Your Most-Asked Cold-Weather Gas Grill Questions, Answered
Cold weather doesn't have to put your Monument Grill into hibernation. Many grillers cook all year long, from holiday gatherings to everyday dinners. But winter conditions do affect how gas grills operate. With a little preparation, you can keep grilling confidently—even in freezing temperatures.
Before we get into the most frequently asked winter questions, let's start with the three cooking habits that matter more than anything during cold-weather grilling:
1. Check internal temperature more often
Winter grilling is a game of temperature management. Cold air slows the overall cook, but wind can cause sudden surges—so it's harder to eyeball doneness.
Check your food:
- Halfway through the cook
- Around 75% through
- Once more when it's close to done
Using these checkpoints will help you avoid overcooking or drying out your food. Tip for Monument Grill owners: Both the Eminence and Denali series support Bluetooth connection, allowing you to monitor grill and food temperatures directly from your smartphone via the Monument app. This makes winter grilling easier, letting you keep an eye on doneness without repeatedly opening the lid or stepping outside into the cold.
2. Make sure food reaches your desired internal temperature before taking it off
During winter, cook times fluctuate more than any other season. Even identical foods may finish at different times.
Rely on a thermometer instead of visual cues. Internal temperature is the only reliable guide when the weather is unpredictable.
3. Let meat rest 20–30% of the total cook time
Winter air cools the surface of your meat quickly. Letting food rest allows heat to distribute evenly and prevents juices from rushing out when you slice into it.
A proper rest = consistently better texture and flavor.
Your Most-Asked Cold-Weather Gas Grill Questions
To help you grill confidently through winter, here are the 12 questions Monument Grills users ask the most—plus clear, step-by-step solutions.
4. My grill takes forever to preheat.
Totally normal. In cold or windy weather, the grill's cookbox loses heat much faster.
How to fix it
- Preheat longer than usual—this is expected below 40°F.
- Position the grill with the back facing the wind to reduce heat loss.
- Keep the lid closed during preheat; every open lid dumps accumulated heat.
- Make sure the flame is steady and blue; if it's weak or inconsistent, check your propane tank level.
Pro tip:
If your grill is stored outdoors, a cold propane tank gives weaker performance. Keeping the tank off frozen ground or storing it in a sheltered outdoor area (never indoors) helps maintain pressure.
5. My food isn't cooking fast enough.
In winter, heat escapes the cookbox quickly and propane pressure drops. This will absolutely slow cooking.
How to fix it
- Turn the burners up slightly.
- Avoid lifting the lid except when necessary—each lift can add 5–7 minutes to your cook.
- Check fuel level; a low tank performs noticeably worse in cold air.
- Use a thermometer to verify whether the grill temperature is holding steady.
6. My food is cooking too quickly!
Wind gusts can increase oxygen flow and spike the flame, meaning sudden high heat even in freezing weather.
How to fix it
- Lower burner settings.
- Move food to indirect heat if the exterior is browning too fast.
- Try repositioning the grill so wind isn't blowing directly into the firebox vents.
Pro tip:
Avoid cooking ultra-delicate foods during wind advisory days. Start with items that tolerate heat swings better (sausages, burgers, thighs, ribs).
7. My gas grill isn't getting hot at all.
If your grill isn't heating—even on HIGH—there's a good chance the regulator entered bypass mode.
How bypass happens
Opening the propane tank valve too quickly triggers a safety feature that restricts gas flow.
How to reset it
- Turn off all burners.
- Shut off the propane tank completely.
- Disconnect the regulator hose.
- Wait 30 seconds.
- Reattach the hose.
- Slowly open the propane valve one full turn.
- Relight the grill.
If the flame looks normal again, the issue was bypass.
8. Do I need to change my cooking times in winter?
Yes. Winter affects every temperature point.
General rule
Add ~3 minutes per pound to your standard cook times.
Other factors that change winter cook time
- Frequent lid openings
- Strong winds
- Thin cuts of meat (cool faster)
- Low propane level
- Snow blowing directly onto the grill surface
Best practice:
Cook with a thermometer, not a clock. Winter is unpredictable.
9. How can I minimize trips outside when it's snowing?
Monitoring food outdoors is the most inconvenient part of winter grilling.
How to reduce trips
- Use a wireless thermometer to check temps from inside.
- Prep everything indoors so you only walk out once.
- Keep grilling tools, trays, and gloves by the door to avoid back-and-forth.
- Set timers to avoid unnecessary checks.
10. I don't want to track snow through the house—what should I do?
Simple planning helps keep floors dry and safe.
Solutions
- Prep, season, and tray all food indoors.
- Keep clean trays for finished food inside the door.
- Wear dedicated “grill shoes” for stepping onto snowy patios.
- Put a mat or towel directly inside your main entry point.
11. How should I prep my grilling space for winter?
A well-prepared grilling area makes everything easier.
What to do
- Clear snow around the grill before cooking.
- Lay down salt or ice melt to prevent slipping.
- Store an extra propane tank outdoors in a covered, ventilated area.
- Check hoses and burners for frost buildup.
- Keep a long, heat-resistant glove nearby for safer lid lifting.
Optional upgrades
- Solar or LED lighting for early sunsets
- A small outdoor side table for trays/tools
- A grill cover that you can easily remove when frozen
12. How do I time multiple dishes during holiday gatherings?
Winter holidays mean large meals and tight timing—plus slower cooking in the cold.
What helps
- Create a simple cooking schedule on your phone
- Prep ingredients the night before
- Start proteins earlier than usual
- Use two-zone cooking to manage heat variability
- Keep sides warm indoors instead of trying to juggle everything on the grill
Why planning matters more in winter
Cold air can stall cooking without warning. A written plan keeps everything moving smoothly despite the weather.
Final Tip: Winter Grilling Is All About Preparation
Cold-weather grilling is absolutely doable and enjoyable with the right setup. Monument Grills perform well in winter as long as you plan ahead, keep fuel ready, and trust your thermometer more than your timer.
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