Barbecuing doesn't have to stop when summer ends. In fact, some of the best outdoor cooking sessions happen during autumn and winter, when a hot charcoal BBQ is particularly welcome.
Whether you're grilling steaks on a cold November evening, smoking brisket over Christmas or cooking a Sunday roast in your kamado, winter BBQs can be every bit as enjoyable as summer cooking.
However, cold weather brings a few extra challenges.
Your BBQ may take longer to reach its target temperature, strong winds can affect airflow, and you'll need to pay closer attention to fuel consumption and heat management.
So what's the best charcoal for winter BBQs? Should you choose dense hardwoods such as Marabu and White Quebracho, or is birch or oak lumpwood charcoal perfectly suitable?
At Armstrong Country Store, we're a family-run online retailer supplying premium hardwood lumpwood charcoal, restaurant charcoal and BBQ fuels across the UK.
In this guide, we'll explain how to barbecue in cold weather, which charcoal varieties are worth considering and how to keep your BBQ running efficiently throughout the British winter.
Can You BBQ in Winter?
Absolutely.
A charcoal BBQ can be used throughout the year, provided it's in good condition, suitable for the weather and operated safely.
Many BBQ enthusiasts cook outdoors in December, January and February.
Popular winter BBQ meals include:
• Smoked brisket
• Beef short ribs
• Roast chicken
• Pulled pork
• Steaks
• Lamb joints
• Smoked turkey
• Burgers and sausages
• Roasted vegetables
Winter BBQ cooking is particularly popular with kamado owners because insulated ceramic cookers can maintain cooking temperatures efficiently once properly heated.
However, kettle BBQs and other charcoal cookers can also be used in colder weather.
The key is understanding how outdoor conditions affect your fire.
Does Cold Weather Affect Charcoal BBQs?
Yes, but not always in the way people expect.
Charcoal doesn't suddenly become a poor fuel because the air temperature drops.
The main difference is that your BBQ may lose heat more quickly to the surrounding environment.
What Changes During Winter?
Lower outdoor temperatures
A cold BBQ body and cooking chamber need time and energy to warm up.
Wind
Wind can increase heat loss and affect combustion airflow.
Rain and snow
Wet weather can make cooking less comfortable and may affect exposed equipment.
Longer preheating
Some BBQs take longer to reach a stable cooking temperature.
Fuel consumption
Depending on the cooker and conditions, you may need more charcoal than during a similar summer cook.
These effects vary considerably between different BBQ designs.
What Is the Best Charcoal for Winter BBQs?
For winter cooking, good-quality hardwood lumpwood charcoal is an excellent starting point.
The best choice depends on your BBQ and cooking method.
For shorter grilling sessions, birch or oak lumpwood charcoal may be ideal.
For longer cooking sessions, dense hardwood charcoal such as Marabu or White Quebracho is worth considering.
Quick Comparison: Winter BBQ Charcoal
| Charcoal Type | General Characteristics | Winter Cooking Uses |
|---|---|---|
| Birch lumpwood | Relatively easy lighting and responsive heat | Burgers, sausages, steaks |
| Oak lumpwood | Versatile hardwood fuel | Everyday winter BBQs and roasting |
| Oak and hornbeam | Hardwood blend suited to general charcoal cooking | Grilling and longer family meals |
| Marabu | Dense hardwood with sustained burning characteristics | Kamado cooking and low-and-slow BBQ |
| White Quebracho | Dense hardwood, strong cooking heat | Extended grilling and larger cooks |
| Briquettes | Consistent manufactured pieces, depending on product | Kettle BBQs and controlled fuel arrangements |
No single charcoal is automatically best for every winter BBQ.
The aim is to match the fuel to your equipment, desired temperature and cooking duration.
Marabu Charcoal for Winter BBQs
Marabu is a dense hardwood charcoal that's popular with serious BBQ enthusiasts and professional grill users.
Its sustained burning characteristics make it particularly interesting for longer winter cooking sessions.
Why Choose Marabu in Winter?
• Dense hardwood charcoal
• Suitable for extended cooking sessions
• Popular for kamado BBQs
• Useful for low-and-slow cooking
• Can provide sustained heat when airflow is managed correctly
If you're planning to smoke a brisket or pork shoulder for several hours, Marabu is a sensible option to consider.
Is Marabu Harder to Light in Winter?
Dense charcoal pieces may take longer to establish than lighter lumpwood varieties.
Cold weather can also make the BBQ itself slower to preheat.
Use a suitable lighting method and allow enough time for the fire and cooker to reach the desired temperature.
Don't rush the process by adding excessive firelighters or opening all the vents indefinitely.
White Quebracho Charcoal for Winter BBQs
White Quebracho is a dense South American hardwood charcoal associated with professional grilling.
It's known for strong cooking heat and sustained burning characteristics.
Why Consider White Quebracho?
