The Vital Importance Of Winterizing Your Grill Every Year

It's no secret that grilling is primarily a summer activity. According to Traeger, 84% of those polled grill in the summer at least once a week, but only 62% do so in the spring and a mere 57% in the fall. Winter, meanwhile, has a noticeably lower percentage: 27%. Grilling and warmth simply go hand in hand.

However, some people do brave the cold to grill regardless. Weber explains that it is possible to grill effectively even in the snow. Yet, it takes a lot of effort. The low temperatures and windy conditions necessitate more fuel and time in order to cook your food properly. Despite the cold, you still have to grill in an open area for safety, too, which means clearing a path through the ice. You also have to bundle up while making sure your gloves are heat-resistant and your layers don't have any dangling fabric that could easily catch fire. All things considered, for many, it's worth it to just leave the grill untouched throughout the winter.

You don't want to just leave the grill as is when winter hits, though. Per Weber, it's important to protect your grill from the elements. BBQ Guys notes that doing so can save you from having to buy replacement equipment in the spring, since leaving remnants of food in your grill for months on end can foster mold and lead to corrosion. Unattended moisture in general can also cause rust. Small insects may nest in uncovered nooks and crannies, as well. There's frankly a lot that could go wrong, shortening the lifespan of your grill or at least making the first cookout of spring a troubled one.

The solution? Family Handyman recommends cleaning the grill to start, then turning off the gas, loosening the burner, and taking the gas tubes off the lines. After that, in order to fend off moisture and prevent rust, you'll want to put cooking oil on the burners and other metal grilling areas. Next, keep pests away from the gas tubes by storing the burner unit in cling wrap or a reusable zippered plastic bag. Finally, one must choose between storing the grill outside under a protective cover (with the propane tank connected but shut off) or keeping it indoors in a garage or shed (with the propane tank disconnected and left upright in an open area). It takes a little effort, but it'll pay off when you start grilling again in the spring and find your equipment still works.