If you’re anything like us, you don’t think grilling should have an off-season. But when the temps drop, it’s a lot harder to convince yourself to fire things up.

Good news: winter grilling doesn’t have to be a battle.

We’re sharing simple tips to help you grill with confidence all winter long. With the right setup and a few smart adjustments, you can keep the flavor coming, even on the coldest days.

10 Winter grilling tips

1. Preheat your grill. 

The most frustrating grilling faux pas is when food gets stuck to the grill. In winter, food is more likely to stick to the grill because the cold air and the hot grill grates have different temperatures. This is especially true when you lift the grill lid and get ready to remove your food, and that frosty air hits your cooked food.

One of the simplest ways to prevent food from sticking is to preheat your grill. Putting food down on cold grill grates will always result in a tacky, gummy mess. The hotter your grill, the easier it will be for you to flip and remove your food. 

To preheat charcoal grills, let the charcoal burn until it’s covered in a whitish-gray ash. In the summertime, this usually takes about 10 minutes for medium heat cooks (like chicken, pork chops, fish, light veggies, and fruits) and about 25 to 30 minutes for high heat cooks (like for steaks, burgers, and thick veggies). However, in the winter, you may need to add on another 5 to 10 minutes since the fire will have to battle the cold temperature and wind in order to reach the ideal internal temperature before cooking. The best way to ensure you have the right internal temperature of your grill is with a grill thermometer, like Thermoworks’ Smoke Remote BBQ Alarm Thermometer. 

Takeaway tip: Get your grill to the right temperature before cooking to avoid food sticking, long cook times, and inconsistently cooked food. 

2. Cook fish on top of citrus. 

Another easy way to prevent food, particularly fish, from sticking to grill grates in the cold weather? Cook your fish on top of citrus slices. Lay thin lemon slices directly on the grates, then place your fish on top. The citrus:

• Prevents sticking

• Adds subtle flavor

• Creates a buffer against temperature shock

Salt blocks are another useful tool to prevent sticking while adding delicious flavor to fish, meats, and even veggies. Check out these salt blocks that can upgrade your prepping and grilling.  

If citrus and salt blocks aren't your speed, try grilling fish on top of cedar planks (best with salmon).

3. Use cast iron skillets for winter BBQs. 

We love cast iron skillets for two main reasons: they prevent sticking on your grill (or losing small food pieces between the grates) and they keep your food warm on the trip from the outdoor grill to the indoor kitchen table.

Cast iron skillets withstand and hold a lot of heat, which means you can grill your food right in the skillet (rather than directly on the grill grates) and you can then easily transfer that hot food right to your kitchen table using the right heat-proof mitts and trivets). Plus, cast-iron skillets add a beautifully charred crust to meats, veggies, and cheese. Cast iron skillets are essentially stick-proof so you don’t have to fight with your food to get it on the plate. 

Even if you don’t cook the food directly in the cast iron, you can transfer the food to a pre-warmed cast iron to keep your food toasty in transit from the backyard to the table. 

Keep in mind that cast irons can stay really hot, so some food dishes might continue to cook even after it’s taken off the grill. You may want to remove your food a degree or two before the desired internal temperature if you’re going to be letting your food sit in the skillet for a while. 

4. Protect your grill from the wind. 

You might have your grill in the middle of the backyard to be the center of attention during summer BBQs, but that’s probably too exposed a spot for your grill in the winter. If the wind is strong in the winter, those gusts can get into your barbecue and cause the coal to burn much faster and/or cause flare-ups that can burn your food. It can also be a major safety and fire hazard. 

So, minimize wind exposure by moving your grill out of the direct line of “fire,” but don’t put it too close to your house for obvious reasons. Consider using wind screens to prevent wind from entering and installing insulated grill covers to keep the grill warm. You’ll also want to close the vents a little more than usual, which will keep the cold air out while retaining the warmth and smokiness of your food. 

The wind might even move the grill itself if it’s not properly anchored, and you don’t want your grill running away from you. If you don’t have locks on your grill, add blocks or bricks around its wheels to prevent it from moving. Bungee cords can also help tie your grill to something stationary. 

Learn more about grilling in the wind here. 

Note: Don’t be a dumb ash! Keep your grill away from anything combustible or flammable! Do not grill in any enclosed spaces, like sheds or garages. Know your grill fire safety inside and out to prevent any incidents this winter. 

5. Get extra everything. 

For winter barbequing, you’ll need extra charcoal, extra propane, extra warm clothing, and even extra time. Fighting the cold winter weather takes a toll on both the grill and the griller, so be prepared with a little “extra” of everything. Keep in mind that grilling can take one and a half to three times more fuel and time in the winter. You may want to add a few extra lumps into your Kick Ash Basket in preparation for cooler temperatures.

