Many people think that grilling is only for sunny days, but with the right precautions, you can grill in any weather! We’ve all been there. You’re in the middle of cooking dinner for your family or friends and the rain starts to pour.
Suddenly, your meal is in jeopardy. You have to make a decision do you brave the elements and finish cooking, or do you pack it up and order takeout? For the professional chef, grill master, or home cook, this decision is not an easy one.
Can you grill in the rain? Of course, you can grill in the rain! Just make sure you have a proper cover for your grill, and be careful of slippery surfaces. Plus, grilling in the rain can actually be quite fun!
In this blog post, we’ll give you some tips on how to stay safe and dry while grilling in the rain. We will also explore whether or not grilling in the rain is safe so that you can make the most informed decision for your situation. I’ll also tell you about my personal experiences of grilling in the rain so let’s start.
The first thing you need to consider when grilling in the rain is the safety of yourself and those around you.
When grilling under normal circumstances, there are already a few safety hazards to be aware of namely, fire and smoke. However, when it’s come to grilling in the rain you must be extra vigilant.
How To Grill In The Rain?
When grilling in the rain, you also have to worry about slippery surfaces and wet weather gear. If possible, it’s prudent to wait until the rain subsides before beginning cooking.
However, we understand that sometimes you just can’t wait. In this case, we recommend taking a few extra precautions to ensure everyone’s safety.
1. To avoid any accidents, place your grill on level ground.
2. Ensure that you have an extinguisher nearby if you need to extinguish a fire.
3. And don’t forget to wear proper footwear, ideally, non-slip shoes or boots, to avoid slipping on wet surfaces.
4. Also, make sure that you have a heavy-duty tarp or cover to protect your grill from the elements.
5. Keep your cookout area clear of puddles and standing water.
6. Use long utensils to avoid getting sparks and flames on your clothes.
7. Finally, be sure to have a fire extinguisher on hand in case of an accident.
Now that we’ve addressed safety concerns, let’s move on to the practicality of grilling in the rain. Unfortunately, inclement weather can adversely affect both gas and charcoal grills meaning your food might not come out tasting its most delicious.
If you’re using a gas grill, rain can cause water to collect in the burner tubes which can lead to uneven heating or even a fire.
And if you’re using charcoal, wet weather can make it difficult to light your coals and get them burning hot enough for cooking.
Additionally, both types of grills can Rust if left out in the rain too long without being covered. It is therefore recommended that you grill only in light rain or under a shelter if you are able to do so.
Can You Grill In A Thunderstorm?
Technically the answer is yes, but we don’t recommend it! Grilling in a thunderstorm can be extremely dangerous due to the risk of lightning strikes.
If you must grill in a thunderstorm, make sure to take precautions such as grilling under a covered area and keeping an eye on the weather conditions. Stay safe!
Tips For Grilling In The Rain
If you’re determined to grill in the rain, there are a few things you can do to help make the experience more enjoyable.
1. Use grill cover
This is the most critical step in grilling in the rain. You want to make sure that your grill is protected from the elements so that it doesn’t rust or get damaged. You can also prevent your food from getting soggy and wet with a waterproof cover.
2. Have a roof extension
A roof extension on your grill is the most reliable option to keep the grill dry and your food protected from the rain. Try setting up a tarp or umbrella if you don’t have one.
3. Move the grill under an awning
It’s convenient to have the awning so that you can utilize it for different purposes, such as for grilling when it’s raining.
If you are grilling and it starts rain try moving your grill beneath it. Rain will stay off of your food and grilling will become a whole lot easier.
4. Move your grill to a sheltered area
If you have access to another shelter or extended ceiling, try to move your grill to that covered or sheltered area before you start cooking. Rain will be kept off your grill and you won’t have to worry about it getting wet.
5. Use a Gas Grill
Gas grills are a much better choice for grilling in the rain. Whenever it’s raining, I use a gas grill instead of a charcoal grill to grill my food.
They are easier to light in the rain and they stay lit even if the rain is coming down hard. This is because you do not have access to a shelter or grill cover.
In addition, you need to be extra careful when using a charcoal grill in the rain. This is to prevent the grill plate from getting wet and to cook the perfect grill meal. But you can still use it if you put more charcoal on your grill and preheat it properly.
