Key Takeaways
- Clean out grease, food, ash and loose debris before the grill sits unused.
- Let the barbecue dry fully before covering it so moisture is not trapped inside.
- Lightly protect bare cast-iron and carbon-steel cooking surfaces with oil.
- Keep propane cylinders outdoors, upright and away from ignition sources.
- Empty pellet hoppers before storage so pellets stay dry and are ready for spring.
- Use a fitted cover and clear heavy snow or pooled water through the season.
- If you grill through winter, keep the area clear and use the barbecue outdoors only.
Table of Contents
- Why Winterize Your BBQ?
- How to Winterize Your BBQ: Step by Step
- Winterizing Different Types of BBQ
- Covering Your BBQ vs Storing It Indoors
- How to Keep Mice and Moisture Out of Your Grill
- Prefer to Keep Grilling This Winter?
- Getting Your BBQ Ready in Spring
- Where to Get Covers, Parts and Help
- Frequently Asked Questions
Why Winterize Your BBQ?
A Canadian winter brings repeated freeze-thaw cycles, snow, wind and moisture. Grease, food residue, ash and damp fuel can also create problems while a barbecue sits unused.
Winterizing is simply a way to leave the grill clean, dry and protected, whether you plan to store it until spring or keep it available for occasional cold-weather cooking. A little work now also makes the first cook of the new season easier.
How to Winterize Your BBQ: Step by Step
1. Give It a Proper End-of-Season Cleaning
Once the barbecue has cooled, remove the cooking grates, heat deflectors and other removable internal parts allowed by the manual. Clean away burnt food, loose carbon and grease, then empty the drip pan and scrape accumulated material from the cook box. Choose BBQ brushes and cleaners suited to your grill's surfaces, following the manufacturer's care instructions.
Pay particular attention to the grease tray. Even a clean-looking grill can attract rodents if grease and food residue remain underneath.
For a full seasonal clean, follow our 10-step barbecue deep-cleaning guide. Let all parts dry before reassembly and before fitting the cover.
2. Protect Grates and Exposed Metal
Bare cast iron and carbon steel benefit from a very light coat of cooking oil after cleaning and drying. The thin film helps protect the surface from moisture during storage.
Porcelain-enamel and stainless-steel grates should be cared for according to the manufacturer's instructions. Where practical, removable uncoated cast-iron parts can also be stored in a dry indoor location.
This is a good time to inspect burners, flame tamers and fasteners. If a component is already heavily corroded or damaged, replacing it now can save a last-minute repair before the first spring cook.
3. Deal with the Fuel Safely
For a propane barbecue, close the cylinder valve and disconnect the tank according to the grill manual. Store the cylinder outdoors, upright, secured and away from ignition sources. Health Canada advises following the manufacturer's instructions and using barbecues outdoors in a well-ventilated area.
For natural gas, close the appliance shutoff where required by the installation and manual. If the barbecue uses an approved quick-disconnect fitting, disconnect it using the prescribed method and protect the exposed connection with the correct cap or plug.
4. Check Burner and Vent Openings
Before storage, make sure burner ports, venturi tubes and air openings are clean. Spiders and insects can move into these areas when a barbecue is not used for a while.
Avoid stuffing burner tubes or vents with paper, cloth or other improvised material. A clean, correctly assembled grill under a well-fitting cover is the better approach, followed by another inspection before spring use.
5. Choose a Dry Position and Fit the Cover
If the grill is staying outside, move it away from roof runoff, snow-clearing routes and areas where road salt or slush may splash against it. Keep it on level ground and lock the caster brakes where fitted.
Use a cover shaped for the grill rather than a loose tarp. A fitted cover is less likely to flap, tear or form deep pockets where meltwater can collect. Put it on only when the barbecue is completely cool and dry.
After heavy snowfalls, brush off excessive buildup and remove pooled water rather than leaving extra weight on the lid or side shelves.
Winterizing Different Types of BBQ
| Grill type | The step that matters most | Do not overlook |
|---|---|---|
| Propane gas grill | Disconnect the cylinder and store it safely outdoors | Inspect the regulator, hose and burner openings |
| Natural-gas grill | Shut off or disconnect the appliance correctly | Protect the approved fitting from dirt and water |
| Charcoal kettle | Remove all ash after it is fully cold | Ash can hold moisture against metal |
| Ceramic kamado | Empty ash and keep the cooker dry and covered | Check bands, gasket and vents before storage |
| Pellet grill | Empty the hopper before storage | Keep pellets dry and clear loose sawdust as directed |
| Electric grill | Unplug and protect controls and connections | Keep plugs and connections out of standing water |
Charcoal and Kamado Grills
Remove cold ash completely before storage because it can hold moisture against metal surfaces. For a ceramic kamado, keep water from collecting inside and follow the manufacturer's guidance for vents, caps and covers.
Pellet Grills
Empty the hopper before storage so your pellets stay dry and ready for spring. Wood pellets readily absorb moisture, which can make them soften or break down and may interfere with the auger.
