Can I Leave My Gas or Charcoal Grill Outside?


Is it okay to leave your gas or charcoal grill outside? As a grill owner, it is your responsibility to provide the right care and maintenance for your grill. If you have an outdoor grill, one of your main concerns is the outdoor weather that can damage and shorten the life f your grill. Regardless of what kind of grill you have, they are all vulnerable to rusting. Is it better than to store your grill indoors? Read the rest of the article below for more tips and information.

Can I leave my gas or charcoal grill outside? Regardless of what it is made from, a barbecue grill can be kept outdoors, but some will hold up better than others. The amount of care and maintenance that you put into your grill will affect how well it survives outdoors. While charcoal grills follow similar standards as gas grills, the smaller models can be stored in a shed or a garage. High-quality barbecue grills can stand up to different weather conditions. On the other hand, if have a lower-end barbeque grill, it should be covered or stored to prolong its life.

Where should I place a grill outside? How do I store a grill during winter? Do I need to invest in a grill cover? These are some of the questions that we will discuss in this article. Regardless of whether you have a gas or a charcoal grill, make sure to do proper inspection and maintenance if you leave them outside where they are vulnerable to harsh weather conditions.

Can I Leave My Charcoal Grill Outside?

It is okay to leave a charcoal grill outside. A charcoal grill can be stored where it easily fits. The first thing that you need to do before storing is to clean and oil the grates and fire bowl. After that, cover the grill and keep it in a safe location outside. If it is winter and you are concerned that the grill will be buried in snow, make sure that you store it in a more protected area. To avoid the harsh winter condition, you can keep your charcoal grill in the shed or garage.

Can I Keep a Gas Grill Outside During Winter?

You can keep your gas grill outside even during the winter season provided that the temperature is not lower than -44 degrees F. Take note that anything less is considered too cold for a gas grill to produce the vapor needed. Just to make sure, it is best to keep the gas grill in your garage or shed to protect it from harsh weather conditions.

How to Store a Grill Outside During Winter

There are a few steps that you need to do so that you can safely store a grill outdoors during winter. Make sure to keep the propane tank connected and then shut it off. Also, protect the grill by covering it with a grill cover. If you want to remove the propane tank, see to it that you tape a plastic bag over the gas line of the grill opening to prevent insects from nesting in the gas line. By properly storing your grill, you can keep it in good working condition for many years to come.

How to Prepare Your Grill for the Winter

How you store you prepare your grill for the winter season varies according to the type of grill that you have. To make sure that you are storing it properly, do not forget to check the manual for the exact requirements for your particular grill. Below are some of the things that you need to do to prepare your grill for the winter season.

Fire-Up Your Grill

By firing up your grill on high heat for around 15 to 20 minutes, it will be easier to clean it and remove any food residue that got stuck into the grates. Make sure to do this before you start cleaning your grill.

Turn Off Fuel Source

Regardless you have a propane or natural gas grill, see to it that you turn the fuel off at the source and disconnect it. It is not advisable to store a propane tank indoors as they are usually built to withstand any weather conditions and can be stored outside in a well-ventilated area.

Clean the Grill

Before storing, make sure to clean the inside and outside of the barbecue grill to make sure that it is in perfect condition. Once the grill has cooled down to a warm temperature, start cleaning it with the use of a wire brush. After that, allow the grill to cool clean thoroughly with the use of soap water. Make sure that it is completely dry to avoid rusting. You can also check out this article that discusses if you should clean your grill after every use. We have shared tips on how to properly clean your grill to prevent rust.

Cover the Grill

Make sure to cover the grill when it is not in use. Invest in a food cover to make sure that the grill is properly protected from harsh weather conditions. You can purchase a generic barbecue cover that can fit most models, or you can also check with the grill manufacturer if they provide a specific barbecue cover for your grill.

Store the Grill

Store the grill in a safe and protected area outdoors. Keep it away from too much sunlight. You can also find a place for it on your porch or shed during the rainy or winter season. Always consider the type of grill that you have and if it can withstand different weather conditions or not.

✅ Video – How to Winterize A Gas Grill

TheKimSix Fix shared the video below on YouTube. It discusses how to winterize a gas grill. In the video, how to clean and winterize the grill so you can safely store it during the winter is discussed. It is a simple process that will extend the life of your grill and make sure that it properly functions the best time you use it. Watch the video for the instructions.

Should I Cover My Outdoor Grill?

It is recommended that you invest in a grill cover to cover your grill. Regardless of where you live, what kind of climate you have, or which type of grill you own, it is a good decision to cover your grill. A grill cover can protect your grill from harsh weather conditions. By keeping snow or rain and off of your grill, you can make it last for a long time. It will also make sure that your grill does not rust. This is especially true if you live near the ocean where saltwater and humidity can easily damage your grill.

Can I Store My Charcoal Grill in the Garage?

You can store your charcoal grill in a garage provided that you take the necessary safety precautions. To prevent a safety hazard when storing a charcoal grill, make sure to remove all of the charcoal from the grill. Start cleaning when the grill has completely cooled.

Where to Place a Grill Outside

Some of the factors that you need to consider when choosing a place for your outdoor grill are the distance, grilling platform, safety, and the type of grill that you have. Bear in mind that with outdoor exposure also come added safety issues. Make sure that you use your grill on a level and non-flammable surface. Moreover, keep it at a safe distance from plants and structures.

Smoke

Outdoor grills deal with smoke which is especially true if you are using a charcoal grill. While dealing with smoke is inevitable, you can prevent the smoke from entering your house or being a nuisance to your neighbors. Find out which way the wind blows and position your grill so that the fumes do not move into your home or your neighbors. We have also shared this article titled, is it illegal to have BBQ smoke leave your property? We have shared an in-depth discussion about the topic.

Safety Distance

When grilling, you are dealing with flames so you need to consider safety first. It is recommended that you keep the BBQ grill at a distance from your house or any structures. Do not place the grill close to the door because it can cause accidents while entering or exiting. You also need to be extra careful when you have kids or pets playing in your backyard. You can also check out this article that discusses how close a grill be to a fence. We have shared tips and information regarding outdoor grilling that you can refer to.

Grilling Platform

Another thing that you need to consider is your grilling platform. For safety purposes, it should be in a flat, stable, and non-flammable platform like a slab of cement. By doing this, you can make sure that there is no chance for fire in case coal accidentally drops into the ground. You can also read this article titled, is it better to burn paper or throw it away? Check out the article for an in-depth discussion about the topic.

Type of Grill

There are many types of grill that you can choose from and each has its pros and cons. The popular options are charcoal and propane grills. When choosing a grill for outdoors, make sure that it is durable and can withstand various weather conditions. This is especially true if you do not have a place to keep it indoors. You can also invest in a grill cover for added protection. We have also shared this article that discusses if it is cheaper to grill with propane or charcoal. Check out the article to find out which is the most cost-effective choice between the two.

Conclusion

You have reached the end of this article that discusses if you can leave your gas or charcoal grill outside. It is perfectly safe to leave your grill outdoors. However, you also need to take note that different weather conditions can affect the performance and durability of the grill. It is recommended that you cover the grill with a grill cover when you are not using it. Moreover, do proper cleaning and maintenance to prolong the life of your grill. Thank you for reading!

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