losing heat.
• Always have your fuel ready to go next to the firebox.

When cooking in cold temperatures, you will burn more charcoal/wood versus when BBQing in the summer, so prepare to have and use a little more fuel.

 

Vent Management:

Keep the top smoke stack vent fully open to ensure proper airflow.
Use the firebox side vent to control the heat—open it for more heat, close it slightly to reduce the temperature.

Pro Tip: Never open the grill hood unless absolutely necessary. Have all your utensils and spritz bottle nearby so you can work quickly and keep heat loss to a minimum.

Working with Food in the Cold

Cold weather has its perks for grilling. James notes that food stays fresh longer outside in the winter, giving you more time to take photos or arrange dishes. However, you’ll need to be mindful of the heat loss when opening the grill.

Tips for Food Handling:

• Cover cooked food with foil immediately and bring it indoors as soon as possible.
• Avoid leaving the grill open for extended periods—prepare everything you need before opening the hood.

Pro Tip: Winter grilling burns more fuel than summer grilling, so stock up on extra charcoal and wood before your cook.

Lessons Learned from the Cold

James’s dedication to winter grilling stems from his love for BBQ and the satisfaction of serving great food, no matter the season. As he says, “Winter grilling takes dedication, but if you take the proper steps, you can make things easier for yourself to get the BBQ done.”

So bundle up, prep your station, and embrace the challenge of winter grilling. With the right mindset and gear, you’ll keep the BBQ spirit alive all year long.

Ready to Grill in Any Season?

 

Check out Char-Griller’s lineup of grills, smokers and griddles to make your winter grilling experience as smooth as possible. With the right tools and a bit of preparation, you can enjoy bold BBQ flavor no matter how cold it gets.