OVERVIEW
Sooner or later, the snow will start to fly, and our outdoor grill might need all the protection it can get. With the cold winter months approaching, the grilling season is coming to an end. As much as we like to eat burgers or chickens in the garden, if we don’t cover or store the grill, the outside elements will damage it. While everyone goes through regular winterizing procedures such as raking leaves or sealing windows, some people ignore their patio, and that is a serious mistake. Before temperatures begin to drop too much, we must also focus and winterize our outdoor grill. By doing that, it will remain in good condition for years to come.
Today, we bring you a simple guide which will help you keep your source of tasty barbecue safe from cracks, rust, rain, snow, and pests. Don’t wait until it starts snowing. By preparing in advance, your grill will be in pristine condition for the next spring.
Steps To Winterize Your Outdoor Grill & Smoker
It Is Time For Cleaning
Winterizing your grill requires thorough cleaning. For the outside of the grill, you can use a rag and hot, soapy water. A grill degreaser can do the trick as well. Clean the burner knobs, handle, hood cover, and propane tank if you are using one. It is important to open the grill and clean the hood’s underside. Often, there will be a buildup of carbon in here.
When you’ve scrubbed off most residues on the outside, it is time for some deep cleaning. Wait a bit in case the grill is still hot and then take out the cooking grids, flame tamers, and burners. It would be a nice idea to add soap and water and polish off the remaining residue. When everything is ready, rinse thoroughly. Do not leave any soapy residue. Do the same for ash catchers and drip pans.
General Tips
Take the time now and winterize your outdoor grill. By doing that, you will save time, efforts, and money in the long run. Here are a few more simple steps to help your grill endure the winter.
- Always leave the propane tank outside with a cover. It is far too dangerous putting in indoors
- Remove the ignition battery from the electric starter. Be sure to reseal the empty battery compartment
- You can wrap the burners in plastic. That way, fuel won’t leak out, and insects or debris won’t be able to get in
- If you have a propane tank, shut it off before cleaning
- You can coat metal parts like the burners with cooking oil. It will block off moisture, prevent mold and mildew buildup, and prevent rust
Conduct Repairs
If your outdoor grill and smoker already have physical damage such as cracks or leaks, the harsh weather can make everything much worse.
The best thing you can do to winterize them would be to fix the issues. Increase the grill’s lifespan by making it cold and moisture-proof.
Check all surfaces for cracks and rust. If there is serious damage, replace them. Make sure the hoses have no holes. Replace or repair any damaged part. If the burners are cracked or rusted, you should order new ones from your grill manufacturer.
Other things that need checkups are the handles and temperature gauges.
Heat Up The Grill
One great way to prepare your grill for winter would be to heat up the cooking grids and leave them working for a while. After that, scrub them with a grill brush. It is important to remove leftovers because they might attract wildlife. If no wild animals show up, mold and mildew will surely do. Unless the yard freezes, mold and mildew will spread all over your grill. Be sure your grill and cover are dry before storing them so you can avoid rust.
Turn Off The Fuel Source
You will need to disconnect or turn off the fuel source before storage. If the grill uses a natural gas line, turn off the valve. With propane tanks, be sure to at least turn off the valve. It might be better to disconnect the propane tank altogether. Propane tanks can be dangerous and should never be stored inside your home, shed, or garage. Propare leaks can lead to dangerous explosions or air contamination; both of which can be hazardous for anyone nearby.
Storing A Grill During The Winter
While it is ideal to store the grill indoors, sometimes that is too hard or impossible to do. It might require too much work to move it inside, and it will definitely take up a lot of space. You will need a dry location such as the garage, closet, or shed. Here is where covers come in handy. By using vinyl covers, your grill will remain in good condition for the warmer spring months. If you already have an old grill cover, check and ensure there are no tears or holes.
Use ALCO’s Custom Grill and Grill Island Covers
Overview
The best thing you could do to protect your grill and smoker during winter would be to order a unique cover. By using top-quality, moisture-resistant material, your grill will remain safe from the harsh outside elements such as rain, snow, wind, UV-rays, dirt, and more.
With ALCO, you have the opportunity to design a grill cover with custom shapes, dimensions, colors, materials, different applications, and more. Properly prepare your grill for the upcoming winter by purchasing an amazing custom cover and guarantee a smooth transition to the next spring.