Winterizing your outdoor kitchen

We are often asked many questions regarding rusting or durability of outdoor kitchens in various climates. It is an important investment for your home and learning how to protect it before you go ahead and make that purchase is important! 304 powder coated stainless steel is a solid choice to prevent rust.

Shut off the gas line

If you have a gas grill, be sure to turn off the propane or natural gas line.

Shut off the water and let your pipes drain

The cold can burst your outdoor pipes and cause a lot of damage. Prevention is pretty simple for an outdoor kitchen—all you have to do is locate the shut-off valve (ideally located inside your home), turn the water off, and then turn your sink faucet on until the water drains out. Repeat this process for any appliance that connects to your water supply like your refrigerator or ice dispenser. Do the same with your garden hoses while you’re at it.

Store anything you can

Any appliances or grill that you can take and store indoors, in a dry environment should be stored as such.

Unplug your appliances

Pull out your appliances and clear any debris caught behind. The buildup can clog the vents and overheat your appliances when in use. While back there, unplug appliances you will not be using for some time. They still draw power from the outlet when they are not in use.  

Clean your appliances and grills

• Empty the ice maker’s storage bin, clean it, and make sure the drain valve is closed.
• Completely empty the refrigerator, and gently clean it with soap and water.
• Take off the front grill of both machines and use a vacuum cleaner to clean the area behind it. Reattach the grill when done.
• Do not cover your ice maker or refrigerator. This can lead to an accumulation of moisture that can damage the unit.
• Now is a good time to seal your stone countertops and polish your stainless steel cabinets and countertops. If you have a rust stain, a baking soda paste can take care of that. You may use a stainless steel cleaner or wipe it down with a mild dish soap and water, glass cleaner or even a bit of cooking oil (it polishes and helps keep the stains away).

Cover or store your grill

You paid a fair amount for your grill; protecting it with a grill cover is important if you are not moving it indoors. This will protect it from frost, ice, and debris such as acorns and dead leaves that can accumulate in small cracks. Here’s a tutorial on how to take care of your iron griddle.

If you have any further questions, please reach out to us and we will be happy help!

The 4 Life Outdoor Team

• (LINK) How to season your griddle and protect it against the elements
• (LINK) How to season your griddle and protect it against the elements
• (LINK) How to season your griddle and protect it against the elements