Will Rain Ruin a Grill? Tips for Grilling in The Rain

You’ve planned a barbecue with friends and family for weeks, but when the day arrives, it’s pouring rain. You may be wondering, “Can I still grill in this weather? Will the rain ruin my grill?” The good news is that with a bit of preparation and the proper techniques, you can still enjoy a delicious meal from your grill, even in wet conditions.

So, will rain ruin your grill? The short answer is no, but rain can cause damage to your grill if you’re not careful. In this article, we’ll explore the potential risks of grilling in the rain and provide tips and tricks to protect your grill and ensure safe and delicious grilling.

Whether you’re a gas grill, charcoal grill, or electric grill user, this article will provide you with the information you need to grill in the rain with confidence.

So, keep reading to learn how to make the most of your grill, even when raining.

What Happens if a Grill Gets Rained On?

While rain won’t necessarily ruin your grill, it can still cause damage. In this section, we’ll look closer at the potential risks and harm that rain can drive to different types of grills.

Gas Grills

When your gas grill gets wet, it can cause severe damage to its internal components. If water enters the gas supply system, it can cause corrosion and damage the grill’s burners, valves, and regulator. These damages may even cause gas leaks and then fire hazards.

Furthermore, rain can also cause issues with the electronic ignition system of your gas grill. It can result in the ignition failing or producing a weak spark. This can make it difficult to light your grill or even prevent it from lighting at all.

Charcoal Grills

While charcoal grills are generally less susceptible to damage from rain compared to gas grills, they still need to be protected from water exposure. When it gets wet, one of the most significant risks for a charcoal grill is rust formation. This can happen on the grill grates and other metal parts, causing them to deteriorate and potentially break down over time.

If rust does develop on the grill grates, it can also harm the health of the person eating the grilled food. Rust can harbor harmful bacteria that can contaminate the food, leading to food poisoning or other illnesses. Therefore, it’s crucial to regularly inspect your charcoal grill for any signs of rust and take steps to address it promptly.

Electric Grills

Electric grills are a convenient and low-maintenance option for grilling, especially for those who live in apartments or condos. However, if they get rained on, they can be particularly vulnerable due to their electrical components. Water getting into the grill’s wiring can cause a short circuit or even a fire. Ideally, using the electric grill outdoors is not recommended when it’s raining.

How to Protect Your Grill from Rain

If you want to keep your grill in top condition, here are three steps to follow:

1. Cover your grill with a waterproof cover to protect it from rain, mainly when unused. Ensure the cover is snug and secure, so water can’t get in. Store the grill in a dry place, such as a garage or shed, if possible. This will help to prevent rust and other damage caused by rain and moisture.
2. Another thing you can do to protect your grill is to clean it thoroughly after each use. Use a wire brush to remove any food particles or debris, and wipe down the grates with a clean cloth. Once the grill is clean, let it dry completely before covering it.
3. Before using your grill, take a few minutes to inspect it for any signs of rust or damage. Check the grates, burners, and other components for any signs of corrosion or wear and tear. If you notice any damage, take steps to repair or replace the affected parts before using the grill.

Tips for Grilling in The Rain

Rain can damper your grilling plans, but it doesn’t have to. Here are some tips for grilling in the rain that will help you keep your food tasty and your spirits high.

1. Watch the Weather Forecast

Checking the weather forecast before grilling is a crucial step that can save you from a lot of trouble. While it might seem like a minor detail, grilling in heavy rain or thunderstorms can be incredibly dangerous. Lightning can strike, and wet surfaces can lead to slips and falls. On top of that, heavy rain can also ruin your food by diluting the flavors or causing flare-ups on the grill.

Besides, it lets you know when to prepare your grill area for rain. Ensure your grill is placed in a covered area, like under a gazebo. If that’s impossible, invest in a grill cover to protect it from rain. This will also ensure that the grill is dry when you’re ready to start grilling.

2. Invest in a Grill Tent or Gazebo

If you love to grill often, investing in a dedicated grill tent or gazebo is worth it. Not only will it come in handy during rainy days, but it can also add a nice touch to your backyard and provide shade on sunny days.

Make sure the tent material is anti-inflammatory and that its size allows for the necessary clearance between the grill and surrounding structures. And of course, be sure to anchor the tent to prevent any accidents or collapse securely.

3. Don’t Use an Electric Grill

While electric grills can be a convenient option for indoor or outdoor grilling, they’re not the best choice for grilling in the rain.

For instance, let’s say you decided to use an electric grill during a sudden rainstorm. The rainwater gets into the electrical components of the grill, causing it to short circuit. Unfortunately, you’re unaware of this and touch the grill, and you get an electric shock, which could result in serious injuries or even death.

