5 tried-and-tested tips for grilling on windy days
You can’t just put off the backyard barbecue just because it’s a little windy outside. Of course, it will be more of a challenge, but with the right preparation and a few tweaks, it’s something you can definitely overcome.
Here are some tried-and-true tips for successful grilling on windy days:
Position your grill correctly
When preparing to cook on a windy day, you need to anticipate the wind and understand its direction. If you are using a charcoal grill, it is ideal to face the vents away from the wind. If you’re cooking with a gas grill, angle it away from the wind, perpendicular to the gas flow from your burner tubes.
Place your grill at least 10 feet away from any structures (your house, trees, etc.) or any flammable objects.
Stockpile of charcoal
Depending on the intensity of the breeze, you will use a lot more charcoal than you would need to cook in fair weather. Compared to other types of fuel, charcoal burns faster when exposed to wind.
So stock up on charcoal and be very careful what’s cooking on the grills – you may need to add more coals repeatedly to keep the fire going and make sure your food is cooked right!
Open the hood at your own risk
A sudden gust of wind can cause the ashes in the kettle to spin and land on your food. So don’t open the lid when absolutely necessary, and when you do, open it slowly and carefully to peek.
Keep a close eye on your grill
This applies to both charcoal and gas grills. If you are using the gas variety, check the burners from time to time as there is a good chance that they will go out due to the breeze. If they go out, immediately turn off the gas valves, open the gas hood and allow air to circulate for 5-8 minutes or until the gas smell dissipates before re-igniting the grill.
Prioritize safety
While grilling in a light to moderate breeze is possible, you will be able to tell for yourself if the wind is too strong to light your grill. A grill (especially a charcoal grill) knocked over by high winds can be harmful and dangerous.
If you decide to go ahead, you can choose to purchase a windshield for your grill (most gas grills already come with this feature) or make one yourself.
Follow these 5 tips for grilling on windy days for a hassle-free backyard BBQ!
#triedandtested #tips #grilling #windy #days