Grill50 — Practical Grilling & BBQ Guides

How to Store and Winterize Your Grill (Gas and Charcoal)

Storing your grill through winter or an extended off-season correctly helps prevent rust, protects the burners, and means it’s ready to use when spring arrives. The process is quick.

When to Winterize

If you live in a climate where temperatures regularly drop below freezing (32°F / 0°C), and you won’t be grilling for an extended period, a proper storage process is worth doing (practical advice). Even in mild climates, covering and storing a grill properly helps protect it (practical advice).

Gas Grill Winterizing Checklist

Step 1: Final Deep Clean

  1. Run the grill briefly to burn off residue, following your owner’s manual for the burn-off step
  2. Scrub grates thoroughly while hot, then let cool (practical advice)
  3. Remove and clean flavorizer bars/burner guards (practical advice)
  4. Clean the grease tray and replace the foil liner (practical advice)
  5. Wipe the inside of the lid with a damp cloth to remove carbon flakes (practical advice)
  6. Inspect the exterior for rust spots, and treat them with grill-safe rust remover before storing (practical advice)

Step 2: Gas System

Two schools of thought exist on whether to disconnect the propane tank for winter storage (practical advice):

  • Disconnect and store separately: Store the tank outdoors and upright (practical advice). Choose a well-ventilated spot away from the grill (practical advice). Do not store a spare container under or near the grill (practical advice).
  • Leave connected, valve closed: Some owners do this (practical advice). Consider it only if the grill cover is breathable and the tank is outdoors, and follow your owner’s manual. Turn the valve completely closed (clockwise until it stops).

Practical advice: do not store an LP gas container indoors, including in a basement or attached garage.

Step 3: Protecting the Burners

Insects and spiders can build nests in burner tubes during storage. Practical advice: check the venturi tube at least once a year for blockage by insects, spiders, or food drippings. After cleaning, many owners wrap the burner tubes loosely in a plastic bag or aluminum foil to block entry (practical advice). Remove this before the first use in spring (practical advice).

Step 4: Protect Metal Surfaces

Practical advice: apply a light coat of cooking oil to cast iron grates. Stainless steel and porcelain don’t require oiling but benefit from being clean and dry. Lightly oil any unpainted metal surfaces that show wear.

Step 5: Cover the Grill

Practical advice: use a cover designed for your grill size. Covers should be:

  • Waterproof on the outside and breathable on the inside, to prevent condensation buildup (practical advice)
  • UV-resistant for outdoor storage (practical advice)
  • Secured with velcro straps or drawcords, since loose covers catch wind and blow off (practical advice)

A cover that traps moisture can cause more damage than a breathable one (practical advice).

Charcoal Grill Winterizing

Charcoal grills are simpler, with no gas system to manage (practical advice):

  1. Empty all ash completely; wet ash can speed rust on the bottom of the grill (practical advice)
  2. Clean grates, and oil them if they are cast iron (practical advice)
  3. Store charcoal in an airtight container in a dry place; wet charcoal is difficult to light (practical advice)
  4. Close all vents to keep pests out (practical advice)
  5. Cover with a breathable, weatherproof cover (practical advice)

Spring Startup Checklist

Before the first cook of the season (practical advice):

  • Remove any insect nests from burner tubes (practical advice)
  • Check the grill’s hoses for cracking, brittleness, holes, and leaks (practical advice)
  • Check for LP gas leaks whenever you reconnect the tank (practical advice)
  • Reconnect gas and test ignition (practical advice)
  • Follow your owner’s manual for the burn-off step, then check ignition
  • Check and empty the grease tray (practical advice)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I store my grill in a garage with the propane tank attached?

The CPSC release says never to use a grill in a garage, breezeway, carport, porch, or under a surface that will burn. Practical advice: do not store the grill or its propane tank in a garage, and store the tank outdoors, upright, in a well-ventilated area, away from the grill.

My grill grates are rusty after storage. Can I still use them?

Surface rust on cast iron and stainless steel can usually be removed (practical advice). Scrub with steel wool or a stiff wire brush, wash with dish soap, dry completely over heat, and re-oil cast iron, or use stainless as-is. Deep pitting or flaking indicates the grate should be replaced (practical advice).

Should I leave grates on or off during storage?

Leaving them in the grill is fine if they’re clean and dry (practical advice). Cast iron grates stored in an environment with humidity swings may benefit from removal and indoor storage on a dry shelf (practical advice).

How long can I store a propane tank?

Practical advice: inspect the tank for rust and damage before refilling after extended storage. Check the date stamped on the tank collar, and follow your propane supplier’s guidance on tank age and inspection.

Is it okay to leave the grill uncovered outdoors all winter?

It won’t cause immediate failure, but UV, rain, and freeze-thaw cycles can accelerate rust and plastic wear (practical advice). A cover can help protect the grill (practical advice).

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