Although winter doesn't seem that close, it's best to prepare before the first frost arrives. Here are 6 practical tips to follow to properly winterize your outdoor kitchen and protect it from cold, humidity, and bad weather.
#1 - Deep Cleaning
Before closing your kitchen for several months, take the time to deep clean it. Food, grease, and moisture residues can be particularly problematic if left on various surfaces for an extended period.
-
Remove grease and residues from the barbecue and cooking surfaces;
-
Clean grates and burners according to the manufacturer's recommendations;
-
Wash countertops and exterior surfaces;
-
Ensure surfaces are completely dry before covering them.
#2 - Protect Stainless Steel the Right Way
While stainless steel is a very resistant material, it still needs careful maintenance to preserve its appearance and finish. Use mild products and a non-abrasive cloth to clean surfaces. Avoid harsh products and overly rough scouring pads, which could scratch the steel.
Cuinox Tip: A soft cloth and soapy water are usually sufficient to clean stainless steel surfaces without risk of damage.
#3 - Shut Off Water and Drain Pipes
If your outdoor kitchen includes a sink, plumbing requires special attention. Water remaining in the pipes can freeze and cause damage to the system. Shut off the water supply, drain the pipes, and follow the manufacturer's recommendations to protect your installation from freezing.
#4 - Unplug Electrical Appliances and Prepare Them for Winter
Some appliances can remain plugged in all year round, while others must be unplugged when not in use for a long period. Unplug all necessary appliances and clean them thoroughly, ensuring they are completely dry before protecting them.
#5 - Remove All Food and Avoid Unwanted Visitors
Having friends and family over in your outdoor kitchen is great, but finding unwanted visitors in the spring is much less so! Make sure to collect all food stored in your kitchen, empty trash cans, and clean up any residues that could attract unwanted guests.
#6 - Cover Appliances and Protect Surfaces
Make sure to adequately protect appliances according to the manufacturer's recommendations. Some covers are designed to protect, while others tend to retain moisture inside: be sure to use appropriate covers to protect your appliances and surfaces.
Bonus! - Want to Use Your Barbecue All Winter?
Not ready to put aside the delicious meals you cook in your outdoor kitchen? Good news: nothing forces you to wait until spring!
If your setup is designed for winter use, a few extra precautions allow you to enjoy your barbecue even in cold weather. Remove accumulated snow and ice before each use, keep surfaces and access clear, and always follow the manufacturer's recommendations for using your appliance in winter.
And above all, never leave a cooking appliance running in a closed or poorly ventilated space.
Need inspiration? Discover our custom outdoor kitchen projects or speak to a Cuinox advisor to bring your project to life.