Updated: July 2025

Planning a backyard barbecue only to see storm clouds rolling in? You’re not alone. Many Pit Boss pellet grill owners face this dilemma and wonder whether it’s safe to continue grilling when the weather takes a turn.

The short answer is: it depends on the severity of the rain and the precautions you take. While Pit Boss officially advises against it, many experienced grillers have successfully cooked through light showers with proper safety measures.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore what Pit Boss says about rain exposure, the real risks involved, and proven strategies to protect your investment while still enjoying great barbecue.

Important Safety Note: Never use your pellet grill in heavy rain, thunderstorms, or high winds. This guide focuses on light rain situations only.

What Pit Boss Says About Rain Exposure

Before diving into community practices, let’s examine the official manufacturer guidelines. Pit Boss explicitly advises against using their pellet grills in any rain conditions, including light drizzle.

This recommendation stems from several key factors:

• Electrical safety concerns: Pellet grills contain multiple electrical components including digital controllers, combustion fans, auger motors, and hot rod ignition systems
• Liability protection: Manufacturers must provide conservative guidelines to protect consumers and limit legal exposure
• Warranty considerations: Using the grill contrary to manufacturer instructions may void your warranty coverage

The owner’s manual states that pellet grills should only be used in dry, well-ventilated outdoor areas with proper clearances. This official stance makes complete sense from a safety and legal perspective.

However, real-world usage often differs from manufacturer guidelines, leading many grillers to develop their own rain-grilling strategies based on years of experience.

The Grilling Community’s Real-World Experience

While respecting Pit Boss’s official position, many experienced pellet grill owners have successfully grilled through light rain using additional safety measures. The key distinction is between light drizzle and heavy precipitation.

Seasoned grillers typically follow these principles:

• Light rain only: Brief, gentle showers with minimal wind (under 10 mph)
• Proper shelter: Always use protective covering like canopies or gazebos
• Constant monitoring: Never leave the grill unattended during any rain
• Quick cooking methods: Avoid long, slow cooks during uncertain weather
• Emergency preparedness: Have shutdown procedures ready

Important: This doesn’t mean ignoring safety—it means taking calculated risks with extensive precautions and understanding that you assume full responsibility.

Serious Risks: What Happens When Water Gets In

Understanding the potential consequences helps you make informed decisions about rain grilling.

Electrical Component Damage

Water and electricity don’t mix. While Pit Boss designs their electrical components to be weather-resistant, they’re not waterproof. Rain exposure can cause:

• Short circuits leading to complete system failure and costly repairs
• Control panel malfunction requiring replacement of the entire digital controller
• Fan motor damage affecting temperature control and smoke production
• Ignition system failure preventing startup and consistent pellet ignition
• Auger motor burnout from moisture infiltration

The Fire and Explosion Risk

This is the most serious concern. If electrical components short-circuit while the grill is running:

1. Pellet feeding may malfunction, causing dangerous fuel buildup in the firepot
2. Temperature control systems may fail, leading to overheating or uncontrolled combustion
3. Accumulated pellets can create flash fire conditions
4. In extreme cases, this can lead to explosions or structure fires

Never leave a pellet grill unattended in any rain conditions. The risk of fire increases significantly when electrical systems are compromised.

Wood Pellet Problems

Wet pellets create immediate and long-term issues:

• Swelling and crumbling when exposed to moisture, expanding up to 200% in size
• Auger jams from expanded pellets that can damage the motor
• Poor combustion and temperature fluctuations affecting food quality
• Costly repairs requiring professional auger cleaning or replacement
• Mold growth in stored pellets exposed to moisture

Wet pellets can completely clog your auger system, necessitating disassembly and professional cleaning that can cost $150-300.

Safe Rain Grilling: Expert Tips and Strategies

If you decide to grill during light rain, follow these proven safety strategies developed by experienced grillers:

Essential Protection Methods

• Use a large canopy or pop-up tent (minimum 10×10 feet) to create a completely dry grilling zone
• Position an umbrella specifically over the control panel for additional protection
• Ensure adequate ventilation under your shelter to prevent carbon monoxide buildup
• Maintain proper clearances (3 feet from walls, 8 feet from overhead structures)
• Use waterproof grill covers on unused portions of the grill

Critical Safety Rules

• Never grill in thunderstorms or high winds (over 15 mph)
• Stay with your grill at all times during rain—no exceptions
• Use only GFCI-protected outlets and waterproof extension cords rated for outdoor use
• Keep the lid closed as much as possible to prevent water entry
• Have a fire extinguisher nearby (Class C for electrical fires)
• Monitor weather apps for changing conditions

Smart Cooking Strategies

• Choose quick-cooking foods like burgers, hot dogs, chicken breasts, or thin steaks (under 45 minutes)
• Pre-cook larger items indoors and finish on the grill for smoke flavor
• Avoid long smoking sessions (brisket, pork shoulder) during uncertain weather
• Plan alternative indoor cooking methods as backup (oven finishing, stovetop)
• Pre-position all tools and ingredients under cover before starting

Post-Rain Care

• Thoroughly dry all surfaces with towels to prevent rust formation
• Remove any wet pellets immediately from hopper and auger
• Check electrical connections for moisture and corrosion
• Inspect the auger for pellet clogs or swelling
• Run a cleaning cycle if your model has one
• Store the grill in a dry location or use a waterproof cover

Weather Assessment: When to Grill and When to Wait

Safe Conditions (Proceed with Extreme Caution)

• Light drizzle or mist (less than 0.1 inches per hour)
• Minimal wind (under 10 mph)
• Stable weather patterns with no storm warnings
• Adequate shelter available with proper ventilation
• Temperature above 40°F to prevent equipment issues

Dangerous Conditions (Don’t Risk It)

• Heavy rain or downpours (over 0.1 inches per hour)
• Thunderstorms or lightning in the area
• High winds (over 15 mph)
• Rapidly changing weather conditions
• Freezing temperatures that could damage components

Professional Recommendation

When in doubt, wait it out. No meal is worth risking your safety or a $500+ grill replacement. Weather can change quickly, and pellet grills perform best in stable conditions.

Alternative Solutions for Rainy Day Grilling

Permanent Covered Structures

• Gazebos with proper ventilation provide year-round protection
• Covered patios with adequate clearances
• Pergolas with retractable covers offer flexibility

Portable Protection Options

• Pop-up canopies (10×10 minimum) for temporary shelter
• Grill umbrellas specifically designed for outdoor cooking
• Windscreens to protect from driving rain

Indoor Alternatives

• Stovetop smoking using wood chips in cast iron
• Oven finishing after initial searing
• Electric indoor grills for emergency backup

Final Verdict: Balancing Risk and Reward

Can you use your Pit Boss pellet grill in the rain? Technically, with extensive precautions, experienced grillers do it successfully. However, you’re accepting full responsibility for any consequences, including voided warranties.

Our 2025 recommendation:

• Light rain with proper shelter: Possible for experienced users who fully understand the risks
• Heavy rain or storms: Never attempt under any circumstances
• New grill owners: Wait for clear weather while you learn your equipment
• Expensive cuts of meat: Don’t risk ruining premium ingredients

Remember, pellet grills are significant investments ranging from $300-2000+. The safest approach is always to wait for better weather. Your grill will perform better, your food will cook more consistently, and you’ll avoid any safety risks or warranty issues.

Bottom line: While it’s technically possible to grill in light rain with extensive precautions, the manufacturer’s guidelines exist for good reason. Make informed decisions based on your experience level, local weather conditions, and personal risk tolerance. When in doubt, protect your investment and wait for clear skies.