How to Grill When It’s Windy (Like a Pro)

You’ve been planning a delicious outdoor barbecue with friends or family for weeks. You’ve bought all the best cuts of meat, marinated them to perfection, and even whipped up some tasty sides. But just as you’re about to light the grill, the wind picks up and starts blowing everything around. Does this mean your plans are ruined? Absolutely not!

Many grillers wonder, “Can I grill when it’s windy?” The short answer is yes, you can. However, it’s important to know how to grill safely in windy conditions to avoid accidents or ruined meals.

In this article, we’ll provide you with everything you need to know to grill successfully in windy conditions, from determining when it’s too windy to grill to prepping your grill and using it safely.

So let’s get started together!”

How Wind Affects Gas Grills and Charcoal Grills

Grilling is a popular outdoor activity, especially during the warm months. However, when it’s windy, grilling can become a risky business. Wind affects gas grills, charcoal grills, and electric grills differently.

Charcoal grills are more susceptible to the wind because they rely on a steady air flow to keep the coals burning. When windy, the coals can be blown out or burn too quickly, causing uneven cooking. Gas grills, on the other hand, have a steady supply of fuel, so they are less affected by wind. Meanwhile, electric grills are the least affected. Both gas and electric grills are the best grills for windy days.

When Is It Too Windy to Grill?

Generally, the stronger the wind, the more you should not grill. For a more accurate number, there are several factors to consider:

First, the wind speed should be taken into account. According to the National Weather Service (NWS), wind speeds above 25 mph are considered strong winds that can make it difficult to control the temperature when grilling. Wind speed can be measured using a wind speed meter, or you can use NWS’s visual clues to determine the strength of the wind.

For example, wind speeds from 25 to 31 mph have visual clues such as large branches in continuous motion, whistling sounds heard overhead or nearby power and telephone lines, and umbrellas used with difficulty. When the wind speed is between 32 and 38 mph, whole trees are in motion, and walking against the wind can be difficult. If you notice these visual clues, it’s maybe a good indication that it’s too windy to grill safely.

Second, the temperature and cooking time of the food being grilled should also be considered. Wind can cause the temperature to drop, making it difficult to maintain a consistent temperature for grilled food.

If you’re grilling something that requires a longer cooking time, such as a whole chicken or brisket, you’ll want to avoid grilling in high winds. On the other hand, if you’re grilling something that cooks quickly, such as burgers or hot dogs, you may be able to grill in slightly windier conditions.

Tips for Using Gas Grills on Windy Days

Angling your gas grill is a simple but effective way to minimize the impact of the wind on the flames. To do this, you can adjust the placement of your grill so that it’s positioned at an angle, with the wind hitting the side of the grill instead of directly at the burner tubes.

Ideally, you should set a 90-degree angle between the grill side and the wind direction. This way, the heat will still be evenly distributed across the grill, and your food will cook more evenly. Keep the lid closed as much as possible to retain the heat inside the grill.

Checking the burners regularly is important. This way, you can ensure they function safely and efficiently. Use the match-light hole to check the flames without lifting the lid. This will help to prevent the loss of heat and any potential hazards that may arise from opening the lid while the grill is in use.

If the burners stop, turn off all gas valves and wait at least 5 minutes before relighting the grill. This will allow any accumulated gas to dissipate, reducing the risk of a fire or explosion.

Adjusting the temperature is essential to using a gas grill on windy days. Since the wind can cause flames to fluctuate, affecting your food’s temperature and cooking time. So, you may need to run the gas at a higher setting than usual to compensate for low flames that the wind could blow out.

Tips for Using Charcoal Grills on Windy Days

Grilling on a charcoal grill can be a deliciously smoky experience, but things can get tricky when it’s windy outside. Here are some tips to combat this condition:

Give your grill some extra charcoal. When grilling on a windy day, the charcoal in your grill can burn faster than usual to maintain a consistent temperature and ensure that your food cooks evenly. To avoid this, you may want to add a couple of extra pieces of charcoal to each grill side during the cooking process.

Believe it or not, just a little bit of extra charcoal can have a big impact on the outcome of your meal. So, don’t be afraid to give your grill some extra love and attention on windy days.

Keep the vents open for hotter temperatures. This may seem counterintuitive, but the more air going into the grill, the hotter the grill will get. By leaving the bottom dampers fully open and adjusting the top lid damper, you can maintain the temperature you want.

Keep your vents away from the wind. Wind can reduce the amount of oxygen that is put into the grill, limit the smoke escaping, and carry dust through the vents to stick to the food. By keeping the vents away from the wind, you can minimize these effects and ensure that your food cooks perfectly.

