When we think of grilling, we think of relaxed folks lounging in the backyard in perfect summer weather. They share conversation. They sip cool drinks. Their mouths water at the aroma of the cooking food. Occasionally, the chef flips, bastes or checks the food on the grill.
Americans love to grill. When its done right, grilling doesnt just produce tasty food: Because the fat cooks away, grilled foods tend to be healthy foods. In addition, grilling seems to turn cooking into a social event.
Despite the sad fact that its not always summer and the weather is often far from perfect, people are grilling in all seasons. Market research shows that nearly 40 percent of American households say they grill year-round. Thats nearly twice as many as 20 years ago [source: Cascade Cattleman].
Maybe you want to be prepared in case a shower threatens your planned summer cookout. Maybe youre just a hardy soul whos determined to grill come snow, sleet, cold or rain. But whether you find yourself grilling in inclement weather by choice or misfortune, dont despair. You can minimize the discomfort and maximize the pleasure. Read on for some useful tips on how to do it.
While you can put an umbrella over a gas or propane grill… It’s not recommended to keep it there while you are grilling. If you are actively grilling, it’s best to remove the umbrella until you are done. (This also applies to other outdoor living features, such as a gas fireplace or patio heater.)
8: Think Bigger
As the popularity of year-round grilling has grown, so has the range of products designed to make it a more comfortable experience for everyone. Elaborate canvas-covered grilling islands are available, but theyre a bit pricey.
Less expensive steps can also help when inclement weather threatens. You can buy a relatively inexpensive “parking structure” for your gas grill. These structures typically hide the grills wheels, frame and propane tank, but leave the grill portable. The structure looks more expensive than it is, and it provides storage space and a counter for food preparation and serving.
If you set up your cut-rate grilling island wisely, you can protect your grill against rainy weather in a few minutes. All you need is an easy-to-pitch canopy tent, a roof-and-metal-poles structure, with no sides. Often used by sports teams and at tailgate parties, such canopies are widely available.
Unlike an umbrella, the canopy wont need anyone to hold it, unless its really windy. But it will bring people together, so the cook wont have to grill alone. Of course, you can use a canopy while you cook over any grill. A low-cost island isnt required.
A little rain wont stop your grilling. But what about wintry weather? Keep reading.
5: Know Your Grill
The prime consideration when grilling in rainy weather is to keep your grill lit and the food dry. But those who grill in cold and windy weather should consider different grill types.
The increased interest in winter grilling has prompted the rise of “infrared” grills that run on propane or natural gas. Their high-tech burners can reach temperatures as high as 1,650 degrees Fahrenheit (849 degrees Celsius) [source: Fletcher]. Infrared grills can cost several thousand dollars, although you can find less expensive varieties available.
Infrared grills can overcome the cold-weather problem of prolonged grilling, but theyre not the only way to grill well in frigid temperatures.
More familiar gas grills can do well. In fact, many people prefer gas grills to charcoal in wintry or windy weather because they start and heat up more quickly.
Charcoal lovers dont have to give up their grills in bad weather. They should, however, use one with a cover that closes and has easily controlled vents and dampers.
Whatever your grill, and whatever your weather issue, there are tricks that can help you grill as painlessly as possible. Read on to learn about them.
Budget friendly BBQ umbrella: Abba Patio Offset Cantilever Umbrella
FAQ
Can you put an umbrella over a BBQ?
Can I put an umbrella over my smoker?
Do umbrellas block heat?
Can I use a beach umbrella on my patio?
Can you use a BBQ umbrella in a rainstorm?
Using a BBQ umbrella is a great way to quickly create shelter for your grill during a rainstorm. There are even umbrellas made from heat-resistant materials you can clip onto the side table or handle of your grill. Umbrellas can be small enough to cover a portable kettle grill or the large type that are freestanding or integrated into a table.
Do you need an umbrella for a kettle grill?
Umbrellas can be small enough to cover a portable kettle grill or the large type that are freestanding or integrated into a table. Depending on your set-up and weather, the umbrella may even offer you shelter as you stand by your grill. Then you can keep your hands free even as you grill in the rain.
What is a grill Rain Umbrella?
A grill rain umbrella is often quite heat resistant and stands tall, far enough away from the grill surface that it is unlikely to come into contact with the heat. For decades, hot dog vendors on the beach have utilized the umbrella over grill concept.
Do you need a patio umbrella if it rains?
If it only drizzles or rains straight down, you can probably get away with a patio umbrella. However, if you experience mostly gusty winds with the rain, you’ll need a more permanent solution. All you need to grill in rainy weather are some good non-slip shoes, a raincoat and one of these five solutions.