Winter Grill Maintenance: How to Protect Your BBQ in Cold Weather

Winter may not be peak grilling season in Los Angeles, but cold and rainy weather can still take a toll on your BBQ. Whether you use your grill year-round or store it away until spring, proper winter maintenance is the best way to keep it performing at its best—and extend its lifespan.

Here’s a simple breakdown of how to protect your grill during the colder months.

1. Give Your Grill a Thorough Cleaning Before Storing It

Winter is the worst time to leave grease, ash, and food residue sitting inside your grill. Cold weather hardens grease, attracts pests, and causes rust if moisture gets trapped.

Before you put your grill into “winter mode,” make sure to:

• Remove old grease from the firebox and drip tray

• Scrub and degrease the grates

• Clear out burner blockages

• Wipe down the inside lid and heat plates
  

A clean grill is easier to maintain, safer to store, and ready to go when you need it.

2. Protect Metal Surfaces from Rust and Moisture

Cold weather and moisture are a dangerous combination for grills. Even in LA, humidity and rain can slowly corrode your grill’s metal components.

To protect it, make sure to:

• Dry all surfaces thoroughly after cleaning

• Apply a thin coat of cooking oil on the grates to prevent rust

• Check for early signs of corrosion and address them immediately
  

A little care now prevents costly repairs later.

3. Use a Durable, Weather-Resistant Grill Cover

A cheap grill cover is not enough for winter. You need one that can handle moisture, strong winds, and temperature changes.

Look for covers that are:

• Waterproof or water-resistant

• UV-protected

• Heavy enough to stay in place

• Sized properly for your specific grill model
  

A quality cover is one of the best long-term investments for protecting your BBQ.

4. Keep Your Grill in a Dry, Sheltered Area

If possible, store your grill in a covered patio, garage, or shed during the cold months. Keeping it out of the rain and snow reduces wear and tear.

If moving the grill inside isn’t an option, at least position it away from direct rain and strong winds—and always keep it covered.

5. Do a Monthly Winter Check-Up

Even if you're not grilling much in winter, a quick monthly inspection can help you catch issues early.

Check for:

• Moisture buildup under the cover

• Rust starting on grates or burners

• Rodents or insects nesting inside the grill

• Any new grease or residue

• Damage from cold weather or rain
  

This keeps your grill in good shape and ready for holiday cookouts when you need it.

6. Don’t Skip Maintenance if You Grill During Winter

Some people grill all year—yes, even in winter. If you’re one of them, winter care becomes even more important.

Before each use:

• Preheat longer to stabilize temperatures

• Clean the grates to prevent sticking

• Keep the lid closed to maintain heat

• Watch for flare-ups caused by thickened grease
  

Winter grilling is doable—just requires a bit of extra attention.

Keep Your Grill Protected All Season Long

Whether you’re storing your grill or using it throughout the winter, proper maintenance keeps it safer, cleaner, and more reliable. And if your grill needs a deep clean to get winter-ready, professional help makes all the difference.

For a spotless, protected, and high-performing grill, visit:https://www.grillcleaninglosangeles.com