Therefore, it’s essential to take precautions when using any electrical appliance. Always choose a gas or charcoal grill for outdoor grilling in wet conditions to avoid potential hazards.

4. Preheat Your Grill and Pre-Cook Your Food

Rainy weather can make it difficult to maintain a consistent temperature on your grill, affecting the cooking time of your food. To help cut down on cooking time, preheat your grill and consider pre-cooking some of your food inside before finishing it off on the grill.

5. Adjust Your Grilling Technique

The rain can cool down your grill and slow down the cooking process. To counteract this, you might try cooking your food for a little longer than usual or using more direct heat to get a good sear.

A helpful tip to remember is that when cooking at a low temperature, you don’t need to flip your food constantly. Instead, you can leave it on the grill with the lid closed for a longer period of time. This can actually result in some of the best medium-rare steaks, which can grill for about an hour when seared properly. Keeping the lid closed also helps to prevent flare-ups.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with your cooking style to find what works best when grilling in the rain.

6. Keep Charcoal or Cooking Wood Dry

keeping your charcoal or cooking wood dry is essential to ensure a successful cookout. Wet charcoal or wood can be challenging to ignite and can create an excessive amount of smoke, which can affect the taste of your food. Moreover, it can lead to carbon dioxide poisoning, a dangerous condition when there’s insufficient ventilation in the grilling area.

To keep your charcoal or wood dry, store it in a dry place, like a garage or shed, before use. If you don’t have a dry place to store it, consider using a waterproof container or plastic bag to keep it dry. When it’s time to light your grill, ensure the charcoal or wood is completely dry before using it. You can also use a chimney starter to light your charcoal or wood, which is a more efficient way to get your fire going and reduces the risk of using lighter fluid.

Conclusion

Grilling in the rain can be a fun and adventurous experience. Still, it’s important to take proper precautions to protect your grill and ensure safety. Whether investing in a grill tent or adjusting your cooking style, there are many ways to keep your grilling game strong, even on a rainy day.

By following these tips and being mindful of safety, you can enjoy delicious and perfectly grilled food regardless of the weather. So, don’t let a little rain dampen your grilling spirit!

FAQ

Can You Leave a Propane Tank outside in The Rain?

Although it’s possible to leave a propane tank outside in the rain since it’s made of painted steel, it’s not recommended. To ensure the tank stays safe and functional, take some precautions.

Firstly, store the tank on a sturdy, flat surface like a piece of wood or a concrete slab. Avoid storing it on wet ground or any surface that gets wet to prevent rusting and damage.

If storing the tank outside in the winter, it’s best to leave it uncovered since freezing temperatures aren’t a problem for propane. In the summer, make sure to keep the tank in a shaded area to prevent it from exceeding a safe temperature of 120 °F (49 °C).

Regularly inspect your propane tank for any signs of damage or rust, and replace it if necessary. Following these guidelines, you can safely leave your propane tank outside in the rain without any issues.

Can You Use a Weber Grill in the Rain?

Yes, you can use a Weber charcoal or gas grill in the rain. It won’t harm the grill as long as you cover it properly to prevent water from getting inside. After cooking, it’s a good idea to clean the grill and heat it up to dry any residual water. Also, make sure the vents are closed to avoid wet ash buildup.

As for Webber electric grills, although designed for outdoor use, the manufacturer advises against using them in the rain or snow for safety reasons.

Why Won’t My Grill Start After the Rain?

A gas grill may not light after the rain due to various reasons, such as a wet igniter, clogged burners, or the fuel supply running out. When troubleshooting a gas grill that won’t light, start by checking the fuel supply. If the fuel supply is not the issue, then inspect the igniter system. Look for any visible signs of damage or moisture, and clean the igniter tip and along the wire to the back of the control panel with a clean, dry cloth. If the igniter system includes a battery pack, check for any moisture in the compartment and replace the battery if necessary.

Next, check the burner for any clogs caused by water and grease getting into the ports. Poke the tip of a nail or pin into each hole around the burner’s circumference to clear any obstructions. Blotting the burner with paper towels can help remove any moisture. Finally, replace the grates and briquettes, and try igniting the grill normally. If the appliance still does not light, the rain may have shorted the igniter system, and replacement igniters are available for different grill models at hardware stores or from the manufacturer.

Will Covering a Wet Grill Cause Rust?

Covering a wet grill won’t necessarily cause rust, but it can trap moisture inside, leading to rust over time. To prevent rust, it’s important to dry the grill thoroughly before covering it. You can do this by heating the grill on high for a few minutes with the lid open or by using a towel to dry the components manually. Additionally, ensure to use a high-quality, breathable cover to allow any residual moisture to evaporate.