Grills are good to go 365 days a year. However, falling temperatures can mean danger for your backyard grill if it is not properly cared for. Whether you plan on storing your grill away until spring or braving the season to continue grilling all winter, there are many ways to keep your grill safe and sound when cold weather comes to town. Here is your official guide to ensure your grill stays functional and fashionable through harsh winter weather and all the seasons to come.
Cleaning Your Grill
Even if you plan on using your grill during the cold weather months, there’s no better time than winter to clean your grill. A solid deep cleaning is a great way to kick off winter appliance maintenance. It helps remove the layers from debris of grillouts past that have crusted onto the grates.
- Mix 2 cups of vinegar and 1 cup of baking soda in a large plastic bin.
- Remove your grates from the grill and place them in the plastic bin, soaking them in the mixture overnight.
- Remove your grates and rinse them with water.
Food that was originally stuck in the grates should come off easily. However, more stubborn gunk can be scrubbed away without a hitch using a dampened wire brush. Once clean of any residue, place your grates back on the grill and brush them using an oil with a high burning temperature. This will protect them from rusting over an extended period of time. If your grill has a grease trap, make sure you either empty it or change it out altogether, ensuring that corrosion doesn’t occur.
Winterizing Your Grill
If you’re planning on storing your grill away for winter, it’s crucial you properly winterize it in order to protect against any pests that might want to call it home. It is not uncommon for critters, especially rats, to seek cozy comfort in an unwinterized grill, providing them the perfect place to create a humble home for the winter. Grill covers and insulated tarps can greatly diminish the chances of critters finding their way into your grill. Another winterizing precaution to consider is preventing the growth of mold. Cold temperatures aren’t always conducive for mold growth, but the short period between winter and spring provides just enough time for mildew and grime to form. If you happen to find mold on the inside of your grill, there’s no need to panic. Remove the mold using a putty knife, scraping any surfaces it has grown on. Let your grill run on high for at least 20 minutes before grilling on it.
Storing Your Grill
Most grills don’t necessarily have to be brought inside for the winter. However, if you choose to do so, it’s important to take a few precautions to best keep it safe. Just make sure that if you have a grill that runs on propane that you leave the tank outside.
- Clean your grill’s tube burners and wrap them in plastic to prevent insect and pest infestation.
- Inspect your grill for cracks, scratches, or damaged parts you might not otherwise notice. If you find any parts to be faulty or broken, replace them now so you don’t have to worry about them later when it’s time to strike up the grill.
It is CRUCIAL to remove the gas component of your grill before bringing it indoors. Disconnect propane from the grill component, taking care to leave the tank outside, covered, perhaps underneath the comfort and safety of a table cover or tarp to protect against both water and weather.
Grilling in Winter
Grilling during winter is about more than braving harsh weather elements and throwing a few shrimp on the barbie. Keeping these few basic guidelines in mind will help to extend the life of your grill from winter to summer to forever.
- Start by making sure the area around your grill is clear of snow and other winter weather elements, ensuring it has enough room to efficiently preheat and prevent against slippery conditions.
- Allow your grill to heat up a few more minutes than you normally would, allowing more time to heat the air and area around the grill.
- Keep the lid shut as much as possible, ensuring heat stays in and cold air stays out.
- Avoid overly windy or hazardous conditions, using an area of windbreak if necessary.
Adhering to these precautions will greatly reduce the amount of wear and tear you put on your grill in the winter months.
Unpacking Your Grill
As spring arrives and winter fades, the time for bringing your grill out of storage and back into the spotlight finally arrives. Return your grill to your patio or outdoor kitchen area as it was before. Remove the covering, reconnect the gas, and make sure all other functional pieces are still in working order. In no time at all, you will once again be enjoying the days of fun in the sun and burgers on the barbie.
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