Backyard dinner parties, neighborhood gatherings and family reunions are in the past as the cold winter months have arrived.

After a Summer and Fall full of outdoor cooking and entertaining, the last thing you want to think about is getting your outdoor kitchen ready for winter. However, winterizing your outdoor kitchen is a necessary step toward adding to its longevity, and it actually doesn’t take that much work.

Here are just a few things to be aware of before temperatures start to get truly freezing:

 

Turn Off The Refrigerator

If your outdoor kitchen includes a refrigerator, you’ll want to unplug it before the temperature gets below freezing. It is unsafe to operate a refrigerator at temperatures below 32°F.

Make sure you dry the inside of the refrigerator thoroughly after unplugging it to avoid the potential buildup of mold and mildew. When the temperatures get warmer and before you plug it back in, check its condition and electrical connection.

Use this as an opportunity to defrost and clean the inside of the fridge, especially any surfaces that come in direct contact with food. Once it gets below freezing, loose food and debris could be stuck to the surfaces.

 

 

Prep The Grill

Most grills don’t require a lot of winterizing preparation, but you should do a thorough cleaning while you can. This includes cleaning any debris or grease buildup on the hose and cooking surfaces. Make sure the drip tray is emptied and cleaned to avoid grease freezing onto the tray surface.

Cover your grill to avoid any blowing snow or rain settling on the lid. If you have a stainless steel grill, it’s durable and naturally resistant to the elements, but it doesn’t hurt to have a cover over it, especially if you’re going long periods without using it. 

Unlike refrigerators, which should remain off if the outdoor temperature is at or below freezing, most grills can still be used in the winter. The beauty of an outdoor kitchen, especially one with a roof, is the ability to cook year-round. But do be aware that the minimum outdoor temperature recommended to operate most grills is 0°F. Check your kitchen’s user manual to see what it is for your specific model.

 

Minimal Structural Maintenance

Once you’ve cleaned your fridge and grill, the hard part is likely over. You’ll want to wipe down your countertops and, if necessary, wash the structure.

If you have a roof covering your outdoor kitchen, you don’t have to worry about winterizing the other elements underneath. Heavy winds and snow loads won’t impact structures made with durable materials such as galvanized steel.

The great thing about galvanized steel is that it holds up against strong winds and heavy snow, and it’s virtually maintenance-free thanks to its naturally rust-resistant nature.

 

Winterize Your Outdoor Kitchen Today To Extend Its Life

While certainly not the most fun or enjoyable part of outdoor kitchen ownership, proper winter prep is necessary to enjoy it for years to come.

With Backyard Discovery’s Fusion Flame Outdoor Kitchen, you’re getting strong, durable material that holds up in the harshest of elements and provides long-lasting enjoyment. Its galvanized steel roof is PRO-TECT™ Tested and Proven and holds up to 50 pounds of snow per square foot, and the steel structure can withstand winds up to 100 mph when properly anchored. The stainless steel countertops, grill and hardware are also naturally resistant to the elements.

While some maintenance is required during the colder months, a kitchen like the Fusion Flame is meant to be enjoyed year-round. Get yours and elevate your cooking game today.