Let’s walk you through a scenario where you’ve made plans with friends and family to enjoy grilled meals outdoors and you’ve been looking forward to it all week. Being met with showers of rain when the day finally comes breaks your heart and of course, you might be wondering if you can just ignore the rain and grill anyways, let’s walk you through that.
Yes, you can grill in the rain if the showers are light and encounter no problems with your grill afterward, all you need to do is take certain precautions such as placing your grill in a covered area and using a charcoal grill instead of an electric grill.
Whatever the weather is, if you’re in the mood for some BBQ, then go ahead and enjoy the outdoor grilling thrill. However, when the weather happens to be a rainy day, many people become very cautious and discouraged to proceed with their plans to grill outdoors.
With the tips we will provide in this article, you’ll make a better-informed decision concerning grilling outdoors in the rain.
Is It Safe to Grill In The Rain?
If you have come this far to find a solution to grilling in the rain, then there’s no doubt that you love barbecue and outdoor grilling and we’re more than willing to help you figure out how best to handle grilling in the rain.
We would advise you to take the risk and grill in the rain if it is a light shower and does not come with heavy winds, but if the rain is heavy and windy then you might want to take a rain check to avoid soaking wet food and a grill being damaged by the heavy rain.
Below are some helpful tips to guide on grilling while it rains;
1. Wear a raincoat or use an umbrella and nonslip shoes
When you notice that it has begun to rain, the first thing you should do is dress appropriately to grill in the rain. You don’t need to catch a cold in the process and you also need to cover your grill from too much exposure to the rain to avoid damage.
Wear a raincoat and nonslip shoes to help you stay comfortable throughout the entire grilling process while in the rain, ask a friend or family member to hold an umbrella over the grill while you work. If there is a covered area in your backyard then simply place your grill there instead of struggling with an umbrella.
2. Use a charcoal grill instead of an electric grill
If you were planning to use an electric grill before it began to rain, it is best to completely change your plans. This is because of the risks involved with using an electric grill in the rain as rain and electricity are a dangerous mix.
However, if you have a charcoal grill or propane gas grill then you can go ahead to grill in the rain. Ensure that you are positioned in a place where the rain is unable to quench your charcoal or wood while you grill.
3. Make sure you have a hot and steady fire for grilling
Grilling in the rain might take longer because the rain has cooling effects that could beat down the temperature of your grill if you are unable to keep it hot until your food is ready. Make sure that you keep a close eye on the temperature of your grill and add charcoal or gas when necessary to keep it hot.
4. Close the lid of your grill while in the rain
Even if you are in a covered area while grilling in the rain, it is important to keep the top of your grill covered while it cooks. This way you can keep moisture, wind, and other cooling elements away from your grill because they can put out the fire and halt your grilling process.
5. Dry the grill after using it in the rain
This last step is extremely important because it is an aftercare requirement for grilling in the rain to avoid damaging your grill. Make sure that you dry your grill at least a day after grilling in the rain, your grill might still be hot so it is best to wait until 24 hours have gone by for it to cool. Clean it thoroughly to avoid rust or corrosion. You can use a paper towel or a washcloth for this.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it okay to grill in rain?
Yes, it is safe to grill in the rain. You just need to keep your grill in a covered area, maintain a high temperature, keep the lid closed, and dry your grill after using it in the rain.
Can I use a charcoal grill in the rain?
It is best to use a charcoal grill rather than an electric grill while grilling in the rain. Ensure to keep the lid covered and add charcoal to the grill whenever the need arises and you’ll be good to go.
Is it Ok to leave the grill outside?
It is best to keep your grill in the garage or under a shed where it is protected from different elements of the weather that could damage it.
Summary
Rain can either be a thing of joy or a hindrance to certain plans, when the case is the latter while trying to grill, we have the best tips to guide you outlined above.
Now that you know you can enjoy grilled meals even while it’s raining, we hope that you can follow the necessary tips to ensure that your grill is not prone to damage after the cooking process is completed.
