How to Store Your Grill for the Winter
If you do not use your grill all year long, it may be a good time to start thinking about putting it away for the season. Most grills are meant to be used all season long but grilling in the depths of winter certainly is not for everyone. Proper storage ensures your grill will be in top working condition and will last for many more grilling seasons to come. Here is our checklist of things to do once you are ready to put away your grill for the winter.
Steps for Storing Your Grill for the Winter:
Give the Grill a Deep Clean
The very first thing you should do when prepping your grill for winter storage is give your grill a deep clean after its final use of the season. This involves removing any grease, dirt, or debris. Wildlife is known for making a home of an unused grill since it proves a nice home for the winter, and leftover caked-on food provides a tasty treat – making it all that more important to get it as clean as possible.
You will also want to avoid creating an environment suitable for mold to grow. No, mold doesn’t tend to grow in freezing cold temperatures, but the end of the fall season, and early spring, can have the perfect conditions for growing mold. Mold feeds on organic matter, so this is just one other reason to give your grill a thorough scrub.
Leaving grease and food can also encourage moisture which can result in corrosion and oxidation of some of the key components of your grill. Therefore, proper storage is essential in helping your grill last for as long as possible.
Remove and Clean Grates
Next, you will want to remove the grates and soak them in a suitable solution for about 24 hours. Once they have had some time to soak, give them a good scrub, removing any dirt and grime. Next, rinse them well and allow them to thoroughly dry. Once they are dry, we recommend you put a thin layer of cooking oil over the grates to help preserve them.
Empty and Clean the Drip Pan
Be sure to empty out the disposable drip pan once you are done scraping all the loose debris. This might also be an opportunity to make a checklist of parts that might require replacing, such as a new drip pan. If you are unlucky enough to discover that wildlife has made your grill a home come springtime – not to worry. Clean out whatever they have left behind and let your grill run on a high setting for about 15 minutes to clean the inside.
Inspect the Burners
Carefully remove any surface rust with a wire brush and then vacuum up the debris. If you plan on storing your grill outside and leaving the propane tank connected, be sure it is tightly in the off position.
Cover Your Grill
You will also want to make sure your grill is covered securely to protect it from the winter’s harsh elements. Even if you are storing the grill inside, it should be covered up to prevent any dust buildup.
Remove the Propane Tank (if storing inside)
If you are storing your grill inside, we suggest you remove the propane tank (NEVER store a propane tank inside!). When storing a propane tank, place the tank on a stable surface like a patio stone. Consider using a milk crate (or something similar in size) to help keep it upright and secure. We also recommend taping a plastic bag over the gas line to prevent insects from getting inside.
We hope these tips will help you prepare your grill for the winter season and keep it running smoothly for years to come. If you need any parts for your grill, we sell thousands of OEM parts, all you need is your model number. Don’t forget to check out our YouTube channel for more tips and tricks for in and around your home.