• Dense hardwood fuel
• Suitable for longer grilling sessions
• Popular with restaurant charcoal users
• Useful for substantial cooking fires
• Worth considering for winter entertaining
For larger winter gatherings, White Quebracho can be a practical option in suitable charcoal equipment.
However, it's important to avoid assuming that dense charcoal automatically requires less fuel.
Actual consumption depends on your cooker, cooking temperature and weather conditions.
Oak Lumpwood Charcoal for Winter BBQs
Oak is a versatile hardwood charcoal suitable for a wide range of cooking methods.
It's an excellent all-round option for winter barbecuing.
Best Uses for Oak Charcoal
• Steaks
• Burgers
• Lamb chops
• Roast chicken
• Pork joints
• General charcoal grilling
Oak can be particularly useful if you want one charcoal variety for different cooking styles.
For a winter family BBQ, you don't necessarily need the densest or most expensive charcoal available.
A good-quality oak lumpwood charcoal may be perfectly suitable.
Birch Lumpwood Charcoal for Winter BBQs
Birch lumpwood charcoal is a practical choice for shorter cooking sessions.
It's generally relatively straightforward to light and responds well to airflow.
Best Uses for Birch Charcoal
• Quick winter grilling
• Burgers
• Sausages
• Chicken skewers
• Steaks
• Smaller family meals
If you're cooking for 30–60 minutes rather than smoking meat for several hours, birch can be a convenient choice.
The main consideration is ensuring you have enough fuel for the cooking session.
Lumpwood Charcoal vs Briquettes in Winter
Both can work well in suitable BBQs.
Lumpwood Charcoal
Natural lumpwood charcoal is popular because it can establish strong cooking heat and respond to airflow adjustments.
It's particularly common in kamado BBQs.
Charcoal Briquettes
Briquettes are manufactured into relatively uniform shapes.
They can be useful in kettle BBQs where consistent fuel arrangements are important.
For example, a charcoal snake or similar arrangement can support longer cooking sessions in suitable equipment.
Which Should You Choose?
For a kamado, follow the manufacturer's fuel recommendations, which commonly favour natural lumpwood charcoal.
For a kettle BBQ, both lumpwood charcoal and suitable briquettes can work.
In winter, reliable fuel quality and good fire management matter more than assuming one category always outperforms the other.
Best Charcoal for a Kamado BBQ in Winter
Kamado BBQs are particularly well suited to year-round outdoor cooking.
Their ceramic construction provides substantial thermal mass and insulation.
Once heated, a kamado can maintain stable cooking conditions with relatively modest airflow.
Recommended Charcoal Options
For longer sessions, consider:
• Marabu charcoal
• White Quebracho charcoal
• Premium oak lumpwood charcoal
For shorter grilling sessions, birch or oak can also work well.
Winter Kamado Tips
Allow additional preheating time
The ceramic body may be cold when you begin.
Use dry charcoal
Damp fuel can make lighting more difficult.
Adjust vents gradually
Large airflow changes can cause temperature overshoots.
Avoid unnecessary lid opening
Each opening releases heat and disrupts cooking conditions.
Use a suitable temperature probe
Monitoring the cooking temperature helps you manage longer sessions.
Best Charcoal for a Weber Kettle in Winter
A Weber kettle can be used successfully during winter, although it may be more exposed to heat loss than a well-insulated kamado.
Suitable Fuel Options
• Oak lumpwood charcoal
• Birch lumpwood charcoal
• Premium hardwood briquettes
• Marabu charcoal, where piece size and fuel arrangement are suitable
Winter Kettle BBQ Tips
Position the BBQ in a safe location protected from strong wind without enclosing it.
Allow adequate preheating time.
Use a suitable lid thermometer or cooking probe.
Arrange the charcoal for direct or indirect cooking as required.
Keep the lid closed as much as practical.
For longer cooks, use a controlled fuel arrangement appropriate for your kettle.
How to Light Charcoal in Cold Weather
Lighting charcoal in winter isn't fundamentally different from lighting it in summer.
However, damp conditions and cold equipment can make preparation more important.
Step 1: Start with Dry Charcoal
Keep your charcoal in a dry, sheltered location.
Avoid leaving bags exposed to rain or condensation.
Step 2: Prepare the BBQ
Remove excessive ash and check that the vents are clear.
Good airflow is essential for establishing a fire.
Step 3: Use a Suitable Lighting Method
A charcoal chimney starter can be useful for kettle BBQs.
Natural firelighters can work well in many kamados and other charcoal cookers.
Follow your BBQ manufacturer's instructions.
Step 4: Allow the Fire to Establish
Don't rush to begin cooking as soon as the charcoal starts glowing.
The BBQ itself needs time to warm up.
Step 5: Preheat Properly
Allow the cooking grates and BBQ chamber to reach a suitable temperature.
