Barbecuing is a great way to spend time with family and friends during the summer, but what happens when the weather isn’t cooperating? Especially in British weather, we don’t know what weather we will be faced with. Don’t let a little rain or wind get in the way of your outdoor cooking time. With the right tips, you can get your charcoal BBQ fired up and ready to go, no matter what the weather throws at you.
How to Cook on Charcoal BBQ in All Weather Situations!
Things to check before you start
Preparation is just as important as your actual BBQ cooking experience! Before you begin, make sure to check the following points:
1. Ensure that your charcoal is thoroughly dried out
Before you get started, it’s important to check that your charcoal is thoroughly dried out. Dry charcoal will help prevent smoke and flare-ups from occurring while cooking. If you have leftover charcoal from the last time you cooked, make sure it has been stored in a dry and airtight container. If not, purchase new charcoal for your next BBQ session. Damp charcoal will not burn efficiently and will also produce a lot of smoke.
2. Choose a sheltered spot for your BBQ
Ideally, you’ll want to choose a sheltered spot for your BBQ. This could be under a large tree or umbrella, using a BBQ shelter or gazebo. Make sure the area provides adequate ventilation and is not prone to any wind gusts that might blow out your fire. You should also make sure there are no flammable materials around the BBQ area.
3. Make sure to have the right kind of charcoal – and enough of it!
Choosing the right charcoal is vital for your barbecue, as it provides the essential fuel for your cooking. Natural charcoal burns efficiently and cleanly without releasing harmful chemicals. Lump wood charcoal is one of the best options for outdoor grilling, as it produces very high heat and very little ash. If you want a longer burn time, charcoal briquettes are an ideal option. Your natural charcoal needs to be replenished often if you want to maintain the perfect cooking temperature.
4. Ensure your BBQ is clean
Cleaning your BBQ regularly and thoroughly is essential for a good grilling experience. A clean barbecue will prevent flare-ups and ensure even cooking and a great taste of your food. To clean, first brush off any dirt from all parts, such as the charcoal grill, using a wire brush or dump out any soot residue. Then wash off any remaining residue with warm, soapy water and ensure that it dries thoroughly. A dirty grill and grilling over any burnt-on food residues will ruin the flavour of your meal.
5. Have the right equipment
Having the right equipment is essential for getting your BBQ started in all weather conditions. This can include a grill brush, a wire brush, BBQ gloves, matches/lighters, or natural firelighters. All of these items will help you get your charcoal burning and ready for cooking in no time.
How Long Should a BBQ Be Lit Before Cooking?
You can tell when your barbecue charcoal is hot enough for cooking by looking at its colour and feel. The charcoal should have a light grey glow with some white ash spots. If the coals are still dark or black, they need more time to heat up. You can also check the heat of the coals by placing your hand about 5 inches above them; you should be able to hold it there for about 4-5 seconds before it feels too hot.
You could use natural firelighters to help speed up the process of burning the charcoal. Natural firelighters are a safe and eco-friendly way to get your BBQ fired up quickly. Natural firelighters are also not a substitute for proper charcoal selection, preparation, and maintenance, which are important factors for ensuring a long-lasting and efficient fire.
BBQ in All Weathers With These Tips!
- Sunny and dry weather: Perfect BBQ weather!
When having a BBQ in hot weather, grilling is easy. Here’s how to make the most of it:
- Ensure your grill is clean.
- Use high-quality charcoal and a chimney starter for efficient ignition.
- Wait for the coals to ash over for even heat distribution.
- Rainy or wet weather conditions:
Don’t let the rain dampen your BBQ enthusiasm:
- Use a waterproof grill cover.
- Grill under a shelter, like a well ventilated but covered patio or canopy.
- Use natural firelighters and use a windscreen or foil shield for added protection.
- Windy conditions:
Wind can challenge your BBQ skills, but these tricks can help:
- Position your grill in a wind-protected area.
- Employ a windbreak to shield the grill.
- Use natural firelighters as they can get your coals glowing hot quicker.
- Cold weather conditions:
A winter grilling barbecue session requires a bit more care:
- Use extra charcoal to maintain a consistent temperature.
- Preheat the grill for an extended period.
- Consider grill jackets or thermal blankets to retain heat.
- Snowy weather conditions:
Grilling in the snow can be a wonderful experience:
- Clear the area around your grill to prevent snow from melting and to extinguish the coals.
- Ensure safe footing by wearing appropriate footwear.
- Keep a grill brush or snow shovel handy to clear the grates.
High-Quality Natural Firelighters, Briquettes and Lump Wood Charcoal for Sale UK
High-quality natural briquette charcoal and lump wood charcoal are essential for creating the perfect BBQ cooking experience in all weather conditions. Not only do they provide an efficient and clean burn, but they can also help maintain a constant cooking temperature. Green Olive Firewood is a UK charcoal supplier and we are committed to providing the best natural charcoal for your BBQ so you can enjoy delicious grilled food all year round. We are proud to deliver superb-quality natural charcoal products – right to your door!
Don’t settle for ordinary charcoal; shop for good-quality sustainably produced charcoal UK here!