Follow the model's instructions for emptying pellets and removing accessible sawdust or residue. Store leftover pellets in a dry, airtight container, and always run the grill's normal shutdown procedure before unplugging it.
Covering Your BBQ vs Storing It Indoors
A barbecue does not automatically need indoor storage. Many outdoor-rated grills can remain outside all winter when they are clean, dry, stable and protected with a well-fitting cover.
| Option | Makes sense when | Keep in mind |
|---|---|---|
| Leave outside under a fitted cover | The grill is designed for outdoor use | Clear heavy snow and pooled water |
| Move into a detached shed | The grill will not be used for several months | Keep the space dry and check for rodents |
| Move the grill into a garage | You have dry storage and the fuel is removed | Never operate the barbecue there; keep propane cylinders outside |
| Keep it accessible outdoors | You plan to grill through winter | Maintain a clear path and cover it after cooling |
Before moving a grill into storage, clean it and remove the propane cylinder. The barbecue itself may be stored in a dry garage or shed if the manufacturer permits it, but it must never be operated there.
Browse our BBQ covers and protective mats.
How to Keep Mice and Moisture Out of Your Grill
Cleaning is the first defence. Remove grease, food scraps and accumulated debris, empty drip pans and storage areas, and avoid keeping pet food, seed or other attractants beside the barbecue.
Make sure access panels are fitted correctly. On pellet grills, keep the hopper and service panels secured to help protect wiring and internal components.
Check the covered grill periodically through winter, especially after storms or warm spells. Catching water buildup, nesting material or other problems early makes spring cleanup much easier.
Prefer to Keep Grilling This Winter?
You can keep grilling through a Canadian winter. Keep the cooking area safely accessible, clear snow and ice, allow a little more time for preheating and keep a propane cylinder reasonably full so the grill has a steady fuel supply in cold weather. Always use the barbecue outdoors in a well-ventilated area.
For more cold-weather cooking advice, see our winter-grilling tips.
Getting Your BBQ Ready in Spring
Open and inspect the barbecue before reconnecting the fuel or lighting it. Look for signs of rodents or insects, check burner ports and hoses, and make sure all internal parts are clean and correctly installed.
Spring Start-Up Checklist
- Remove the cover and let the grill air out.
- Check for nests, droppings, insects and damaged wiring.
- Inspect burner ports, venturi openings and the firebox.
- Examine gas hoses and regulators for cracking or damage.
- Check grates for rust or damaged coatings.
- Clean the cook box, grease tray and internal parts.
- Reinstall each component correctly.
- Reconnect the approved fuel supply.
- Leak-test gas connections using the method in the manual.
- Complete the manufacturer's recommended preheat or burn-off cycle.
Health Canada recommends checking a barbecue that has been sitting over winter for blocked burners, damaged or leaking fittings and hoses, and damaged seals before use.
If flames are uneven, you smell gas or a burner does not light normally, shut the barbecue down and investigate before cooking.
Where to Get Covers, Parts and Help
A fitted cover needs to match the grill's size and configuration. Width, side shelves, built-in or cart design and model year can all affect fit.
We carry BBQ covers, replacement burners and cooking grates for a wide range of grills. Bring your grill's make, model and serial information to help our team identify compatible covers and parts.
We've served Canadian customers since 1979, with eight showrooms across Alberta and Ontario where you can get help choosing the right fit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you winterize a BBQ?
Clean and dry the barbecue, protect rust-prone grates, remove ash or pellets, handle the fuel safely and use a fitted cover or dry storage location. Check the grill periodically through winter for snow, water, rodents or damaged parts.
Can I leave my grill outside in the winter?
Yes. An outdoor-rated grill can normally remain outside when it is clean, dry, stable and protected with a properly fitting cover. Clear heavy snow and pooled water and follow the manufacturer's storage instructions.
How do I keep mice out of my grill?
Remove grease and food residue, empty the drip pan, secure access panels and inspect the covered grill regularly. Do not block burner tubes or ventilation openings with improvised materials.
Can a grill get wet or be left in the snow?
Outdoor grills are built to handle normal weather, but reducing prolonged moisture exposure helps protect finishes, electronics and metal parts. Use a fitted cover and remove heavy snow or pooled water when it builds up.
Should I store my propane tank in the garage over winter?
No. Keep the cylinder outdoors, upright, secured and away from heat or ignition sources. Follow the cylinder supplier's instructions and local requirements.
How do I clean a BBQ after winter?
Open the grill first and inspect it for nests, insects and damaged fuel parts. Clean and dry the cooking surfaces and cook box, reconnect the fuel safely, leak-test gas fittings and complete the manufacturer's recommended preheat or burn-off procedure before cooking.
Can you grill in the winter in Canada?
Yes. Keep the barbecue outdoors in a well-ventilated area, clear a safe path to it, allow additional preheating time and keep a propane cylinder reasonably full. Our winter-grilling guide has more cold-weather tips.