Yes, you can grill in the rain with a propane or gas grill. The burners in a grill are usually covered, so even if rain is falling onto the grilling surface, it shouldn’t be a problem in terms of putting the burner out, unless it’s a torrential downpour.
Here in the Bay Area, we often get lots of rain during the rainy season, and it doesn’t stop me from grilling outdoors.
If you leave the grill open, water might run through and result in some charred food remnants coming out of the bottom, but if you mostly keep the top closed, it’s not an issue.
Grilling in the Rain: Comfort and Convenience
The bigger question is your own comfort while standing outdoors and grilling. It might be uncomfortable to stand around in the rain for an extended period, but this can be easily managed with some kind of protective clothing.
However, one thing you shouldn’t do is try to use an umbrella over the grill. Most umbrellas are made out of a synthetic fabric, which means there’s always the risk that it could catch fire from the heat of the grill or from an ember. It’s better to just brave the rain than to risk a fire hazard.
Important Safety Precautions for Grilling in the Rain
When grilling in the rain, there are a few critical safety precautions to keep in mind:
1. Don’t try to take the grill into the garage or put it under an overhang. Grilling in an enclosed space increases the risk of carbon monoxide build-up, which is dangerous. Both garages and overhangs also pose a fire risk due to potentially flammable surfaces like ceilings and eaves.
2. Don’t put the grill under the eaves of your house, in the garage, or on a porch. Always maintain a safe distance from the structure while grilling.
3. Be prepared for slightly longer cooking times. The water falling on the grill might cool it down a bit, requiring more time for your food to cook thoroughly. If it’s raining heavily, keep the grill lid partially closed, as rain falling on the hot grill plates can result in steam that can be dangerous.
Embracing the Rain: Grilling in Any Weather
Grilling in the rain doesn’t have to be an unpleasant experience. Simply keep the lid closed as much as possible, wear appropriate clothing, and avoid fire hazards like using an umbrella or grilling in a confined space.
You might even find that grilling in the rain adds a touch of adventure to your cooking routine, making the entire process more enjoyable. So go on, embrace the elements, and grill to your heart’s content, rain or shine!
Key Takeaways
- You can safely grill in the rain, as long as the burner is covered.
- Do not use an umbrella to cover the grill as it is combustible.
- Do not take the grill into the garage or put it under an overhang, as this poses a risk of carbon monoxide building up or a fire.
- Be aware that the rain may cool down the grill, resulting in longer cooking times.
FAQ
Can I grill in the rain with a propane or gas grill?
A: Yes, you can grill in the rain as long as you keep the lid closed and stay away from any structures.
Q: Is it safe to use an umbrella over the grill?
A: No, it is not safe to use an umbrella over the grill as it may catch fire from the heat of the grill or from an ember.
Video Transcript
Tom from DIY Life Tech here to answer the question of whether you can grill in the rain with a propane or gas grill. The answer is yes. It’s not a problem for the grill. The burners are covered and usually, even a torrential downpour won’t put the burner out. However, if you leave the grill open, water might run through and you could get gunk coming out the bottom.
To avoid this, try to keep the top closed. Keep in mind that it might be uncomfortable to stand around in the rain. Don’t use an umbrella as it could catch fire from the heat of the grill or from an ember. Wear protective clothing instead.
When grilling in the rain, don’t take the grill into the garage or put it under an overhang. Doing so could cause a build-up of carbon monoxide in the garage or a risk of fire due to the potentially flammable surface. Keep the grill away from the structure.
Be aware that the rain might cool the grill down and cause slightly longer cooking times. But other than that, enjoy it. Sing a song about grilling in the rain, if you wish. You’ll grill totally fine.
