You must be under the wrong notion that when temperatures drop, it’s time to keep back the grill. You might be thinking about the challenges including increased fuel consumption and heat loss while smoking meat in cold weather, but thanks to modern technology, which has made it easier. Not just a skilled barbecuer can enjoy smoked steaks or tender briskets all the year, but anyone. 

Weber Performer Deluxe Charcoal Grill

Traeger Ironwood 885 wood Pellet Grill and Smoker

Texas-Style Smoked Brisket Recipe

Masterbuilt Gravity Series 1050

Kamado Joe Classic Joe Series II

The following post talks about some of the BBQ tips, best smokers and related gear for perfect winter grilling. 

Best Practices For Smoking Meat In Cold Weather 

Chilled temperatures and winds are the biggest enemies of winter smoking. These can withdraw heat from the smoker, causing cold spots. It will therefore lead to uneven cooking and long sessions.  

• First best practice is to preheat the smoker for around 35 to 50 minutes, so the complete metal soaks in the heat.  

• Second best practice is keeping the lid shut. Whenever you open the lid, internal temperatures drop significantly and affect the cooking.  

• Third practice is to stock around 50% more fuel (wood, charcoal or pellets) as smokers work harder to fight against the chills. 

Best Smokers And Temperature Control Gear 

1. MEATER Plus: Smart Bluetooth Wireless MeatThermometer 

CHECK PRODUCT ON AMAZON →

Meater Plus Meat Thermometer is a game changer as it helps you monitor meat smoking from the comfort of your living room. For just five minutes of charging, you can monitor almost two hours of cook time. It tracks both internal meat temperature (up to 212°F) and ambient temperature (up to 527°F) for perfect cooking. 

Key features 

• Unlimited range 

• Dual sensors on a single probe 

• App-guided cookbook and results 

• Stainless steel build 

• Dishwasher safe

2. MataceWelding Blanket Fireproof Carbon Felt Soldering Mat & Pad 

CHECK PRODUCT ON AMAZON →

This smoker insulation blanket works for smokers with thinner walls. The carbon felt soldering mat is like a jacket for the grill. It will reflect the heat back into the smoker and also reduces the fuel consumption by 40%. Therefore, there are low chances of cold spots and food cooks evenly.  

Key features 

• Resistant to high temperatures 

• Universal fit and is flexible to position 

• Thick carbon felt gives maximum protection 

• Protects smoker from moisture and snow 

3. Traeger Grills Pro 780 Wood Pellet Smoker Grill

CHECK PRODUCT ON AMAZON →

Traeger Grills smoker is a top-tier smoker grill with a D2 controller that automatically regulates smoker temperature. It comes with WiFIRE technology that lets you check the food and regulate grill temperature from the Traeger app.  

Key features 

• D2 Drivetrain for quick heating 

• Alloy steel construction 

• 780 sq.in. cooking surface 

• WiFIRE smartphone connectivity 

 4. Masterbuilt® 30-inch Digital Electric Vertical BBQ Smoker

CHECK PRODUCT ON AMAZON →

Masterbuilt electric smoker is helpful for beginners who will need a ‘set it and forget it’ kind of experience in chilly weather. The high heating element of 800 watts maintains preset and constant temperatures regardless of the outside cold, and make it reliable for slow and long cooking,  

Key features 

• Digital control panel 

• Insulated smoker body 

• Thermostat for accurate heat 

• Chrome-plated four smoking racks 

 5. Royal Gourmet CC1830S BBQ Charcoal Grill and Offset Smoker

CHECK PRODUCT ON AMAZON →

This Royal Gourmet is a traditional smoker that gives authentic smoke taste to the food. Although it is challenging to use in chilled weather, the indirect heat does not expose the food to direct heat of flare ups.  

Key features 

• Porcelain-coated steel wire grates 

• Height-adjustable two-level charcoal pan 

• Two-in-one grill and smoker 

• Quick-to-read thermometer 

• Front and side tables 

 6. Weber 22-inch Smokey Mountain Cooker

CHECK PRODUCT ON AMAZON →

The charcoal smoker from Weber is efficient at holding ideal temperatures. The porcelain-coated steel build retains heat well and cooks’ food evenly. If you want to make professional quality smoked ribs without spending much, this is a good pick.  

Key features 

• Two cooking grates provide good room for smoking 

• Built-in silicone thermometer 

• Dampers for temperature control 

• Easy-to-use fuel door 

 7. Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill

CHECK PRODUCT ON AMAZON →

If you have limited space for smoking BBQ, this Weber kettle premium grill is one of the best models you can opt for. This charcoal grill uses convection-based kettle cooking for even heat circulation. It emits smoke that settles on the ash holder and manages air circulation for slow and prolonged cooking in winters.  

Key features 

• Ash holder with smoke settings 

• One-touch cleaning system 

• Highly durable winter components 

• Hinged cooking grate 

Picking a good quality Weber smoker or reliable Traeger smoker and pairing them with temperature control gear such as a wireless thermometer and smoker insulation blanket can give good smoking results. Thereby winter grilling is not a struggle anymore. Mastering smoker temperature control is highly important.  

For more such smoker reviews and BBQ tips, check out our posts on extraordinarybbq.com