Grilling season is coming to an end (yes, we're depressed too). To ensure that your grill is ready for use again in the spring, you should give it a little more attention before storing it. Whether you have a charcoal grill on wheels or one in oneOutdoor kitchen built-in gas grillHere you can find out how you can make your grill winter-proof.
If you want to winterize a charcoal grill...
Burn out grill
Light your grill one last time (sorry, no food now – we're just trying to burn off anything that's built up on the grate). A few hours at 250° - 350°C should remove all incrustations. When it burns out, only ash remains at the end.
Clean
Once the grill has cooled thoroughly, check that all food and grease residue is completely removed. They are attractive to animals and insects looking for winter quarters. Scrape the grates with a nylon-bristled grill brush and sweep or vacuum the ash from the bottom of the grill. Stubborn stains? Soak the stainless steel grates in soapy water and then remove them with the brush.
Store grill grates properly
Spray the grates with cooking oil and store them in plastic bags to prevent pests from nesting on them.
If you have a gas grill...
Burn out incrustations
To remove leftover food, turn the grill to high temperature and let it run for 15 minutes with the lid closed. Once cool, go over the grates with a nylon-bristled grill brush to remove any stubborn dirt.
The Gastank entfernen
If you store your grill in a shed or garage, the LPG tank must not be included. Store the tank upright outdoors, away from potential heat sources such as exhaust vents. Cover the grill's knob with plastic wrap to prevent animals such as wasps from crawling in and nesting. Does everything stay outside? Make sure the gas is turned off.
Clean all parts well
Remove grill grates, heat tents or covers, and warming racks and scrub with warm, soapy water. Take out the fat drip tray. This should also be emptied and scrubbed. Use your nylon brush on the dry burners, leaving the holes clear. Spray burners, grates, and covers with cooking spray to prevent rust. Pack them and the fat tray in plastic bags - otherwise spiders or insects could hibernate in them.
If you have an outdoor kitchen…
For a built-in gas grill, follow the same steps as for a freestanding one. Make sure to shut off gas and water lines, unplug all electrical devices, and cover electrical outlets.
Make your grill winter-proof – The following applies to all types of grills:
Clean the outside of the grill
Grab a bucket of warm, soapy water to clean the outside of your grill.
Prevent mold
Mold on the grill can be an unpleasant surprise in spring. To prevent this, spray the cleaned exterior with undiluted white vinegar.
Cover grill
Finally, put a cover over the grill. For indoor storage, the best choice is a breathable fabric such as cotton, which provides protection from dust and dirt but still allows air to circulate. If you store your grill outside, you should at least protect it from snow and ice. A weatherproof cover is useful, but it must be breathable so that moisture is not trapped underneath.
