For most Canadians, winter means hibernating the grill until spring, but real BBQ lovers know that flavour doesn’t take the season off. Whether you’re searing steaks in a snowstorm or roasting veggies on a crisp January evening, winter grilling just takes a bit more preparation and the right setup.
Here’s how to make the most of your BBQ all winter long.
Expect Longer Heat-Up Times
Cold air, snow, and wind all make your grill work harder to reach cooking temperature. Gas grills can take up to twice as long to preheat compared to summer. Give your grill at least 10-15 extra minutes to get up to temperature.
BBQ models with double-walled lids, like the Napoleon Prestige Pro, retain heat far better, even in sub-zero conditions.
Pick the Right Spot
Wind is your enemy. Set your BBQ in a sheltered but well-ventilated area, ideally close to your home but away from any walls or railings. Never grill inside your garage or under a covered balcony – carbon monoxide and flare-ups are real risks.
A cart model BBQ with side shelves and wheels gives you stable prep space and mobility, so you can easily shift positions based on the weather.
Check Your Fuel Supply
Cold weather can reduce propane pressure, which affects performance. Always aim to start with a full tank, and keep a spare on hand. If you use natural gas, make sure your line is free of moisture and your connections are secure.
New model BBQs, such as the Napoleon Prestige Connected Series give you the ability to monitor your propane levels by measuring the weight of the tank.
Keep the Lid Closed
Heat escapes fast in freezing temps. Resist the urge to check your food too often – each peek adds minutes to your cook time. Use a Bluetooth or Wi-Fi thermometer, like the MEATER or the Napoleon Accu-Probe, so you can monitor your cook without having to open the lid and lose heat. Remember the famous saying – if you’re looking, you’re not cooking!
Dress the Part (and Plan Ahead)
You don’t need to freeze for a good meal. Wear heat-resistant gloves, layer up, and keep a path shoveled to your grill. Pre-marinate or pre-season indoors so you can spend less time outside once the lid’s open.
If you’re serious about year-round grilling, consider adding a patio heater to your backyard setup. Classic Fireplace carries several outdoor heating options to keep your space cozy while you cook.
Tools to Make Winter Grilling Easier
Winter grilling can be a challenge at times, but luckily there are plenty of BBQ accessories available to make grilling in the cold a bit easier.
- BBQ Lights – With the shorter winter days and busy schedules, it can be a race against the daylight when trying to get dinner cooked in time. While some BBQ models come with interior lights built-in to them, not all do. An attachable BBQ light from Napoleon or Big Green Egg gives you a better view of your cooking space and makes cooking in the evenings much easier.
- The right BBQ tools – Getting the right BBQ tools can make a big difference. Longer handled tools can be easier to use when you are all bundled up in a jacket and gloves. Metal handled tools can also get colder much faster and get uncomfortable in your hands. Thicker-handled tools and those with a rubber or silicone grip can really help with this.
- Wireless meat thermometers – We already touched on this earlier but these will be your biggest friend in the colder months. They allow you to spend less time outside checking on your cook while also giving you precision measurements to get the best results.
Final Thoughts
Winter grilling in Canada isn’t for the faint of heart—but with the right prep, gear, and mindset, it can become your new favourite season to grill.
At Classic Fireplace & BBQ Store, we carry a full range of BBQs and smokers, covers, tools, and accessories built to handle our Canadian climate. If you’re ready to make your winter BBQ setup as comfortable as your indoor kitchen, come visit one of our showrooms or browse our online collection.
