BBQs, Smokers & Pizza Ovens All Year Round
Outdoor cooking doesn’t stop when summer ends. In fact, winter is one of the best times to make the most of BBQs, smokers and pizza ovens — especially in the UK. Cooler temperatures, calmer cooking sessions and hearty winter recipes all make cold-weather outdoor cooking more appealing than many people realise.
Whether you’re slow-smoking meats, firing up a pizza oven for comfort food, or grilling all year round, the right equipment and preparation make winter outdoor cooking simple, enjoyable and incredibly rewarding.
Can You Cook Outdoors in Winter?
Absolutely. Modern outdoor cooking equipment is designed for year-round use, including colder and wetter conditions. With a little planning and the right setup, winter cooking can be just as successful — if not better — than summer grilling.
Benefits of winter outdoor cooking include:
More stable cooking temperatures for smokers
Less crowding and more relaxed cooking sessions
Rich, warming food perfect for colder months
Great opportunities to experiment and improve skills
BBQs in Winter
Is It Worth It?
Using a BBQ in winter is entirely possible with the right approach. Gas and charcoal BBQs both perform well in colder weather when properly maintained. Opulence stocks Big Green Egg ceramic BBQs which are renowned for maintaining an even operating temperature.
Tips for Winter BBQ Cooking
Allow extra preheating time
Use a BBQ cover to protect from wind and rain
Keep the lid closed to retain heat
Choose thicker cuts of meat that hold temperature better
Winter is also an ideal time for indirect grilling and roasting, making BBQs surprisingly versatile even in low temperatures.
Smokers
Perfect for cold weather cooking!
Smokers truly come into their own during winter. Low-and-slow cooking is easier to control in cooler ambient temperatures, making winter one of the best seasons for smoking food. Our line of Traeger grills include WiFIRE® technology, allowing you to adjust the temperature from anywhere using the Traeger app.
Why Smokers Work So Well in Winter
Stable temperatures for long cooks
Reduced risk of overheating
Ideal for brisket, ribs, pork shoulder and game
Less fuel waste in long sessions
Smoking in winter is less about speed and more about patience — perfect for weekends and relaxed cooking.
Pizza Ovens
Not just for summer.
Pizza ovens are far more versatile than most people realise. While summer pizza parties are popular, winter cooking opens the door to breads, roasts and comfort food. Opulence stocks a range of outdoor ovens from lauded brand Gozney, including gas and wood fired varieties.
What You Can Cook in a Pizza Oven in Winter
Neapolitan and deep-pan pizzas
Fresh bread and flatbreads
Roasted vegetables and meats
Winter desserts and baked dishes
Counterintuitively, cold air can actually help pizza ovens reach and maintain high internal temperatures, making winter an excellent time to use them.
Preparing Your Outdoor Cooking Setup for Winter
A few simple steps can make winter outdoor cooking easier and more enjoyable:
Position equipment in a sheltered area
Use weather-resistant covers when not in use
Keep fuel dry and easily accessible
Pre-plan cooks to minimise time outdoors
Good preparation ensures your outdoor cooking equipment stays in excellent condition all year round.
Is Winter a Good Time to Buy Outdoor Cooking Equipment?
Winter is often one of the best times to invest in outdoor cooking equipment. Many people use the colder months to research, plan and upgrade their setup ahead of spring.
Buying in winter allows you to:
Take advantage of quieter shopping periods
Prepare for peak BBQ season
Learn and experiment before entertaining season begins
Start Cooking Outdoors All Year Round
Outdoor cooking doesn’t have to be seasonal. With the right BBQ, smoker or pizza oven, winter can become one of the most rewarding times to cook outdoors.
Explore our range of BBQs, smokers and pizza ovens and discover how outdoor cooking can be enjoyed in every season.
