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Barbecue/propane grilling in freezing temps

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Expert: - 1/22/2007


Question
My gas grill will not cook well when the outside temp is below freezing.  Why?

Answer
Almost nothing cooks well in subfreezing temperatures, because you're losing too much heat to the cold surroundings.  This is especially the case if there's any wind.  When cooking in the cold, you have to plan on either more time or more heat -- usually both.  It is possible to cook in some kind of enclosure, which would partially reduce the heat loss, but you'd have to deal with the lack of ventilation.  Remember that gas grilles produce carbon monoxide, which can kill you before you know what's happening to you.

My recommendation is that you save the winter grilling for days when it's 40F or warmer, unless you're willing to wait the extra time.

-- Whitestag

Barbecue

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Whitestag

Expertise

I can answer questions having to do with grilling or barbecuing meat (but not pork), poultry, fish, and vegetables over charcoal or wood. I also have some expertise in marinades and spice mixes. I cook only with charcoal and wood, so please do not ask me any questions about gas or electric grills.

Experience

I've been cooking with fire and smoke for 25 years, using charcoal and wood almost exclusively. While I do not usually cook with gas, I'm willing to try to answer cooking questions in this area. I cook meat, poultry, fish, and vegetables, and I've experimented with a lot of different recipes and techniques. I am not able to answer questions about grilling or barbecuing pork. Most recently I've been using slow-cooking (indirect heat) techniques, and have been very successful at it.

Education/Credentials
Not applicable to this area of expertise.

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