How to Store Your Gas Grill: The ABCs

A few lucky folks live in climates where they can use their gas grills  year-round, but if the approach of winter weather indicates the end of coooking out this year for you, it's time to consider how to store your grill.

A top quality gas grill is a treasure to use but can be something of an investment. If you need to be sure you get the most out of your investment, you're going to need to give that grill a bit of particular care. But as with most things, if you go step-by-step, you'll be finished before you know it.

A Is for Assemble

Assemble your supplies. You'll have to have warm, soapy water, a brass bristle brush, a soft piece of cloth, a towel, a few toothpicks and sandpaper, and your owner'smanual .  You'll need about an hour or so for the job.  Now, go to...

B Is for Briquettes

Actually B is for briquettes and grilling grids. Briquettes and cooking grids get very greasy with use, and you certainly shouldn't store greasy equipment. (Yuck.) Turn the briquettes over so the greasy side is up facing toward the burner. With the grilling grids in their normal place, turn on the grill and close up the lid. Set the flame on "high" and let everything sit for 15 minutes while the warmth burns the grease on the briquettes and the grids.

Once it all has cooled off, remove the briquettes and grids and use the brush and the soapy water to wash off any leftover grease. Rinse, dry, and set them aside so you can  move on to the next step.

C Is for Clogs

You now need to clean the burner and tubes due to the fact that if they are (or get) clogged with food drippings, they can shortout the igniter flame. (And you seriously don't want to shortout your igniter flame.) When the grill is in storage, spiders and bugs at times move into the gas tubes (aka venturi tubes). Between grease and wildlife, your grill could become difficult to start and/or have an uneven flame the next time you  try to use it, so be positive all of the elements are clean.

Turn off the gas at the tank if you haven't already. 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 rag  and soapy water to wash it. Be as detailed as you can and try not to miss any build up of dirt or grease behind. Dry everything and use the toothpicks to unclog and clean the gas ports. Clean the gas tubes with the soapy water, as well, and set every thing aside.

D Is for Damage

Damage that you are going to try to decrease the chance of, that is. Before you start cleaning the grill, which could help you prevent grease buildup and catch any corrosion before it develops, cover the gas orifices with aluminum to prevent water from getting in. Use the brush and water to wash the grill housing both inside and out. Rinse the housing, towel dry, and clear away the foil you put on.

Now is the time to check out your grill's paint for any chips or damage . A lot of grills won't rust, but if the paint is chipped, dampness can get in and weaken them. So when the grill has cooled and dried it's the time to stop this by sanding any damaged areas you find until you have revealed a white, shiny patch. Then utilizing a primer and some "high-heat" paint, touch-up the sanded parts.

E Is for Everything

Put everything -- burner, gas tubes, igniter -- back together.

F Is for Fuel

Check your fuel supply to be confident your propane tanks are not dented or rusted. If they are, you should replace them immediately.

G Is for Goodnight, Grill

Exactly where are you going to "put your grill to bed"?  A fixed outside grill, of course, must  remain in the place where it is, and you can keep the propane tank in its usual location and connected. You will want to put a protecting cover over the grill. If you store your grill indoors in the winter season, you need to disconnect the propane tank and leave it   upright  outside.

Verify your handbook on the right way to disconnect your tank. Tape plastic over the gas line openings of the grill to keep bugs out and keep the tank in a cool, shady place away from furnace and clothes dryer vents and children's and pets' play areas. Never keep the container in an enclosed room such as your house, cellar, or garage.

H Is for Happy 

Which is what you'll be in the spring when you all of a sudden get the urge to begin grilling and your gas grill set to go.