How to Prepare your Grill for Cold Weather Storage

Sadly the days of summer barbecues are coming to an end. We can all remember those great times fondly while we are inside huddled by the fire staying away from winter weather.

We can also look forward to next spring and summer when the grill comes back out and the fun of outdoor entertaining and grilling begins again! But, one big component of that fun is having your grill stored properly and ready to go when winter ends.

So here is a helpful list of things to do now so you grill is sparking clean and ready to cook up some delicious eats when the weather gets warm again! And to look forward to that day read our list of how to get your grill ready for summer!

Burn off leftover food

Start up your grill and let it run on high heat until all the leftover food is burned off the top. Use a wire brush to scrap off any leftover food from the surface while the grill is hot. (But, be careful not to touch any hot parts of the machine)!

This process should take about 20 minutes. Then allow your grill to cool down before continuing with the cleaning process.

Clean the grill grates

After the grill has cooled down, clean the grates with soapy water or oven cleaner for the tougher spots. Once all the cooked on stuff is removed, thoroughly rinse the grates to remove any leftover soap or cleaner residue.

If you have a gas grill and the grates can be removed, this is a good time to clean inside the barbecue and replace any charcoal or other heating elements.

Wipe down the outside

Clean the outside of the grill with hot soapy water and a damp towel. Don’t forget to wipe down the inside of the lid, propane tank and all the hoses too.

For some stubborn dirt or caked on food, you might need to use a more heavy duty cleaner. Test any new products on a small section of your grill first to ensure it doesn’t damage the paint or finish.

Don’t forget that your grill cover that could probably be hosed down after a summer of use.

Fix any problems

During the cleaning process check your grill and it components for any issues or deflects. Now is the time to get these items fixed or order replacements. Check all hoses for cracks, burners for wear and tear and temperature gauges or handles for damage.

Check the owner’s manual

It’s also important to check your specific grill’s owner’s manual for any additional cleaning requirements. If you lost track of your manual, search for the brand and model and find an online copy.

For example, some grill manufactures recommend wiping the surface down with a light coat of oil, while others advise against it. This advice is especially important if you machine is still under warranty.

Store it safely

Make sure you have a grill cover that is still in good condition and without any rips or holes. If you find any damage invest in a new cover. And make sure you grill is completely dry before storing to prevent rust.

It’s also a smart idea to store your grill in a dry, cool location away from the elements like rain and snow. A Cook Portable Warehouses is the perfect place to store all your valuable possessions until you need them again!

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