Jump to:
Today’s BBQs are equipped with covers or lids, which come in handy when an unexpected drizzle interrupts your outdoor cookout. So, despite the not-so-sunny weather, the party must go on! Even so, safety shouldn’t be overlooked—here are some tips to keep the fire going.
Keep the BBQ Cover or Lid On
It would be a real bummer to turn off the fire and postpone your garden BBQ party because of the rain. If you happen to be in the middle of grilling, pop the lid back on to keep the heat in and protect the food. That way, you carry on without letting a little drizzle ruin the fun.
Doing so can actually help maintain the temperature inside the grill, which ensures the food cooks evenly despite the cooler, damp conditions outside. If you’re using a charcoal BBQ, this helps prevent rain from dampening the coals.
Tip: We recommend setting a timer so you can keep track of cooking times. This helps ensure your food doesn’t overcook or burn while you stay focused on the grill.
Grill Under a Gazebo
Rain can be unpredictable; it might start with a drizzle then suddenly become quite heavy. In cases like this, putting the lid on your grill won’t cut it. Using a garden gazebo as your BBQ shelter is the way to go! This works especially if you already have an existing fixed gazebo in your outdoor space. Or you can set up something like a hexagonal pop up gazebo temporarily. The bigger, the better; you’ll have enough room to grill and host friends and family.
This setup is also ideal for a gas barbecue. For one, it allows you to keep the gas components safely sheltered, and it can be a permanent arrangement. Tip: Attach a shade sail for extra protection against the wind.
Note: Rain or shine, your BBQ should already be set up within the gazebo before you fire it up. You must never move a heated grill from one place to the gazebo once it’s started raining. This is a safety issue—it can be dangerous and increase the risk of burns or accidents.
A Portable BBQ Makes It Easy
A portable BBQ lets you take the excitement of grilling with you wherever you go, whether it’s at the beach, the park, or a camping site. Thanks to its compact size and lightweight design, you can easily move it to a sheltered spot, like a pavilion, a tent, or even the back of your car (just open the tailgate and use it as an extended roof).
Take this BillyOh Table Top Portable Gas BBQ, for instance. It’s designed with an enamel lid and integrated vents, which means whatever you’re grilling will cook perfectly, even with the lid on.
If you have a portable pizza oven, you won’t need to worry about covering it for rain or wind. This is especially true if it has a half-moon shape, like the Large Stainless Steel Pizza Oven with Double Insulation. Its design is already a shelter, keeping the cooking area covered.
Tips: If the BBQ is still hot, make sure to wear gloves that are designed to protect against heat. For a gas unit, always double-check that the gas supply is turned off before moving it.
Round-up
If rain crashes your outdoor BBQ gathering, whether it’s in the comfort of your garden or somewhere else, you can still keep grilling. The golden rule is to keep the lid on, but don’t forget to set a timer so you don’t burn the food. You can’t go wrong using a gazebo as shelter, not only for your grill but for everyone as well. And sometimes, choosing the right grill can make a big difference in convenience – a portable one is a great example.
These tips work for light rain and wind only. If the conditions become more severe, it’s better to call it a day and save your grilling for another time.
Read this guide next for more ideas: BBQ in Windy Weather – How to Control the Smoke and Keep the Grill Lit
What do you think ?