During winter grilling, you may need to add more charcoal to the grill halfway through the cook if it’s burning quickly. You also may need to add another 5 to 10 minutes of cook time to ensure your food is cooked all the way through. We know you want to minimize your time out in the cold weather during your winter BBQ, but you’ll want to remember that keeping your grill and food hot takes a little extra TLC against the cold winter air.

Tip: We love using natural Rockwood Charcoal because it has a clean burn and it’s environmentally responsible, but also because it has a slower burn time that’s great for smoking and low-and-slow cooks, especially up against that chilly winter weather. 

6. Clip on a grill light. 

Another “extra” you could benefit from… a grill light! The days are shorter in the winter, so you may end up grilling in the dark, which can be dangerous. You need to be able to see the grill to make sure you don’t burn yourself and undercook or overcook your food. A clip-on grill light or a headlamp can be a savior for those dark, cold winter grill sessions. It’s a small upgrade that massively improves winter grilling safety.

7. Throw on protective gloves. 

In case you have any missteps in the cold, you want to protect your hands and forearms from any potential burns with heat-resistant gloves. Plus, a pair of gloves can also keep your fingers warm!

Look for gloves that balance heat protection with dexterity. Thick, clunky gloves make grill management harder, and with cold-weather grilling, you bet precision matters. Check out our heat-resistant gloves for protection up to 932 degrees F for short-term use. Plus, the non-slip silicone grip is flexible and comfortable, so you won’t have clunky gloves getting in the way of your cook.  

8. Know your charcoal grill. 

Not all grills behave the same in winter.

Kamado Grills in Winter:

• Excellent heat retention

• Efficient once stabilized

• Require good airflow management
  

Gas Grills in Cold Weather:

• Easier temp adjustment

• Susceptible to propane performance issues in extreme cold

• Require leak checks in brittle winter conditions
  
  

For kamado users, especially, maintaining proper airflow in winter is the difference between stable temps and frustration.

Whatever kind of grill you’re using, make sure you read the manual and learn the ins and outs of how to properly use it in the winter. 

If you’re familiar with Kick Ash Basket, you know that we strongly prefer charcoal grills over gas grills. Find out which charcoal grill is best for you here. 

9. Keep the lid down. 

Minimize how often you open and close the lid of your grill. Now is not the time to “check” on your meat all the time. Every time you lift the lid, you’ll lose heat and let in the cold, which can make the cook time a lot slower and more inconsistent.

Get yourself a remote meat thermometer from Thermoworks, stick it in your meat, fish, or veggies, and let it tell you when it’s time to go back out and check on your goodies. Plus, this will let you stay warm in your house, so you don’t get frost-bitten ears, nose, and toes while waiting for your food to cook. 

Psst… How does grilling work? 

10. Use a grill blanket

You are not the only one who needs layers in winter. Your grill does too.

If you are grilling in freezing temperatures, an insulated grill blanket can help maintain steady heat and reduce fuel strain. Many kamado and pellet grills offer fitted thermal jackets designed to wrap the exterior and limit heat loss in cold weather.

This matters most during low and slow sessions like brisket or pork shoulder, when maintaining consistent heat is critical. In cold conditions, even small temperature drops can extend cook time and increase fuel consumption.

Just make sure the blanket is designed for your grill model and rated for high-heat use. Winter grilling is all about controlling variables, and limiting heat loss is one of the biggest advantages you can give yourself.

Winter grilling 

Do you like to grill all year long? With the right tools and tricks, a winter BBQ can be an awesome way to whip up some healthy comfort food for your family and friends. Don’t forget to make charcoal prep and cleanup a breeze with a Kick Ash Basket for your grill. Find out why Kick Ash Basket is the premier tool for every grill aficionado looking for safe, easy charcoal grilling. 

If your passion for grilling extends beyond the food itself, you’re not alone. Hundreds of people just like you are connecting now in the Kick Ash Crew on Facebook! Join our members-only community now for exclusive deals on grilling essentials, seasonal recipes and event-themed menus, engaged grill discussion, community-vetted tips and tricks, and much much more. Join the Crew today!

FAQ: Winter Grilling & Cold Weather BBQ

Can you grill in freezing temperatures?
Yes. With proper airflow, extra fuel, and stable lid control, charcoal grills perform well even below freezing.

Does charcoal burn differently in winter?
Yes. Cold air and wind affect combustion and fuel consumption. Expect higher charcoal usage.

Do ceramic grills work in winter?
Absolutely. Their ceramic construction retains heat well, as long as airflow is clean and ash buildup is managed.