Having a gorgeous outdoor space is super desirable and a place where you may spend the majority of your time during the warmer months. However, during the winter, you may find yourself needing to alter your outdoor grilling space for winter use or may want to store everything properly to keep it in top condition for use in the spring. Whichever scenario you’re looking for, check out these 5 winter grilling and storage tips.
Enjoy Your Grill as Long as Possible
Grilling is not just an enjoyable activity for many people but is a healthy way to prepare food without adding fats. The food is healthy, tastes great, and looks great as well when cooked on a grill. In addition to this, spending time outside with the grill can be a fun, bonding, and relaxing experience for you and your family. Gathering around outside while one person grills and everyone chats, has a beverage, and can play games and socialize is an American tradition. So, while it might get chilly out, finding ways to continue to enjoy your outdoor grill is a huge win for you, your friends, and your family. This could include investing in outdoor heaters or a firepit to keep guests warm, or perhaps you could create an outdoor living space with a grill and even an outdoor kitchen and heaters for your guests. Outdoor lighting and speakers are ways to really spruce up the space and keep it as a functional place to gather even in the cold months. Whatever way you choose to continue to grill even into the winter months, you and your guests can have some fun with it.
The Right Kind of Grill
Depending on where you live, choosing the right kind of grill is imperative if you hope to grill in the winter or are just hoping your grill will withstand the winter months. When selecting a BBQ grill, you want to make sure it’s large enough for how many friends and family you plan to entertain. If you’re only planning to cook for yourself or 1-2 other people, then a smaller grill may be ideal. But, if you’re hoping to have groups of people over, a large grill is essential.
In addition to the size of the grill you choose, you want to make sure it’s ideal for your expectations. This can include any of the following:
1. Heat types - charcoal, gas, infrared, or smoke
2. Material - stainless steel, stone, etc
3. Location - built-in to an outdoor kitchen or separate and mobile
When choosing your BBQ grill, you will also want to ask about its durability against the elements. You’ll want to make sure the material can withstand getting wet, snowed on, extreme cold, and wind.
The Right Accessories
To enjoy grilling during the winter, you want to make sure your grill has the right accessories. These accessories can include anything from pizza ovens to separate grill burners and roasting spits to vegetable racks. If you’re looking to cook up a gorgeous cold weather-inspired meal, grill accessories may be ideal for you. Go ahead and choose the items you think will help you grill all year so you can truly enjoy your outdoor space.
Cleaning Your Grill
If the winter months become too intense for any type of outdoor grilling or living, it is imperative to properly prepare your grill for storage. Before it gets too cold to do so, take your grill apart in order to clean it. Thoroughly remove all food and charcoal debris and residue with a sponge, steel brush, or even the hose before applying any type of cleaning product.
After that, use a grill clean that is specifically designed for grease removal. Apply this cleaner as directed to the parts of your grill you have removed, and the inside and outside of the grill, let it soak, then scrub and rinse it away.
Storing Your Grill
After you’ve thoroughly cleaned your BBQ grill, storing it is important for its proper use in the spring. While you should always cover your grill after each use to protect it from the elements, storing it for the winter is a little more involved. If you have the space, moving the grill into a garage, shed, or other sheltered area is ideal to protect the grill from cold, snow, and wind. But, if this isn’t an option, be sure you cover your grill and secure the cover so it won’t blow away.. Even a single topple can damage your grill, so you want to avoid this if at all possible. Remove the propane tank and store it in your garage or shed. If your grill doesn’t have propane, unplug it or remove any type of fuel from it.
By taking these steps, your grill should last longer and allow you more summers of grilling enjoyment and fun.