Winterize Your Grill for Storage During the Winter Months

8th Sep 2015

As winter approaches, there are probably a number of changes happening around your home. Aside from draft-proofing the doors and windows and stocking up on kitty litter for the driveway, it’s getting to be that time of year when the grill needs to be winterized too. Most grills of a certain quality these days are designed to withstand cold weather, but the unit will last much longer if you take some steps to help it along.

The first thing to do is to thoroughly clean it. Let it run on high heat until all excess food is burned off, usually after 15-20 minutes. While the grill is still warm, scrape the surface with a wire grill brush. Be sure to let it cool down again before proceeding to the next step! Do some weeding or drain the pool while you wait.

When the grill is cool enough, remove the grilling racks and lava rocks or metal heat deflectors and clean the inside of the grill with soapy water or oven cleaner depending on the stubbornness of the mess. Consider installing new lava rocks if necessary so the grill is ready to go the next time it’s rolled out. Clean the racks and rinse them thoroughly before replacing them inside. You don’t want to be tasting soapy residue in next years’ inaugural steak!

Close the lid and wipe down the outside of the grill with an old rag and some hot, sudsy water. You’ll want to avoid damaging cleaners that can peel paint. Turn the propane tank off and disconnect the hoses. Wipe everything down. Take this time to be sure the tank and hoses are in good condition and not cracked or damaged in any way. Replace any necessary parts.

While the outside is drying, you can hose down the cloth grill cover so that it’s clean as well. A good grill cover is important for protecting your grill from the elements. Check the existing one for holes or tears and replace it if necessary. Be sure both the grill and cover and completely dry before storing them to avoid rusting.

Grills are best stored inside where they can be kept dry. If no garage or shed space is available, a covered location is the next best thing. Remember that the propane tank should never be stored indoors and will be fine outside.

With a few simple steps in the winter, rolling out the grill when summer returns can be exciting and breezy, with no cleaning required. And this way, you can be assured the grill will spend a long and productive life with you.