Barbecuing doesn’t have to end with muggy weather. From the best gear to creative shelter ideas, learn everything you need to know about grilling in the rain.
Grilling out in the rain doesn’t have to be a struggle, and it certainly doesn’t have to stop your cookout. With smart planning and the right setup, you can be prepared for all elements, including wet weather.
Enjoy a perfect grilled meal with our guide to grilling on a rainy day, from setting up a shelter to weatherproof cooking techniques. This is how you grill in the rain.
Backyard awning
Investing in a pop up awning for your garden or tailgate is not only a quick trick in wet weather, it is also a durable way to protect your outdoor kitchen from the elements for years to come. A good pop up awning is easy to set up and take down and will last for many years.
To house your outdoor cooking and grilling area, look for a waterproof canopy with plenty of space underneath. Larger pop-up canopies tend to resemble gazebos, giving you plenty of room to maneuver without bumping into beams or posts. Also, make sure it’s big enough to accommodate your tallest grill master and has a few inches of extra space.
Position your awning away from buildings and flammable objects such as wood or propane tanks in strong winds.
Portable windbreakers
It’s easy to forget that an element often associated with rain is wind. As if it weren’t enough that the rain rages from above, it can also attack from all sides. So while an awning can do most of the work, investing in a windshield can help get the job done.
Grilling is all about controlling the temperature of the flame, and a surefire way to lose control is to expose yourself to a combination of rain and wind. It goes without saying that an unpredictable fire and its beating flame poses an immediate safety hazard.
Using a windbreak doesn’t just protect your grill from sudden temperature changes. You can also protect your surroundings from wildfires, whether you’re in your yard or on the road next to your RV or a tailgate BBQ.
A good windshield can be as simple as a fabric screen or side awning. For portability and to deal with changing wind patterns, invest in a lightweight material and avoid permanent attachments.
Pre cook your meat
I’ll admit that this “trick” is cheating, but admit when we’re depicted with heavy rain, we sometimes have no choice but to play the hand we’re dealt.
Par-cooking meat initially is the best way to ensure it has been cooked to safe internal temperatures without being disturbed by the weather. Plus, you’ll have more time to slow and slow cook the meat so it tastes its best.
This is where reverse sealing comes into play . This grilling method is perfect for burgers and beef steaks, where we slowly bring the meat to an internal temperature of 46°C (115°F) so it’s medium-rare before browning it over high heat. to lock in flavor and create a delicious brown on the outside. The meat will still have that original wood-fired flavor that your guests will (mostly) go unnoticed.
BBQ thermometer
Rain can make temperature control of the grill difficult as ambient temperatures drop and the accompanying wind ravages ventilation airflow. A digital grill thermometer helps you to monitor temperature fluctuations and is an invaluable advantage when grilling, especially when the weather is bad.
Look for a dual-probe digital grill thermometer to simultaneously monitor the surface of the grill and the internal temperature of the meat. Don’t be stingy here: temperature accuracy is critical.
Today’s best thermometers have Bluetooth and WiFi capabilities, so YOU can monitor cooking temperatures remotely without having to open the lid and change the cooking temperature of your grill.
Use more charcoal
When using a charcoal grill, adding more coals than normal will help the flames withstand the elements. This helps maintain the desired grilling temperature by mitigating the cooling effect of rain while providing additional insulation for smoldering embers.
Charcoal easily absorbs moisture, so it takes longer than normal to ignite in the rain. To prevent this, light your coals in a charcoal fireplace. Once the coals are fully lit, place them on the grill, holding them as tightly as possible.
Writer & content creator. BBQ fanatic!
