12 Fall Grilling Tips to Extend Your Grill Season

The fall is a beautiful time of year. The leaves are changing colors, the air is getting cooler, and best of all, it's grillin' season! Just because the weather is getting colder doesn't mean you have to stop grilling. You can extend your grill season well into fall with the right tips and techniques. This blog post will discuss 12 fall grilling tips to help you get the most out of your grill!

12 Fall Grilling Tips

What's better than the smell of grilled food wafting through the air on a crisp fall day? Just because summer is over doesn't mean your grilling days have to be! You can extend your grill season well into fall with the right tips and techniques. Here are seven fall grilling tips to help you get the most out of your grill:

Fall Grilling Tip #1: Use the right fuel

The type of fuel you use is a matter of personal preference, so stick with what you're comfortable with. Just because it's getting colder doesn't mean you should switch to using a different type of fuel for your grill. If you've been using charcoal all summer, there's no need to switch to propane just because the temperatures are dropping. The same goes for gas grills.

However, as temperatures drop towards winter, using a more consistent fuel like natural gas can reduce the number of trips outside while grilling. Solid fuels like charcoal and hardwood require more attention to keep the temperature constant for more extended grilling periods. Using gas on cold days will get the job done without babysitting the fire.

Fall Grilling Tip #2: Preheat your grill

As with any cooking method, preheating your grill is essential for fall grilling. Preheating will help ensure that your food cooks evenly and prevents it from sticking to the grates. For charcoal grills, preheat your grill by lighting the coals and letting them burn until they're covered in gray ash. For gas grills, preheat on high for 15 minutes with the lid closed.

Fall Grilling Tip #3: Use Indirect Heat

Use indirect heat for cooking. Indirect heat is vital for cooking in the fall and winter because it helps prevent food from drying out. To use indirect heat, simply light one or two burners on your gas grill or build a two-zone fire on a charcoal grill. Once your grill is heated, place your food on the cool side of the grate and cook with the lid closed.

Fall Grilling Tip #4: Don't Touch it

When it is colder outside, maintaining minimal interaction with the grill and your food will help lock in moisture and finish quicker. When you open the lid of your grill, heat escapes, and it lengthens the cooking time. So resist the urge to peek and only flip or move food when necessary.

Use a timer and only flip your food when necessary. Try a warm mug of hot cocoa if you need to keep your hands on something!

Fall Grilling Tip #5: Use the rotisserie

If you want fall-off-the-bone meats, the rotisserie is your best friend. The slow and steady rotation of the rotisserie helps tenderize the meat while cooking it evenly all over. The motor takes care of the flipping so you can slow cook your favorite meat or poultry to perfection. Just be sure to use indirect heat when using the rotisserie and an aluminum dish to catch the dripping and add moisture, steam, and smoke, so your food doesn't dry out.

Check out the rotisserie kits from American Made Grills if your grill doesn't have one.

Fall Grilling Tip #6: Clean your grill

Just because you're not using your grill as often in the fall doesn't mean you should neglect it. Be sure to clean your grill before each use to prevent food from sticking and ensure that your food tastes its best. Use a wire brush to remove debris from the grates for quick cleaning. Use soapy water and a sponge to clean the grates for a more thorough cleaning.

Fall Grilling Tip #7: Choose the right food

Fall is the perfect time to grill up some hearty meats and vegetables. Ribs, steak, chicken, and pork chops are all excellent choices for fall grilling. Try grilled corn on the cob, potatoes, onions, seasonal squash, or peppers for vegetables. Grilling with what is fresh and seasonal will ensure that your food tastes its best and brings the aromas and colors of the season to your dining table.

Fall Grilling Tip #8: Use a thermometer

Cooking times for grilled food can vary depending on the grill's temperature, the type of food, and the thickness of the food. Having a reliable grill thermometer on your grill is a must-have when using long and slow grilling methods to cook whole birds, roasts, and tenderloins that are popular during autumn. Additionally, to ensure that your food is cooked to perfection, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of your food.

Fall Grilling Tip #9: Seasoning and Marinades

Seasoning your food is important for fall grilling because it adds flavor and helps to keep the moisture in the meat. When using a dry rub, massage it into the meat and let it sit for at least 30 minutes before grilling. For marinades, use an acidic ingredient like vinegar or citrus juice to help tenderize the meat. Soak your food in the marinade for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours for tougher cuts of meat.

When seasoning meats, use a generous amount of salt and pepper. Try using herbs and spices like garlic powder, onion powder, or dried thyme for vegetables.

Fall Grilling Tip #10: Don't forget about dessert!

Grilling isn't just for savory dishes—you can also grill desserts! Grilling fruit brings gorgeous color and caramelization, adding a beautiful touch to any fall dessert. Try grilling fruits like peaches or apples for a unique twist on classic pies or cobblers. You can also grill pound cake or similar desserts served with grilled fruit, making for a delicious and impressive end to any meal!

Fall Grilling Tip #11: Cover your grill

When the temperatures start to drop in the fall, it's essential to take extra care of your grill. Be sure to clean and dry your grill after each use, and if you aren't using it for a while, cover it up with a grill cover from the manufacturer. Make sure to get a cover that fits your grill snugly and is made from durable material. Even a tarp is better than nothing, but a grill cover is usually made with a moisture barrier to keep your grill dry.

Fall Grilling Tip #12: Keep your grill safe

As with any time of year, safety should always be a priority when grilling. However, taking shortcuts can lead to severe accidents. When it is cold, there can be a tendency to skip steps like preheating the grill or adding extra charcoal to keep the fire going. So, follow all safety precautions when grilling in the fall.

Keep your grill in a well-ventilated area, away from any flammable materials. Never leave your grill unattended, and make sure all valves and connections are turned off when you're finished grilling.

Helpful Tools and Accessories for Fall Grilling

Having the right tools for any job makes the task at hand much more manageable. With fall grilling, having a few essential tools and accessories can make all the difference. Here are a few things that we recommend for fall grilling:

• Grill cover
• Wire brush
• Thermometers (grill and meat)
• Long-handled tongs
• Heavy duty gloves
• Grill plates and serving dishes
• Cast iron skillet
• Appropriate footwear if it's wet or cold

Bring on the Cinnamon Spice and Everything Nice

Fall grilling is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and extend your grilling season. So, grab your favorite fall food items, invite some friends over, and fire up the grill! By following these fall grilling tips, you'll be sure to have a safe and delicious grilling experience.

American Made Grills is here to help you create a luxurious grilling experience any time of year. From fall grilling tips to recipes, we have everything you need to make the most of your grill this season. Visit our website to shop our selection of high-quality grills and accessories.