Grilling in Cold or Rain: (Expert Guide) | Arteflame

Can You Grill in the Rain or Cold? The Quick Answer

Yes, absolutely. You can grill in freezing temperatures or rain, especially when using a high-performance grill like the Arteflame. Unlike standard thin-walled grills, the Arteflame is designed to be left outside year-round. The key to success lies in heat management: expect to use 20% more fuel to counteract the cold, allow for a longer pre-heating time, and ensure your wood is dry. While the Corten steel base is impervious to weather, you must keep the carbon steel cooktop well-oiled to prevent rust during rainy sessions.

Why Is the Arteflame the Best Grill for Cold Weather?

Most grills struggle in winter because thin metal loses heat rapidly to the cold air. The Arteflame solves this through thermal mass. The solid carbon steel cooktop and heavy Corten steel bowl act as a massive heat reservoir. Once the grill gets up to temperature, it holds that heat far better than wire grates, creating a stable cooking zone even if the ambient temperature is freezing.

Winter Grilling Performance Comparison

See how the Arteflame stacks up against traditional options when the temperature drops.

How Do I Manage Temperature in Wet or Freezing Conditions?

Cooking times will invariably extend when the weather turns. To maintain a perfect sear, you need to adjust your fire management strategy. Start your fire 15 to 20 minutes earlier than usual to heat the steel thoroughly. Because the steel is cold, it absorbs more initial energy before it is ready to sear.

Pro Tip: In rainy conditions, water evaporating off the cooktop cools the steel surface instantly. To counteract this, build a larger fire in the center than you normally would. The extra BTUs push heat outward, evaporating rain faster than it can cool the steel.

How Do I Protect the Cooktop From Rust During Rain?

The Arteflame uses a carbon steel cooktop, which function similarly to cast iron. Water is the enemy of raw steel. However, you can grill while it is raining by using the oil as a hydrophobic barrier. Before the rain starts or immediately upon lighting the fire, apply a heavier coat of seasoning oil than usual.

Steps to Waterproof Your Cook

• Heat it up: Get the grill hot enough that water sizzles and evaporates immediately on contact.
• Keep it oily: Continuously wipe a rag with grapeseed or cooking oil over the surface during the cook.
• Cover after cooling: Do not cover the grill while it is still warm, as this traps condensation. Wait until it is dry, apply a final protective layer of oil, and then cover it (or use the stainless steel lid) once cool.

Pro Tip: Never put the vinyl cover on a wet grill. This creates a greenhouse effect that promotes rust. If you are finished cooking in the rain, wipe the cooktop dry, oil it heavily, and place the stainless steel lid over the center to prevent water from entering the fire bowl.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to cover my Arteflame grill in the winter?

You do not need to cover the Corten steel base or bowl, as they are designed to develop a protective patina. However, you should use the stainless steel lid or a vinyl cover to protect the cooktop from direct snow and ice accumulation to preserve the seasoning.

Does cold weather affect propane tank performance?

If you are using the propane insert, yes. Propane contracts in the cold, lowering the pressure and heat output. For extreme cold (below freezing), a wood fire is often more reliable and produces higher consistent heat output than gas.

What is the best wood to use in rainy weather?

Use hardwoods like oak or hickory that have been kiln-dried or stored indoors. Softwoods or damp wood will produce excessive smoke and struggle to maintain the high temperatures needed to combat the cooling effect of the rain.