5 Tested Tips For Grilling During Windy Days

You can't just postpone a backyard barbecue just because it's a little breezy outside. Sure, it's going to be more of a challenge but with the right preparation and a few adjustments, it's something you can definitely overcome.

Here are some tried and tested tips for successful grilling during windy days:

Position your grill right

When preparing to cook on a windy day, you should anticipate the wind and find out its direction. If you're using a charcoal grill, it's ideal to turn the vents away from the wind. If you're cooking with a gas grill, angle it away from the wind, perpendicular to your burner tubes' flow of gas.

Position your grill at least 10 feet away from any structure (your house, trees, etc.) or any flammable objects.

Stock on charcoal

Depending on the intensity of the breeze, you're going to use a lot more charcoal than you would need cooking on fair weather. Compared to other types of fuel, charcoal burns quicker when exposed to wind.

So stock up on charcoal and be extra attentive to what's cooking on the grates - you may have to add charcoal repeatedly to keep the fire going and to make sure that your food is cooked right!

Open the lid at your own risk

A sudden gust of wind can cause the ashes inside the kettle to whirl and get onto your food. So don't open the lid when it's absolutely necessary and when you do, open it slowly and carefully to take a peek.

Monitor your grill closely

This is true for both charcoal and gas grills. If using the gas variety, check the burners from time to time as they have a high possibility of going out because of the breeze. If they do go out, shut off the gas valves immediately, open up the gas lid and allow the air to circulate for 5-8 minutes or until the smell of gas has dissipated before re-igniting your grill.

Prioritize safety

While grilling in mild to moderate breeze is possible, you yourself will be able to tell if the wind is too intense to light up your grill. A grill (especially the charcoal variety) toppled over by strong winds can be harmful and dangerous.

If you do decide to go ahead, you can opt to purchase a windscreen for your grill (most gas grills already come with this feature) or make one.

Follow these 5 tips for grilling during windy days for a hassle-free backyard barbecue!