Keeping cooking outdoors through the colder months is something that is easily achievable, and for many of us in the UK BBQ community it’s our favourite time to cook outdoors. Many of us actually look forward to cooking in the midst of meteorological challenges, snow and gales, as a kind of ‘why not’ affair. Personally, I’ve been that crazy winter BBQ guy for over 10 years; but now many more people are enjoying the challenges, and it definitely improves the cooking skills.

Tip 1

Plan and think where you will be cooking. Most open firepit style and asado cooking will struggle without shelter from the elements, the wind simply will remove the heat very quickly, so you’re better off with either grilling in close proximity to the coals, or lid-on cooking. Also, windy conditions will cause temperature fluctuations in pretty much any BBQ, making temperature control tricky.

Tip 2

Although you might not get much cooking done on a firepit, it’s nice to have one you can warm yourself by if you start to get cold.

Tip 3

There’s no shame in cooking indirectly and monitoring your cook from the warmth of indoors with a remote thermometer such as a Meater probe, you just need to pop outdoors occasionally.

Tip 4

Although you can cook on any BBQ, grill or wood-fired oven through the winter, the more insulation the cooking equipment has, the more stable your cooking temperatures will be and the less fuel you will use.

Tip 5

Give your BBQ a hug... a low ‘n’ slow ceramic kamado is a wonderful radiator for warming your hands; check it’s not too hot to burn you. A little hug every now and then will warm you, and let your BBQ know you love it, rather than abandoning it during the winter.

Tip 6

Make the best use of seasonal ingredients: game, squashes, root vegetables etc. And play with some flavours, curries and chilli will add a bit more warmth.

Tip 7

Get your family and friends involved, my kids love being outdoors and helping me BBQ year round.

Tip 8

Be prepared that food will probably take longer to cook in the colder conditions.

Tip 9

Resting meats after cooking becomes tricky outdoors as the food cools quickly, so either rest indoors, or wrap with foil or butcher paper.

Tip 10

Have fun, wrap up warm and embrace the conditions; have something warming to drink and some hearty food.

Top 10 Winter BBQ tips