As the air gets a little crisper, some people might be packing away their grills. But for many of us, the season for delicious smoked BBQ is just beginning. Fall is a fantastic time to fire up the smoker, but a few adjustments can make all the difference. Get ahead of the cool weather with these tips for a perfect fall BBQ.
Keep the Lid Closed
In cooler temperatures, every time you open your smoker’s lid, you lose valuable heat. This can drastically impact your cooking time and temperature stability. The key is to keep the lid closed as much as possible. Instead of opening it to check on your food, rely on a good digital thermometer to monitor the internal temperature of your meat and the smoker.
Use a High Quality Smoker
One of the best ways to combat the cool air is by using a high quality, well-engineered smoker. A smoker with superior insulation is excellent at maintaining a consistent temperature, even when the weather turns cool. This means you won’t have to constantly worry about temperature fluctuations, allowing you to focus on getting that perfect smoke flavour. High quality smokers are designed to perform reliably in a variety of conditions, making them a great investment for year-round grilling.
Get a Good Digital Thermometer
This is a must-have for fall smoking. A wireless digital thermometer, especially one with multiple probes, allows you to constantly monitor the temperature of your food and the smoker without opening the lid. Many of these thermometers have an alarm feature that alerts you if the temperature drops too low, so you can add more fuel before it’s too late.
Stock Up on Fuel
You will burn through more fuel in cooler weather. Before you start cooking, make sure you have a generous supply of your fuel of choice, whether it’s wood, charcoal, or gas. A good rule of thumb is to have double the amount you would typically use on a warm day. Also, get all your tools, utensils, and seasonings ready beforehand so you don’t have to scramble for anything once you start.
Final Thoughts
Cooking great BBQ in the fall is all about preparation and maintaining a consistent temperature. By keeping your cooker warm and dry, you make the job a whole lot easier. Just like you bundle up for the cool weather, a little extra preparation for your smoker goes a long way toward a perfectly cooked meal.
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