6. Keep Spices Dry
Be sure to keep any dry ingredients, like rubs and spices, in a dry place and let them get wet from the rain. Wet spices will not only be ineffective, but they can also make your food taste sour.
7. Use Umbrella
When grilling with charcoal, be sure to keep an umbrella handy to protect your coals from rain. If the coals get wet, they will not light properly and it will be difficult to get them lit again. you can ask any friend or family member to hold it over you and grill while you’re cooking.
8. Keep your food dry
Once you start cooking, remember to keep your food as dry as possible. Wet food will not only take longer to cook, but it can also be dangerous to eat.
9. Have fun
Grilling in the rain can be a fun challenge, so don’t take it too seriously. Be prepared for things to get wet and messy, and just enjoy the experience. After all, there’s nothing better than grilled food on a rainy day!
How to Protect Any Type Of Grill from Rain?
Grills can be a lot of fun, but when the rain starts to fall, it can be a pain to have to put your grill away. Here’s how to protect any grill from rain:
1. Invest in good quality cover
This is the most basic step in protecting your grill from the rain. Grill covers come in all shapes and sizes, so make sure to get one that fits your grill perfectly.
2. Use Built-in cover properly
If your grill has a built-in cover, don’t forget to use it. A lot of grills come with covers that fit perfectly over the top, and using them is the most effective way to keep your grill dry.
3. Make a grill cover by yourself
If you don’t have a grill cover, you can design one yourself. All you need is some heavy-duty plastic and some tape. Simply cut the plastic to fit over your grill and then use the tape to secure it in place.
4. Clean it up
It’s imperative to keep your grill clean, even in the rain. Water can cause rust and damage to your grill, so be sure to wipe it down after each use.
If you’re using a gas grill, be sure to turn off the gas and prop the lid open. This will allow the grill to dry out completely before you store it.
5. Protect the grill from High rain
If you live in an area that gets a lot of rain, you may want to consider storing your grill indoors when it’s not in use. This will help keep it dry and protected from the elements.
Can You Use A Pellet Grill In The Rain?
No, you cannot cook on a pellet grill in the rain. Because the pellet grill uses electricity, it is a fire hazard. If you use it in the rain, you risk electrocution.
Moreover, the pellet grill needs to be vented properly to work correctly, and excessive moisture can damage the grill. So while you may be able to use other types of grills in the rain, it is not recommended to use a pellet grill.
Which Type Of Grill Is Most Appropriate To Use In The Rain?
There is no definitive answer when it comes to grilling in the rain. Some people swear by charcoal grills, while others prefer gas or electricity. Although I prefer using a gas grill since it is easier to use and less messy.
Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and what you feel comfortable using. If you do decide to grill in the rain, there are a few things you should keep in mind.
First, make sure your grill is covered and protected from the elements. Second, be aware that grilling in the rain will take longer than usual, so plan accordingly and be patient. Finally, always use caution when working with fire, regardless of the weather conditions.
Conclusion!
Grilling in the rain can be dangerous and impractical. We understand, however, that sometimes the weather cannot be controlled.
If you find yourself in this situation, be sure to take extra safety precautions such as grilling on level ground. Also, always keep an eye on your grill.
It is preferred to grill in light rain or under an outdoor kitchen shelter if possible to avoid water damage to your grill.
With a little bit of preparation, grilling in the rain can be a fun and unique cooking experience! Just make sure to take the proper precautions and use caution, and you’ll be able to enjoy a delicious meal no matter what the weather is like. Happy grilling!
Thanks for reading!
FAQs
No, you can’t use an electric grill in the rain. As it is made of metal, it will conduct electricity and you could get electrocuted.
When grilling in the rain, there are a few things you can do to keep your charcoal dry. One option is to place the charcoal in a metal container with a tight-fitting lid. You can also purchase a charcoal chimney, which is a device that helps you light the charcoal without getting it wet. Gas grills do not require charcoal to be kept dry, so you can use one instead.
My name is David Lapp and I’m the Founder and Senior Editor of Grilling Forever. I started the website to share my passion for grilling and barbecue. I am also a holder of a BS degree in Nutrition and Food Studies. Learn More!