If you haven’t winterized your grill, you should ASAP
Every product is independently selected by our editors. If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
If you’re not a winter griller, now’s the time to pack away your grill before it’s covered with a foot of snow. In addition to giving your grill a thorough cleaning to remove grease and food scraps, take these steps to help prevent any unpleasant surprises when you fire up your grill again next spring. While you’re at it, make sure you’re avoiding these grilling mistakes that can make you sick.
How to winterize your grill
Shut off the gas at the LP tank, unfasten the burner, slip the gas tubes off the gas lines and lift out the unit.
Coat the burners and other metal parts with cooking oil to repel moisture that can build up over the winter and to prevent rust.
Then wrap the burner unit in plastic wrap or a plastic bag to keep spiders and insects from nesting in the gas tubes during the winter. This is a common problem that can make for balky starts, uneven flames or even a one-alarm fire the next time you light your grill.
Storing your grill outside or inside?
If you’re storing your grill outside during the winter, just keep the propane tank connected (but shut off) and put a protective cover over the entire grill when you’re done cleaning it.
If you’re storing the grill indoors, don’t bring the tank inside, even into the garage or a storage shed. A small gas leak can cause a huge explosion if the tank is stored in an enclosed space. Instead, disconnect the tank and store it outside in an upright position away from dryer and furnace vents and children’s play areas. Tape plastic wrap or a bag over the grill’s gas line opening to prevent insects from nesting.
Set aside some time now to complete these simple fall maintenance tasks so you can rest easy, knowing you’re prepared.
