Whether you’re a propane devotee or a die-hard charcoal fan, one of the greatest things about summer is cooking on an outdoor grill. The pleasures of flame-kissed meats, seafood, and veggies, however, needn’t come to an end with the arrival of fall. As the most dedicated grill enthusiasts know, colder weather, rain, and snow don’t have to mean an end to outdoor cooking, just a change in gear and technique.

Here’s everything you need to know to safely extend your grilling season into fall and beyond.

Never grill indoors

This may be obvious, but it bears repeating anyway: Even if you’re using a small propane grill in a garage with the door open, the dangers of grilling in an enclosed area are very real. Not only does it greatly increase your risk of starting a fire, but it can also lead to carbon monoxide poisoning, which can be deadly. Likewise, it’s also highly unsafe to grill under a carport or awning. If you’re going to be grilling in the fall and winter (or any other time of year), do it in the open or not at all.

Cover your rig

A heavy-duty vinyl cover will benefit your grill all year long, but especially in the winter. In addition to saving you the trouble of clearing the snow and ice from your grill before you cook, a barbecue cover will also prolong its life by shielding it from the elements. Just make sure your grill is cold before covering it up again.

Rethink your grilling area 

Your grill should be at least three metres away from your home (including carports and awnings). If it’s farther than that, you might benefit from moving it just a smidge closer. Given that you may be navigating around snow and ice, the less walking you have to do, the better. 

Light up the night

Short winter days mean you’ll likely be doing at least some of your cooking in the dark. Make sure you have adequate outdoor lighting for the route from the grill to the house, and sufficient task lighting for the grill itself.

Consider a windbreak

A plywood windbreak can help your grill operate more efficiently when it’s cold out. Since plywood is flammable, however, be sure that it’s well away from the exterior of the grill.

Clear a path

Speaking of snow and ice, nothing ruins a beautifully-grilled meal faster than a slip-and-fall. Ensure you and your food get to the table safely by clearing a path from the door to the grill, and treating any icy patches with salt or sand.

Clean your grill

If you’re an enthusiastic outdoor cook, your grill has likely built up a fair amount of grease, char and crud over the summer months. Not only does this buildup affect the performance of your grill, but it’s also highly flammable. Start the fall grilling season right by giving your grill a thorough cleaning to remove any flammable debris. It’s also advisable to regularly check your grill for evidence of animals that might be trying to make a home inside your barbecue.

Never leave your grill unattended

An unattended grill is an unsafe grill, no matter the season. Babysitting your barbecue is less fun when it’s below zero outside than it is on a balmy summer evening, so plan to bundle up, grab a chair, and get comfy while you wait.  

Protect your hands (and your gloves)

Your favourite winter gloves may be great for the cold weather, but they’re not BBQ-safe. Instead, opt for a set of specialized heatproof gloves, thick leather work gloves or even simple oven mitts to keep your hands protected and warm while you cook.  

Be patient

The colder it is outside, the longer it’ll take for your grill to preheat and the more fuel you’ll need. It will also lose heat faster, so plan on keeping the lid closed as much as possible. To cut down on your total time outdoors, choose foods with quicker cooking times, like boneless chicken thighs as opposed to the bone-in kind. Likewise, it’s a good idea to have an extra propane tank or bag of charcoal on hand in case you run out mid-cook.

Jeremy Freed is a freelance writer and editor based in Toronto. His writing about fashion, travel, food and design appears in Sharp, Harry and re:Porter magazines, among many others.

Jeremy Freed is a paid spokesperson of Sonnet Insurance.