How to do a barbecue when the weather is bad, with rain and wind?
So, you have invited friends for a barbecue, but all of a sudden you understand it will start raining with wind! The friends will be there in 6 hours, and you cannot really cancel. Do not panic; this can happen to anyone! Keep your good spirit up; we only have to adjust à little!

1) Where to put the barbecue if it’s raining or if there is a lot of wind?

If you can move your barbecue get it into shelter from the rain and the wind. Maybe under a tree, if there is sufficient height between branches and the barbecue, you need at least 3 meters. Also, if you expect thunder and light, you do not wish to be under a tree. If it’s only raining put a big umbrella over you barbecue. If it’s not raining, but only windy, put the barbecue in shelter behind something like for instance a garden shed.

2) Where do you eat if it’s raining or if there is a lot of wind?

Given the bad weather, you’re better off eating inside, certainly for a seated meal. If the barbecue is the annual meeting of the local Ironman club, you probably do not care! May be you have a SOLID “party tent” that can shield you from the bad weather? Watch out for changing weather; if you suspect it’s getting worse, prepare for moving inside. Do not wait until the bad weather is there.

3) What do you eat if it’s raining or if there is a lot of wind?

When it’s raining, you barbecue the same things as usual. But when windy, you should avoid food that develops a lot of smoke. This is all food that is fat, as the melting fat will make the charcoal smoke a lot. Example: Fat sausages.

4) How to light the charcoal barbecue if it’s raining or if there is a lot of wind?

If it’s raining, avoid that the charcoal is getting wet. As it is very dry, it will very fast take up water. The only way to start wet charcoal is with an electric barbecue lighter, like the Rapid’BBQ. Attention, the Rapid’BBQ or any electric connection part must not be exposed to water itself. The wind can make lighting with cubes or fluids impossible. As there is a risk you will have to restart your lighting of the barbecue, we strongly recommend not using lighter fluids. Of course, big surprise, the Rapid’BBQ works also perfectly when it’s windy!

I wish you lots of nice barbecue events until next article!
Do not hesitate to discuss with us in the BBQ discussion forum.

Alain