Step 6: Stabilise the Temperature
Adjust the vents gradually and monitor the temperature before adding food.
Does Charcoal Burn Faster in Cold Weather?
Not necessarily.
Cold air alone doesn't automatically make charcoal burn faster.
However, a BBQ may need to burn more fuel to maintain the same cooking temperature when heat loss increases.
Wind can also affect combustion.
In some conditions, additional airflow may cause charcoal to burn more quickly.
The result depends on your cooker and how you manage the vents.
What Does This Mean in Practice?
You may use more charcoal during a winter cooking session than during a similar summer cook.
However, the difference isn't fixed.
A well-insulated kamado may experience a relatively modest change.
A thin-walled BBQ exposed to strong wind may require more attention.
How Much Extra Charcoal Do You Need in Winter?
There's no reliable universal percentage.
Fuel consumption depends on:
• Outdoor temperature
• Wind speed
• BBQ design
• Insulation
• Cooking temperature
• Cooking duration
• Fuel quality
• How often you open the lid
Practical Advice
If you're planning a long winter cook, keep additional charcoal available.
For shorter sessions, start with the quantity you'd normally use and adjust based on experience.
Don't overload the BBQ simply because it's cold outside.
Follow the manufacturer's recommended fuel quantities.
How to Keep a Charcoal BBQ Hot in Winter
Maintaining temperature is one of the main challenges of cold-weather cooking.
1. Choose a Safe Location
Place the BBQ on a stable, non-combustible surface.
A location protected from strong wind can help reduce heat loss.
However, never move the BBQ into a garage, shed, tent or enclosed space.
2. Use Good-Quality Fuel
Dry, suitable charcoal helps establish a predictable fire.
3. Allow Proper Preheating
A cold BBQ body can absorb substantial heat before the cooking temperature stabilises.
4. Keep the Lid Closed
Frequent lid opening releases heat and can disrupt airflow.
5. Monitor the Cooking Temperature
A reliable cooking probe can be particularly useful during longer sessions.
6. Adjust Airflow Gradually
Avoid making large vent adjustments without allowing time for the temperature to respond.
7. Plan Your Cooking Session
Prepare ingredients and equipment before lighting the BBQ.
This reduces unnecessary delays once the fire is ready.
Can You Smoke Meat in Winter?
Yes.
Low-and-slow BBQ cooking is possible throughout the year.
Brisket, pulled pork, beef ribs and other slow-cooked meats can be prepared in cold weather using suitable equipment.
Best Charcoal for Winter Smoking
Dense hardwood lumpwood charcoal is worth considering for longer cooks.
Options include:
• Marabu
• White Quebracho
• Oak
The right choice depends on your smoker and fuel arrangement.
Winter Smoking Tips
Allow extra time
The cooker may take longer to preheat.
Use a reliable temperature probe
Monitor the cooking chamber and meat temperature.
Keep additional fuel available
Long sessions may require more fuel in cold or windy conditions.
Protect the cooker from wind safely
Never restrict required ventilation or create an enclosed cooking space.
Avoid unnecessary lid opening
Temperature stability is particularly important during long cooks.
Best Winter BBQ Foods
Winter is an excellent time to move beyond the usual burgers and sausages.
Smoked Brisket
A long cooking session that suits a capable smoker or kamado.
Dense hardwood charcoal such as Marabu can be worth considering.
Pulled Pork
A popular low-and-slow option for winter gatherings.
Oak or Marabu charcoal can work well in suitable equipment.
Roast Chicken
A charcoal BBQ with a lid can be used for indirect roasting.
Oak lumpwood charcoal is a versatile choice.
Steaks
For a shorter winter BBQ, premium birch or oak lumpwood charcoal can provide useful grilling heat.
Beef Short Ribs
A good option for longer cooking sessions where sustained temperature control matters.
Christmas Turkey
Some BBQ enthusiasts prepare turkey outdoors over charcoal.
Always use a suitable food thermometer and follow safe poultry cooking guidance.
Is Winter BBQ Cooking More Expensive?
It can be, but not always.
Cold weather and wind may increase fuel consumption.
However, the actual difference depends on your equipment and cooking habits.
How to Reduce Unnecessary Fuel Use
• Use a suitable BBQ for the cooking method
• Preheat efficiently
• Avoid excessive lid opening
• Keep charcoal dry
• Use appropriate fuel quantities
• Monitor temperature carefully
• Cook several items during the same session where practical
For regular winter cooking, understanding your BBQ's behaviour can help you avoid wasting fuel.
How to Store Charcoal During Winter
Proper storage is especially important in the UK.
Damp garages, sheds and outdoor storage areas can expose charcoal to moisture.
