Should You Leave Your Grill Outside All Winter? Grill Masters Explain

Is it safe to leave your grill outside all winter—or is it best moved inside? The goal, of course, is to have a grill that starts up seamlessly after months of dormancy. (You have plenty of alfresco dinners up ahead come summer!) And the answer depends on a few factors, including the grill's construction, local weather conditions, and the time you can commit to maintenance.

Read on for a nuanced explanation on how best to take care of your grill in the winter, so that you can enjoy it to the max year after year. 

Where to Store Your Grill for Winter

“Leaving a grill outside during winter can be perfectly fine, as long as it’s properly cleaned and covered,” says grill master Dustin Green, with proper coverage being especially essential in colder areas.

According to the CEO and owner of Grillworks, Ben Eisendrath, your grill's construction is likely made to withstand winter with adequate protection. "Some grills…are made entirely of stainless steel or other corrosion-resistant material and can stay outside indefinitely," he says, noting that premium grills and many built-in models tend to use more stainless steel in their construction, making them more resistant to the elements.

Other, more standard grills, such as those made of cast iron or aluminum, will need considerable coverage in order to keep them in good working condition. “A high-quality grill cover protects your grill from rain, snow, and ice,” says Green.

How to Safely Store Your Grill Outside for Winter

In order to safely store your grill outside, outdoor kitchen expert Ryan Schellhous emphasizes the importance of deep cleaning the entire unit ahead of covering. This includes removing built-up carbon on the interior, cleaning the drip pan, and allowing all parts to dry before storing. A professional cleaning of your grill is recommended twice a year, adds Schellhous. “Before the winter is actually a great time to do it, as that will ensure you’re storing a fully functioning and clean-down-to-the-bare-metal appliance,” he says.

If your grill is portable, move it under cover (such as beneath a shaded porch). Both stationary and non-stationary appliances should be protected by waterproof covers. “Keeping it dry and out of the elements will help the appliance, parts, ignition systems, and stainless steel body all stay in good shape,” says Schellhous.

The Risks of Leaving Your Grill Outside

While a well-constructed and protected appliance should be able to withstand the winter, there are some potential risks to leaving it outside. These can easily be lessened with a bit of prep and maintenance.

• Rodents: “If you leave your BBQ out in the wet, snowy winter all off-season without any care, you should be prepared to open the hood to a spring surprise of rodent tenants,” warns Schellhous. “[They] love a covered, undisturbed place with leftover marinades to nibble on.” To lessen risk, be sure to always clean your grill thoroughly, both after cooking and before storing.
• Spiders: "The most common reason for a service call from our customers for a malfunctioning grill is a spider that has made a web in the gas valve, hampering proper gas flow," Schellhous shares. Inspect the components regularly to prevent potential problems. "Carefully use a pipe cleaner to ensure that spiders and other insects haven’t blocked your valves," Schellhous suggests.
• Excess Moisture: Moisture can be a problem during the winter for the interior of your grill. Schellhous recommends inspecting and uncovering your appliance once a month. Let it dry out from any condensation, then apply a high-heat oil to the grates to prevent rust buildup.
• Mold: If you don't properly clean your grill before covering, you may open it come spring to discover moldy carbon buildup on the half-charred teriyaki sauce from your last cookout. “While mold can be professionally removed from stainless steel in the springtime, most homeowners do not have the appropriate chemistry or specialized equipment to do it fully,” warns Schellhous. Reach out to an expert for assistance.
• Rust: Leaving your grill completely unprotected over the winter months can result in rust, especially if the appliance is made of less durable materials. "If you aren’t sure what your grill is made of, at least bring it under a roof or use a high-quality waterproof cover," recommends Eisendrath.