Are you planning to prepare your barbecue tools and grill for winter? In today’s blog article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know. Yes, of course, it’s still early to put away your barbecue, but it’s better to be prepared in advance for certain things. An outdoor barbecue is a faithful summer companion. It’s the centerpiece of many outdoor evenings and provides a fun and healthier alternative for everyday family dinners. However, don’t leave the grill out in the cold this winter! Proper maintenance can extend the life of your investment and ensure it’s in great condition once the warm weather returns. This also applies to safeguarding barbecue tools. So, take a look at these simple steps to protect your barbecue and grilling tools.

How can I prepare my outdoor barbecue for winter?

Most outdoor garden barbecues consist of movable pieces that can be easily shifted. However, there are some grills that are installed permanently, especially in spacious patios or outdoor kitchens. Some of these barbecues are connected to a dedicated gas line or surrounded by bricks or stone. If you have a fixed outdoor barbecue, you can still follow these suggestions, except, of course, those involving moving the unit.

Here are all the helpful tips for preserving your grills

• Start with a thorough cleaning. This not only helps maintain the grill in good condition but also keeps away insects, rodents, and other unwanted critters. Turn on all the burners to the maximum and let them operate with the lid closed for about 15 minutes. Once the grill is completely cool, thoroughly scrub each grate with a grill brush or crumpled aluminum foil.
• If you have a propane tank, turn off the gas, unscrew the burner, disconnect the hoses, and remove the tank.
• Coat the burners and other metal parts with cooking oil (cooking spray works great), which helps repel moisture and prevent rust.
• Inspect the other internal components and clean them as needed with a wire brush.

Are you trying to prepare your smoker for winter? Do this

These steps work well for barbecue smokers too. If you’re using a pellet system, make sure to remove and clean it thoroughly. Regardless of whether you’re storing the grill indoors or outdoors, you can do so safely by protecting your unit.

• Will your grill remain outside this winter? Turn off the propane tank but leave it connected, then cover the entire grill with a protective cover.
• For those storing the grill indoors: leave the tank outside. Even small gas leaks pose a serious indoor explosion risk, including garages.
• Store disconnected tanks outdoors in an upright position, away from dryer vents, ovens, and similar areas.
• Don’t forget to keep the barbecue away from children’s play areas.
• Wrap the burner unit in plastic wrap or a plastic bag. This is another good way to keep pests away from your unit.

If winters in your area are milder, storing the grill outdoors indoors might not be as important. However, keeping the grill indoors can give you a clear advantage over elements in harsher weather conditions. Even if you don’t have space to bring the barbecue indoors, consider placing it in a shed or even under a roof overhang.