How to Prepare Your Grill for the Winter

Winter doesn’t have to mark the end of grilling season! With a little prep, you can keep your grill in great shape all year long. A little prep now goes a long way, so let’s explore how you can easily prepare your grill for winter.

 

 

Is Prepping Your Grill for Winter Worth It?

Grills take a beating from the elements, and leaving yours exposed to snow, rain, or freezing temperatures can lead to rust, clogged burners, or expensive repairs. Winterizing your grill keeps it ready to fire up again without any hiccups. Plus, proper storage and care will:

• Protect your investment

• Prevent rust and corrosion

• Make spring cleaning easier

• Get you ready for surprise winter barbecues

With just a little effort, you can extend the life of your grill and keep it working like new.

 

Grill Cleaning Supplies You Will Need

You will want to gather all the supplies you need before getting started. Here is a list of what we suggest you work with to deep clean your grill every fall.

• Rubber gloves

• Grill brush

• Cleaner of choice: Dish soap, vinegar, and baking soda, or a grill cleaner

• Rag or microfiber (for stainless steel grills)

• Stainless steel cleaner (for stainless steel grills)

• Cooking oil (vegetable, olive, etc.)

• Grill cover

• Shop vacuum (optional)

 

 

6 Easy Steps to Get Your Grill Winter-Ready

1. Clean Your Grill Inside and Out

First things first—give your grill a deep clean. Grease, food residue, and ash can cause corrosion if left for too long. Scrub, wipe, and vacuum (if needed) everything thoroughly to avoid a nasty surprise when grilling season returns.

• Remove the grates and wash them with warm, soapy water

• Clean burners or heating elements on gas grills

• Dump leftover ash from charcoal grills and wipe the interior

2. Check for Wear and Tear

Take a few minutes to inspect your grill for rust, cracks, or worn parts. Spotting small issues now saves you from dealing with bigger ones later. If you notice anything off—like burners clogged with grease or a broken ignition—address it before storing the grill for winter.

💡Want to upgrade a worn-out grill? Here are our top picks:

Napoleon Prestige 665 RSIB Gas Grill (Model #P665RSIBPSS)

• Infrared Side and Rear Burners: Achieve perfect sears and slow-roast with high-heat infrared technology, including a rotisserie burner for restaurant-style meals.

• Stainless Steel Build with WAVE Cooking Grids: Durable stainless steel components with signature wave-shaped grids for even heat and perfect sear marks.

• SafetyGlow and JETFIRE Ignition: Control knobs glow red when burners are on, and each burner ignites instantly with reliable flame-jet ignition.

• Dual-Level Sear Plates: Staggered stainless steel plates distribute heat evenly, vaporize drippings, and prevent flare-ups.

Traeger Ironwood 650 Pellet Grill (Model #TFB65BLF)

• Versatile Cooking Range: Temperature range from 165°F to 500°F allows you to smoke, bake, roast, and grill with precision.

• WiFIRE® Connectivity: Monitor and control your grill from anywhere using the Traeger App, with integrated pellet and meat temperature sensors.

• Dual-Wall Insulated Construction: Maintains consistent temperatures for efficient cooking with reduced heat fluctuation.

• 649 sq. in. Cooking Space: Two porcelain-coated steel grates provide ample room for multi-tier cooking.

 

 

3. Oil the Grates to Prevent Rust

Once everything is clean, rub a light coat of cooking oil over the grates. This prevents rust buildup and keeps your grill ready to go when warmer days arrive. Just be sure to wipe away any excess oil to avoid sticky messes.

4. Disconnect and Store Fuel Safely

If you’re using a gas grill, disconnect the propane tank and store it in a cool, dry place. Natural gas users should turn off the gas line. Propane tanks shouldn’t be stored inside your home—keep them outdoors but shielded from extreme weather.

5. Invest in a High-Quality Grill Cover

A cover is your grill’s first line of defense against rain, snow, and wind. Choose a waterproof, durable cover that fits snugly and keeps moisture out—because rust is the enemy. Check out other grilling accessories, like grill brushes, grilling utensils, and more.

6. Store Your Grill in the Right Spot

Move your grill to a sheltered area like a garage or shed whenever possible. If you can’t store it inside, place it on a raised surface to avoid water pooling underneath, and make sure it’s properly covered.

💡Pro Tip: Use wooden blocks to elevate the grill off the ground slightly—this keeps it dry and ready to go when needed.

 

Can You Grill in the Winter?

If you’re one of those die-hard grillers who doesn’t let a little snow stop you, there are a few tricks to grilling in cold weather.

• Use lump charcoal—it burns hotter and longer

• Preheat your grill for a bit longer to make up for the cold

• Keep the lid closed to maintain heat

 

 

Explore Grills on Sale at Queen City

At Queen City Homestore, we are here to help you find the best grill to meet your needs and give you the advice to keep it working well year after year. Shop our selection of pellet grills, propane grills, charcoal grills, and natural gas grills online today. Contact us or visit one of our local Queen City appliance store locations across North Carolina to shop for new grills for sale. Explore our selection today and make sure your grill is prepped for any season!

Related readings from our blog:

• Should You Buy A Pellet Grill Or A Smoker?

• Napoleon Vs. Traeger

• Fire Up The Grill

 

FAQs: Winter Grilling Prep

1. Is outdoor grilling in winter ok?
Yes, you can grill outside in winter. Just make sure to preheat the grill longer and keep the lid closed to maintain heat.

2. How cold is too cold for a propane grill?
Propane can struggle to vaporize below -44°F, but most grills will work fine as long as the temperature stays above freezing.

3. Can you grill in the garage in winter?
No, it’s not safe to grill in the garage. Grills release carbon monoxide, which can build up in enclosed spaces.

4. Is it okay to store a gas grill in the garage?
Yes, you can store a gas grill in the garage as long as the propane tank is disconnected and stored outdoors.

5. How cold is too cold to grill outside?
There’s no set temperature limit, but grilling becomes more difficult below freezing since grills take longer to preheat and maintain temperature.