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Can you use a BBQ in the rain?

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In short

Yes, you can usually cook on a BBQ in light rain with the lid closed. Gas BBQs and kamados cope best; charcoal kettles work but use more fuel. Pellet and electric grills need extra care because their electrics and pellets must stay dry. Never move a lit BBQ into a garage, shed or under a closed roof or awning to escape the rain, because of fire and carbon monoxide risks.

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In Britain, waiting for perfect weather can mean waiting all summer. Many people cook in drizzle without any trouble, and some barbecue all year. Each type of BBQ reacts differently to rain, though, and a few need protecting. This article explains what to expect from gas, charcoal, kamado, pellet and electric grills in wet weather, and the safety rules that do not change whatever the weather.

How each type copes

This summary covers light to moderate rain. Heavy downpours, strong wind and thunder are a different matter, and it is sensible to stop cooking outdoors in a storm.

TypeIn light rainMain concern
Gas BBQWorks well with the lid closedWind blowing out burners; wet igniter
Charcoal kettleWorks, uses more fuelRain cooling coals when the lid is open
KamadoVery little effectWet charcoal or soaked gasket
Pellet grillWorks with careWater in the hopper or controller
Electric grillCheck the IP ratingWater near sockets and leads
BBQ types in wet weather

Gas and charcoal BBQs

Gas BBQs are the easiest. Keep the lid down to hold heat and keep rain off the food. If a burner goes out in wind, turn the gas off, open the lid and wait a few minutes before relighting. Wet igniter electrodes can stop sparking; see Weber BBQ igniter not working if it happens.

Charcoal kettles lose heat when rain falls on hot coals and when you open the lid. Light more charcoal than usual, keep the lid closed and keep spare fuel in a dry place. Wet charcoal is hard to light and smokes, so store bags indoors.

Kamados

Thick ceramic keeps a kamado's temperature steady in cold and wet weather, which is one reason they are popular in the UK. Rain on the lid has little effect once it is hot. The main concern is getting charcoal wet: keep the lid closed when not in use so rain does not soak the firebox, and remember that a soaked gasket can take a while to dry. Some makers advise against heating a kamado quickly if water has collected inside.

Our what is a kamado grill article explains how the ceramic works.

Pellet and electric grills

Pellet grills can cook in light rain, but water must not reach the hopper, where it swells pellets into a paste that jams the auger. Keep the hopper lid closed, avoid cooking in heavy rain, and cover the grill straight after. Our pellet grill auger not working guide explains what damp pellets do. The controller and lead must stay dry, and the grill should be plugged into an RCD-protected socket; see do pellet grills need electricity.

Electric grills vary. The Ninja Woodfire, for example, is rated IPX4, meaning it resists splashing water, not heavy rain or standing in puddles. Check your model's rating and the manual.

Note:Never move a lit or cooling BBQ into a garage, shed, tent, caravan, conservatory or under a closed roof, even in heavy rain. BBQs produce carbon monoxide and can start fires. Only cook under a structure if it is open-sided, high enough and well clear of the heat, and the maker allows it.

Cooking under a gazebo or canopy

Many people want to cook under shelter. Whether that is safe depends on the shelter and the grill. A tall, open-sided metal canopy designed for grills is very different from a fabric gazebo or a covered patio close to the house. Fabric can melt or catch fire, and heat and smoke build up under low roofs. Our can you use a BBQ under cover article covers this in detail.

If you often cook in poor weather, a gas BBQ or a kamado will be the least frustrating choice. Our best gas BBQs guide and best charcoal BBQs guide compare models with good lids and covers.

See the best gas BBQs →

Frequently asked questions

Is it safe to use a gas BBQ in the rain? In light rain, yes, with the lid closed and in the open air. Stop in storms or strong wind.

Can rain damage a pellet grill? Water in the hopper can ruin pellets and jam the auger, and water near the controller is a risk. Keep both dry.

Can I leave a kamado out in the rain? Most are designed to live outdoors, but keep the lid closed and use a cover to keep the charcoal and gasket dry.

Should I cover my BBQ straight after cooking in the rain? Let it cool first, then cover it. See do you need a BBQ cover.

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