Be careful when opening your lid. The wind can blow in and cause the ash in the grill to fly everywhere and stick to the food. It can also cause flare-ups, leading to fire. To avoid this, open your lid carefully and avoid sudden movements.

Additional Tips for Grilling in The Wind

Do Quick Check

Before firing up your grill, it’s essential to give it a quick check to make sure everything is in good shape. If you’re using a gas grill, check for any gas leaks or issues with the temperature control knobs. It’s also crucial to ensure you have enough gas to keep things sizzling. If you prefer a charcoal grill, take a quick peek at the dampers to ensure no clogs could impact airflow.

Find a Sheltered Spot

When it’s windy outside, finding a sheltered spot for your grill can make all the difference. Just walk around your house until you find a place with little wind and move your grill there. But don’t make the mistake of grilling in enclosed spaces like garages or screened porches, as it can be dangerous. Those areas often lack the required clearance and ventilation, which can cause fire hazards and carbon dioxide poisoning. If you can’t find a good spot, consider investing in a windscreen or windbreak to block the wind and keep your grill steady.

Using Indirect Method

If you’re planning on cooking foods that require longer cooking times, such as roasts, ribs, or briskets, it’s best to use indirect heat. This method is perfect for cooking food low and slow, without burning it. When using indirect heat, you place the food to the side of the fuel source so that the heat circulates around it, cooking it evenly.

Since indirect heat isn’t as intense as direct heat, you don’t have to worry about the food burning or charring. Just remember, when you open the lid to check on the food, all that heat escapes, and it takes a moment to return to the temperature, so be patient!

Securing Your Grill from The Wind

Secure your grill to prevent it from tipping over or moving around, especially when it’s too windy. One way to do this is by placing heavy sandbags or cinder blocks across the grill’s crossbars to anchor it to the ground. This method is especially effective for larger grills or those on wheels.

Another option is to use bungee cords to tie the entire grill to a stationary object, such as a fence or deck railing. This method is best for smaller grills or those without a sturdy base. Whichever method you choose, ensure the grill is securely anchored before cooking.

Preheat your grill for a longer time in windy conditions. This way, when you start grilling, your grill will have enough time to reach the desired temperature and maintain its heat. Don’t rush the preheating process, as it’s key to preventing undercooked or unevenly cooked food. So, take your time and let your grill get to the right temperature before you start cooking.

Dress appropriately for safety and comfort. You should wear clothing that fits properly and has no hanging pieces that could accidentally come into contact with the flames. For example, wearing a long-sleeved shirt is a good choice.

How to Light a Charcoal Grill on a Windy Day

Here are some tips on lighting your charcoal grill with a chimney starter without risking the flames blowing out or the coals blowing around.

1. Find a spot sheltered from the wind, or create a makeshift windbreak using a barrier.
2. Next, remove the cooking grate and fill the Chimney Starter to the top with charcoal.
3. Light the lighter cubes on the charcoal grate, then place the Chimney starter on top.
4. Wait about 10-15 minutes for the coals to heat up and turn gray with ash before pouring them into the grill.
5. Pour them carefully to avoid them being blown around.
6. Finally, arrange the coals based on whether you are cooking over direct or indirect heat.
7. Once the coals are in the grill, place the Chimney Starter somewhere safe to cool down.

Conclusion

Grilling on a windy day may seem challenging, but it’s still possible with the right precautions and techniques. However, be clear about when it’s too windy to grill and when it’s possible.

By finding a sheltered spot, securing your grill, and lighting it correctly, you can enjoy the rewards of outdoor grilling while staying safe. So go ahead and fire up that grill, and enjoy a delicious meal in the great outdoors.

FAQ

Why does the wind keep blowing my grill out?

The wind can blow out your grill’s flames because it disrupts the balance of oxygen and fuel needed to maintain a steady flame. When there’s too much wind, it can also cause the flames to become erratic or blow around, making it difficult to grill food evenly.

Are grill fires common?

During 2014-2018, an estimated average of 10,600 home structure and outdoor fires involving grills occurred annually, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Although this highlights that grill fires are not uncommon, they represent only a tiny fraction of the overall home structure fires, which resulted in an estimated average of 346,800 incidents per year during the same period.

How do you deal with a BBQ flare-up?

To deal with a BBQ flare-up, move the food to the cool part of the grill or the zone with no coals if you have a two-zone fire. When the flare-up calms down, just slide the food back over the coals and keep cooking. Before grilling, trim off excess fat from your meat to discourage flare-ups from occurring initially. Avoid piling the coals too high, as this can also contribute to flare-ups.