Is nice and warm out, summertime means time to dust off the old Weber and burn some meat, I mean, grill some meat. Yeap, is that time of the year again when BBQ warriors and once-a-year grill experts get ready to put some time behind their preferred cooker.
Nevertheless, on top of the heat generated by your grill, the sun has been on full blast this summer. Here in our hometown of Winter Garden Florida so far in July, we have seen heat index temps in the three digits. Yes, it is hot.
So here are a few tips so you can enjoy your grill while staying safe and dealing with these high temperatures.
Here are our Tips
Choose the Optimal Time
Choosing a good time to do your BBQ can make a significant difference in your and your guests’ comfort levels.
Plan your grilling sessions during the cooler parts of the day, such as early mornings or evenings when the sun is less intense. This will help you avoid the peak heat and allow for a more enjoyable outdoor cooking experience.
Find Shade
Position your grill in a shaded area to shield yourself from direct sunlight.
The heat omitting from the grill plus the sun will have you swimming in a pool of sweat.
Use natural shade from trees or create artificial shade with canopies, umbrellas, or pop-up tents. This will protect you from the heat and reduce the risk of sunburn.
Just be sure to set your grill at least three feet away from plastic, trees, or anything you do not what burned or damaged from the grill’s heat.
Dress Appropriately
Wear lightweight, breathable clothing made of natural fabrics like cotton or linen. Light-colored outfits reflect sunlight and help to keep you cooler. Additionally, consider wearing a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses to provide additional protection for your face and eyes.
In short, don’t wear a hoodie to your next BBQ cookout.
Stay Hydrated
Hydration is crucial when grilling in hot weather. Drink plenty of water or other hydrating beverages to replenish fluids lost through sweat. Avoid alcohol and sugary drinks, as they can contribute to dehydration.
Keep a cooler filled with cold water or sports drinks nearby for easy access. The key here is to keep the body temperature at bay.
Create Airflow
Maximize airflow around your grilling area to stay cool. Set up fans or install misting systems to circulate air and create a refreshing breeze. Position fans strategically around your cooking area, allowing for improved ventilation and reducing the buildup of heat. Move hot air away from you not towards you.
Pre-Cook and Prep in Advance:
To minimize time spent directly in front of the grill, pre-cook certain ingredients or partially cooking them indoors before transferring them to the grill for the final touches is a nice trick.
Prepping ingredients in advance will help you avoid unnecessary exposure to the heat. For example, you can cook steaks in the oven, get them to the doneness level you like, and then sear them on the grill.
Other Tricks that can help enjoy your Grill on Hot Days
Opt for Lighter Foods:
Choose lighter fare for your BBQ menu during the hot summer months. Grilled vegetables, refreshing salads, and fruit skewers are not only delicious but also help keep your body temperature down. Lighter meals are easier to digest and can help prevent the sluggish feeling that often accompanies heavy, rich foods in hot weather.
Take Breaks:
Don’t forget to take regular breaks to cool down and rest. Step away from the grill, find a shady spot, and relax. Use this time to rehydrate, reapply sunscreen, and recharge before returning to your grilling duties.
Keep It Simple:
Embrace simplicity in your BBQ menu planning. Avoid complicated recipes or those requiring extended cooking times. Opt for quick-cooking items that require less time near the grill. This approach will minimize your exposure to the heat while still allowing you to enjoy a delicious outdoor meal.
Choose the right grill
This can be a controversial topic but hear me out. If you are doing a cookout on a hot summer day, would you rather deal with a grill full of hot charcoal, a gas grill, or a pellet grill? All have their plus and minuses but also different ways to control heat.
I can tell you that on a hot day don’t like to be near hot coals anymore I do to a warm beer. For example, pellet grills cook more like offset smokers, with indirect heat, and sometimes are a better choice on hot days.
Conclusion:
Barbecuing during hot summer months doesn’t have to be an uncomfortable experience. By following these tips, you can stay cool and beat the heat while tending to your grill.
Remember to choose the optimal time for your BBQ sessions, find shade, dress appropriately, stay hydrated, create airflow, pre-cook, and prep in advance, opt for lighter foods, use heat-resistant utensils, take breaks, and keep your menu simple.
By implementing these strategies, you can ensure a more enjoyable and comfortable BBQ experience even in scorching summer temperatures.
So, fire up your grill, apply these tips, and savor the flavors of summer while staying cool and comfortable. Happy BBQing!
