This post was originally published on Nov. 13, 2017 and updated on July 7, 2020 to reflect the most recent information.
Winter is coming, and it’s vital that you prepare your stainless steel outdoor kitchen for the cold weather to come. There are several steps you can take to prep for the cold season including shutting off water and power lines, cleaning out outdoor appliances, and clearing your pipes. Keep reading for tips on how to winterize your outdoor kitchen!
Clean Out Your Refrigerator
Most outdoor refrigerators don’t need to be moved indoors for the winter, but they do need to be turned off. Be sure to switch off the power before the temperature outside drops and empty out all refrigerated cabinets. Thoroughly clean the inside and external surfaces with a stainless steel cleaner. In addition, if your fridge is powder coated, using a non-abrasive cleaner will work well.
Remove the front plate and clean behind it with a vacuum in order to remove any dirt or debris. Empty the storage bin on your ice maker, clean it out, and make sure the drain valve is closed.
Shut Off Water Lines & Clear Your Pipes
Any water remaining in the pipes and plumbing of your outdoor kitchen can be tough to handle if it isn’t managed properly ahead of time. When temperatures drop outside, the water in the pipes can freeze, causing the pipes to burst. This can be an expensive and exhausting job to correct and can lead to flooding, making your outdoor living space temporarily unusable.
In order to clear your pipes, all water should be shut off at the valve. Once it is shut off, you can begin draining the lines. Make sure you do not neglect water supply lines connected to refrigerators, ice makers, dishwashers, and sinks. All water should be drained from the supply lines and faucets before winter arrives.
Winterize Your Grill or Cooker
Covering a grill during the winter will allow it to heat up easier if you do any outdoor cooking during the colder months. Additionally, it will help keep the grill clean and dry.
We also recommend a thorough cleaning of your outdoor grill after every summer season in order to keep it in its best condition. Clean the exterior with a citrus-based degreaser followed by stainless steel polish.
Remove all cooking grates, warming racks, and grilling drawers and use a brass brush to clean the tops of the burners. If your grill won’t be used during the winter, be sure to turn off the gas supply. If you have an outdoor pizza oven, empty the crumb tray located at the bottom.
Cabinets & Countertops
During the winter, the stainless steel outdoor cabinets and outdoor countertops will do better with a polish before the freezing temperatures set in. Our cabinets are designed for durability and functionality while providing clean, dry storage throughout the winter months. Just be sure to remove all liquids from the cabinets and drawers so that they don’t freeze. It’s also a good time to clean out the stainless steel cabinets before winter arrives and throw out anything that is expired or no longer needed.
Related – Outdoor Kitchen Cleaning & Maintenance
At Brown Jordan Outdoor Kitchens we use powder coat finishes to provide an additional protection to your outdoor kitchens in the backyard, patio, or rooftop to help them withstand extreme weather.
Related – Benefits of Powder Coating Outdoor Kitchens
Our drawers and cabinets are made from durable stainless steel that will get you through any season for years to come. Ready to transform the outdoor space? We help move the indoor kitchen to the outdoor living space.