BBQ Winter Storage

Modified on Tue, 20 Feb at 1:30 PM

Winter Storage: Tips for Keeping Your BBQ in Top Shape

As the winter months approach, it's time to start thinking about storing your BBQ until the warmer weather returns. Properly storing your grill during the winter months can help prolong its life and ensure it's ready to go when you're ready to grill again. Here are some tips for BBQ winter storage:

1. Remove as much grease and food residue as possible.

Before storing your grill, it's important to clean it thoroughly. Use a grill brush to brush the racks, burner covers, and burners clean and scrape all the interior surfaces with a putty knife. Push all the loose debris into the slide-out grease tray and into the disposable drip pan. Then empty the disposable drip pan. Failure to remove grease and food residue can lead to an ideal environment for mold to grow.

2. Watch out for mold.

Since mold grows and feeds on organic matter, and leftover food and grease are exactly that, the inside of a dirty grill is a perfect place for it to grow. Cleaning out the inside of the grill will greatly diminish the chances for mold to develop. If you happen to find mold in your grill in springtime then do not panic. Clean out the mold by scraping it off of any surfaces it has grown on, and let your grill run on high heat before grilling on it.

3. Prevent corrosion and oxidation.

Leaving grease and food residue in the grill over the winter can trap moisture, which can promote the development of corrosion and oxidation. Cleaning your grill before any lengthy period of time when it won’t be used, will help reduce the chances that corrosion or oxidation will develop on the grill components, which will prolong the life of the grill.

4. Use BBQ covers wisely.

BBQ covers are useful to repel rain and dust but without adequate airflow, this can provide a moist atmosphere, ideally if possible store the BBQ in a garage or shed with plenty of airflow.

5. Lightly oil your BBQ.

When cleaned, a BBQ can be coated in a light coat of oil to help prevent corrosion, ensure the BBQ is clean and dry first.

By following these tips, you can help ensure that your BBQ is in top shape when you're ready to grill again. Proper BBQ winter storage can help prolong the life of your grill and ensure that it's ready to go when you are.