Food & cooking · Food safety
Cookout food out-of-fridge time calculator.
Enter when food came off the grill or out of the fridge and the weather to get the time to refrigerate it or throw it out.
Inputs
Deadline
Enter the time.
How long can BBQ food sit out?
USDA FSIS says to discard food left out more than 2 hours, or 1 hour if the outside temperature is above 90 F (32 C), and to refrigerate leftovers promptly in shallow containers. For smoked meat, FSIS says to refrigerate within 2 hours of removing it from the smoker, cut it into smaller portions, and use it within 4 days or freeze it. Reheat leftovers to 165 F.
Worked example. Pulled pork comes off the smoker at 5:00 pm on a 75 F day. The deadline to refrigerate it is 7:00 pm. On a 95 F day it is 6:00 pm.
Frequently asked questions
How long can cooked BBQ sit out?
USDA FSIS says no more than 2 hours, or 1 hour if it is above 90 F outside.
How soon must smoked meat be refrigerated?
Within 2 hours of removing it from the smoker, in smaller portions in shallow containers. Use it within 4 days or freeze it.
Does a cooler count as refrigeration?
This tool only applies the FSIS time limit to food held out in the open. Keep cold food cold and hot food hot rather than stretching the clock.
What temperature should leftovers be reheated to?
USDA FSIS says to reheat fully cooked meats to 165 F or until steaming hot.
Sources
Checked
Both time limits are from the FSIS pages above. Runs entirely in your browser. Nothing you type is sent or stored.
Scope
Times and temperatures are estimates; use a probe thermometer and cook to the safe internal temperature. Food safety guidance, not professional advice. If you are pregnant, immunocompromised, elderly or cooking for young children, follow the stricter advice of your health professional.