The ABC’s of Storing Your Gas Grill

Some lucky people live in climates where they can use their grills year-round, but if the approach of winter means the end of this year’s cookouts for you, it’s time to think about storing your grill.

A quality gas grill is a pleasure to use but can be something of an investment. If you want to be sure you get the most out of your investment, you’re going to need to give that grill a little special care. But as with most things, if you take it step-by-step, you’ll be done before you know it.

A Is for Assemble

Take about an hour to assemble your supplies. For this step you’re going to need your owner’s manual, a brass bristle brush, a soft cloth, sandpaper, warm, soapy water and a towel. Now move to the next step…

B Is for Briquettes

B is, in fact, for briquettes and cooking grids. These can both get quite greasy after use, so you want to get rid of that grease before you put them in storage. Turn the briquettes over so the greasy side is facing the burner. Keep the cooking grids in their regular place, then light the grill and keep the lid closed. Set the flame to high and leave it for 15 minutes – this should be long enough for the heat to burn the grease off the briquettes and grids.

After everything has cooled off, remove the briquettes and grids and use the brush and the soapy water to clean off any remaining grease. Rinse, dry, and set them aside while you move on to the next step.

C Is for Clogs

It’s important to clean out the tubes and burner due to the fact that food drippings can easily clog them up, shorting out the igniter flame. On top of this, spiders and other insects often like to make the gas tubes their home when the grill is in storage. Between the insects and grease, you could see problems with your flame if you don’t make sure every part is clean.

Turn off the gas at the tank if you haven’t already done so. Following your owner’s manual, unfasten the burner, slip the gas tubes off of the gas lines, and remove the whole unit. Use the soft cloth and soapy water to clean the unit. Be as thorough as possible and try not to leave any accumulation of dirt or grease behind. Dry the unit and use the toothpicks to clean the gas ports. Clean the gas tubes with the soapy water, too, and set everything aside.

D Is for Damage

This means preventing damage. Before you get started, cover the gas orifices of the grill with aluminum foil to keep water out. You’re now going to clean the housing of the grill, which will help to prevent corrosion and the build up of grease. Use the brush and soapy water to clean the housing inside and out, rinse it and then remove the foil.

Now is the time to check your grill’s paint for any chips or other damage. Most grills won’t rust, but if the paint is chipped, moisture can get in and weaken them. So when the grill is cool and dry is the time to prevent this by sanding any damaged areas you find until you have a white, shiny patch. Then using a primer and some “high-heat” paint, touch up the sanded areas.

E Is for Everything

Put everything – meaning the gas tubes, burner, igniter – back together.

F Is for Fuel

Now check the fuel supply to make sure that the propane tanks aren’t rusted or dented. If they are then replace them straight away.

G Is for Goodnight, Grill

Where are you going to “put your grill to bed”? A fixed outdoor grill is, of course, going to stay just where it is, and you can keep the propane tank in its usual place and connected. You will want to put a protective cover over the grill. If you keep your grill inside in the winter, you must disconnect the propane tank and leave it – upright -outside.

Check your owner’s manual on the correct way to disconnect your tank. Tape plastic bags over the gas line openings of the grill to keep bugs out and store the tank in a cool, shady place away from furnace and dryer vents and children’s and pets’ play areas. Never ever (EVER) store the tank in an enclosed space such as your house, basement, or garage.

H Is for Happy

Which is what you’ll be in the spring when you suddenly get the urge to start grilling and you’re all ready to go.

Natalie MacBride wants everyone to look and feel as good as possible… and that includes eating… and grilling. If you’d like information and tips on Weber grills and grilling (including even simpler grill cleaning methods!), take a look at my lens — Weber S-320 Grill — at Squidoo. Click here for information on the Weber S-320 Grill and the most reliable stores online.

categories: grill,barbecue,cooking,food,drink,hobbies,tips

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