Although we typically associate grilling with hot summer days, there are plenty of reasons to fire up the grill in fall and winter. Cooler weather can make for some great grilling, but shorter days may also mean grilling in the dark.
No matter the season or reason for grilling after the sun goes down, you can make great food when you know what you’re doing. Use these tips to make the most of grilling during fall and winter nights.
Use a Flashlight
Using a flashlight while grilling at night may seem obvious, but it’s worth mentioning. A flashlight can be an enormous help when cooking in the dark, especially if you’re trying to read a recipe or check on food to see if it’s ready.
While a headlamp is always useful so you can go handsfree, it may also tend to attract insects toward your face. In this case, consider using a tactical flashlight like the PD36R, which has multiple lighting modes. Tactical flashlights are great for nighttime grilling because you can change the brightness level, so you always have the perfect amount of light.
Prevent Slips and Falls
Safety is one of the most important things to consider when grilling in the dark. Set up a no-slip zone around your grill, so you don’t accidentally fall or trip. Also, if you’re using a gas grill, be extra careful when checking tanks and lines to make sure there are no leaks.
Check the area around the grill for tripping hazards like extension cords, outdoor furniture, and garden hoses. In the fall, clear away nearby leaves that may hide obstacles. If you’re grilling in the winter, clear away snow and ice from the grill area to uncover potential tripping hazards.
Use a Grilling Thermometer
Another thing to remember when grilling in the dark is grill temperature. It can be harder to gauge how hot your grill is in low light, so using a good grilling thermometer is essential. That way, you can be sure your food is cooked fully without burning it.
If it’s cold outside when you want to grill, use a grilling thermometer with a smartphone app. After setting up the thermometer, the app shares the temperature via the cloud. You’ll know how hot food is without stepping out in the cold more than necessary.
Have Extra Fuel
If you’re grilling at night with propane, have extra fuel. Propane doesn’t burn as efficiently in cold weather, so you may use more of it than you’re used to.
Charcoal grills also require more fuel. So make sure you have plenty of charcoal before firing up the grill. You don’t want to cut your nighttime cooking session short because you ran out of fuel.
Wear the Right Clothes
When grilling in the dark, wearing proper clothing keeps you safe. Long sleeves and pants are a must to protect your skin from the grill’s heat. Closed-toe shoes are also good, as you don’t want hot coals or sparks landing on exposed feet.
Whatever you wear, choose tight clothing that won’t trail in the grill’s flames. Depending on the temperature when you cook, you may appreciate having the extra layer of clothing to keep you warm and comfortable.
Avoid Using Glass Dishes and Utensils
Be careful with glass dishes and utensils when grilling at night. Not only can smoke obscure your vision, but you may also have trouble seeing a wine or water glass in the dark.
Not using glass dishes and utensils is also good for others eating with you. You don’t have to worry about anyone fumbling in the dark or knocking something over when everyone can easily see plates, utensils, and cups.
Grilling in the dark can be challenging, but with a little planning and care, it can be a great way to enjoy some great food when the days are short and the nights are chilly.