Winter Charcoal Storage Tips
• Keep bags in a dry, sheltered location
• Raise them off damp concrete floors
• Protect opened bags
• Use clean, dry containers where appropriate
• Avoid leaving charcoal outside in the rain
• Keep fuel away from chemicals and ignition sources
Charcoal doesn't have a conventional expiry date, but dampness can make it harder to light and manage.
Can You BBQ in the Rain or Snow?
It may be possible, but safety must come first.
Light rain doesn't necessarily prevent outdoor cooking, but heavy rain, strong winds, ice and severe weather can make using a BBQ unsafe.
Important Safety Considerations
• Keep the BBQ on a stable surface
• Avoid slippery or icy areas
• Protect electrical temperature-monitoring equipment appropriately
• Never use a charcoal BBQ indoors
• Don't cook under low or combustible coverings
• Maintain the manufacturer's required clearances
• Postpone cooking during dangerous weather
Never use a garage, shed or enclosed gazebo as a substitute for a safe outdoor cooking area.
Winter BBQ Safety: What You Need to Know
Charcoal produces carbon monoxide, a poisonous gas that can be fatal.
This remains a danger even when the weather is cold.
Never Use a Charcoal BBQ:
• Inside a house
• In a garage
• In a shed
• Inside a tent
• In an enclosed porch
• In an enclosed gazebo
• In any other poorly ventilated space
Don't bring a used BBQ indoors to cool down.
Charcoal can continue producing carbon monoxide even after visible flames have disappeared.
Keep children and pets away from hot equipment.
Allow the BBQ and ashes to cool completely before disposal, following the manufacturer's instructions.
Common Winter BBQ Mistakes
Using Damp Charcoal
Moisture can make lighting and fire management more difficult.
Not Allowing Enough Preheating Time
Cold equipment needs time to warm up.
Opening the Lid Too Often
This can disrupt cooking temperature.
Overcorrecting the Air Vents
Large adjustments can create temperature fluctuations.
Underestimating Wind
Wind can affect heat loss and airflow.
Running Out of Fuel
Keep suitable additional charcoal available for longer cooks.
Cooking in an Unsafe Location
Never move a charcoal BBQ indoors or into an enclosed space because of cold weather.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use a charcoal BBQ in winter?
Yes. Charcoal BBQs can be used year-round when operated outdoors in suitable conditions and according to the manufacturer's instructions.
What is the best charcoal for winter BBQs?
Premium hardwood lumpwood charcoal is a good choice. Marabu and White Quebracho are worth considering for longer cooks, while birch and oak work well for general grilling.
Does charcoal burn faster in cold weather?
Not automatically. However, increased heat loss and wind can lead to greater fuel consumption.
Is Marabu charcoal good for winter BBQs?
Yes. Its dense hardwood characteristics make it worth considering for longer winter cooking sessions.
Is White Quebracho charcoal good for winter grilling?
Yes. White Quebracho is a dense hardwood charcoal associated with strong cooking heat and extended grilling sessions.
Can you use a Weber kettle in winter?
Yes, provided conditions are safe and the BBQ is used according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Can you use a kamado in freezing temperatures?
Many kamados can be used in cold weather, but always follow the manufacturer's guidance, particularly regarding rapid temperature changes and equipment condition.
Can you smoke brisket in winter?
Yes. A suitable smoker or kamado can be used for low-and-slow cooking throughout the year.
Do you need more charcoal in winter?
You may need additional fuel, particularly in cold or windy conditions. Actual consumption varies by cooker and cooking method.
How do you keep a BBQ hot in winter?
Use dry charcoal, allow adequate preheating, manage airflow carefully and avoid unnecessary lid opening.
Can you BBQ in snow?
Only when conditions are safe and the equipment can be used according to the manufacturer's instructions. Avoid severe weather, unstable surfaces and unsafe shelter arrangements.
Where can I buy premium BBQ charcoal in the UK?
Armstrong Country Store supplies premium hardwood lumpwood charcoal, restaurant charcoal and briquettes online, with UK delivery options.
Buy Premium Charcoal for Winter BBQs at Armstrong Country Store
You don't need to wait until summer to enjoy great charcoal cooking.
Whether you're grilling steaks on a crisp winter evening, smoking brisket over Christmas or preparing a roast in your kamado, choosing suitable fuel helps you get the most from your BBQ.
At Armstrong Country Store, we're a family-run online retailer supplying premium BBQ charcoal across the UK.
Our range includes:
• Premium birch lumpwood charcoal
• Premium oak lumpwood charcoal
• Oak-and-hornbeam charcoal
• Marabu restaurant charcoal
• White Quebracho charcoal
• Charcoal briquettes
• Marabu hexagonal briquettes
• Smoking chips and chunks
From quick winter grilling to longer low-and-slow cooking sessions, we offer hardwood fuels for different BBQ styles.
Explore our charcoal collection and stock up for your next outdoor cook.
Shop premium BBQ charcoal online at Armstrong Country Store for UK delivery.