Winter is here. And that means Burger lovers everywhere are suiting up for some outdoor winter grilling! We know your dedication to Burgers and grilling in all seasons is without question, but did you know that you and your Burgers are vulnerable to more issues when grilling in the cold? Let’s take a look at the top 3 winter grilling problems that arise and how to solve them!

Top 3 Winter Grilling Problems (And Solutions)

Change In Weather. During the winter months, it’s not uncommon for a sudden change in weather (such as a drop in temperature or sudden snowfall) to occur. The best way to combat this issue is to be prepared. Make sure you have all the tools necessary to cook your food ready by the grill. This will reduce the number of times you need to head back inside for a key instrument you need to make culinary adjustments. It’s also a good practice to keep a shovel and some de-icing salt handy so you can maintain a clear path between your home and your grill.

Food Is Taking Too Long To Cook. This is very common when winter grilling. In colder temperatures, food takes a little longer to cook (an additional 3 minutes per pound is usually a good rule of thumb). But there are ways to combat this. If you’re using charcoal, mix up the coals to allow more heat to rise through the grates. If you’re using gas, turn up the heat a bit (but make sure to keep an eye on your fuel level). And, as always, keep the lid closed.

It’s Too Cold To Adjust The Grill. This is also a pretty common problem. Sometimes it feels too cold to make adjustments to your grill during cooking. The best ways to combat this is to allow for extra time for cooking (especially if the outside temperature is lower than 40 degrees F). Pay attention to how many times you open the lid of your grill to check your food and make adjustments—every time you open the grill, the sudden retreat of heat into the winter air could add an additional five minutes to your total cook time. Finally, be patient. When cooking in the cold, meat will just take longer to cook. Plan your cooking in advance to make sure you have plenty of time so you’re not left out in the cold.

Do you enjoy grilling during the winter? What are some strategies you use to stave off the cold and get your Burgers cooked? Let us know in the comments!