Gas grills are a great way to enjoy warm spring and summer days with your friends and family. If you live somewhere that experiences cold weather, the time will come to store your gas grill. While many people choose to store their gas grills outside, this shortens their lifespan and leads to rust and other issues. The best thing you can do is store your gas grill in a storage unit. Learning how to store your grill properly is essential to make it last so that you can enjoy it year after year.
Remove the Propane Tank
The first, and most important step, is removing the propane tank. This is the biggest safety hazard when storing your gas grill. To prepare your grill for storage, make sure the gas is turned off and disconnect the tank completely. You will need to either keep your propane tank outside at your home or see if a friend or family member will take it. Storage companies will not allow you to store your propane tank in your storage unit, as it is a major fire hazard.
Thoroughly Clean Your Grill
Making sure your grill is completely clean and dry is essential for its longevity. Start by scrubbing down the outside of your grill with warm, soapy water and a microfiber cloth. Do not use a rough cloth or paper towels, as they may scratch the exterior of your grill, especially if it’s stainless steel. Next, clean the grill grates. To do this, turn on the grill and let it heat up. Once it’s very hot, use your grill brush to clean and scrape any residue off the grates. Empty and clean the small drip pans. Then, let them soak in hot, soapy water. Make sure all grease and food particles are completely cleaned out of your grill. The smell of food could attract unwanted pests to your storage unit. You will also want to make sure your grill is completely dry to avoid rust, mold, and mildew.
Secure the Grill Lid
Some grills may already have a locking mechanism to keep the lid in place. If your gas grill does not, use packing tape to secure the lid in place. This prevents it from opening during transit, which could cause damage or hurt whoever is moving it.
Use a Waterproof Grill Cover
A grill cover is a great way to protect your grill from both moisture and dust. Find one that completely covers your grill and has a snug fit. Make sure your grill is completely dry before adding the cover. Then, wrap the cover around the grill and secure it tightly on the bottom. A cover is also beneficial for protecting the exterior of your grill from scratches during transit and storage. Do not use a tarp to cover your grill, as it will be too rough and cause cosmetic damage.
Storing Your Gas Grill
Knowing how to store your grill properly is essential to its longevity. A climate-controlled storage unit is the best place to keep your grill during the off-seasons. Keeping your grill outside will leave it vulnerable to the elements. It can result in rust and other damage that may affect the usability of your grill. Bringing your grill into the garage or shed, while better than outside, is still a bad idea. These areas are subject to extreme fluctuations in temperature and humidity. Fluctuations can cause moisture build-up, leading to rust, mold, or mildew. Climate-controlled storage units maintain a consistent temperature and humidity level at all times. When storing your grill, make sure to always keep it upright.
By following these simple steps, you will know how to store your grill in a storage unit properly. The most important things to remember are removing your propane tank and thoroughly cleaning your grill. Make sure to leave enough room in your storage unit so that the grill will not be damaged by other items. For more storage tips, sign up for our once-monthly blog newsletter.
FAQs
It is best to store them outside, under a cover, in an area away from the house and garage that is not in direct sunlight. Be careful not to store the tank(s) next to the vents for the clothes dryer or the furnace. Make sure children do not have access to the tank(s).
Where do you store a grill when not in use? ›
It is best to store them outside, under a cover, in an area away from the house and garage that is not in direct sunlight. Be careful not to store the tank(s) next to the vents for the clothes dryer or the furnace. Make sure children do not have access to the tank(s).
Is it okay to store your grill outside? ›
If you do need to store your grill outside, then make sure you clean it first and invest in a good cover before finding the perfect spot. An area that's shielded from wind and rain is vital to avoid rust. Storing a grill in a shed or a summer house is a good option.
Where do people store their grills? ›
The best thing you can do is store your grills and appliances covered in a garage. Second best place is in covered in an area out of the elements (like a gazebo). If you are unable to move the items, find a waterproof cover, and cover after each use. Make sure the appliance is cool before covering.
Is it OK to keep a grill in the garage? ›
You wonder: can I grill in my garage? Unless you have installed a powerful range hood, do not grill in the garage under any circ*mstances. Carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, and other harmful contaminants will accumulate in your garage. Even with the door open, grilling in the garage is dangerous for your health.
Is it OK to leave propane grill outside in winter? ›
If you're storing your gas grill outside during the winter, keep the propane tank connected (but shut off) and put a protective cover over the entire grill. (More on this below.)
Is it OK to leave gas grill outside in summer? ›
It may be tempting to set up your barbecue grill inside of your open garage or under a covered balcony, but propane and gas, charcoal grills are strictly designed for outdoor use where there is plenty of ventilation.
How do I store my grill in the winter? ›
In general, it's best to keep your grill indoors during the winter, whether that means putting it in your garage, shed or basem*nt. This will reduce the chances of it getting rusty or moldy. However, if you don't have a suitable indoor space, choose a spot that's sheltered from the elements as much as possible.
Should I store my grill in garage for winter? ›
The best option for your gas grill in the winter is a climate-controlled storage unit or a spot in your heated basem*nt or garage. Even a shed or unheated garage can experience extreme fluctuations in temperature and humidity that can cause unwanted moisture to build up under the cover of your grill.
How do you store BBQ grills for the winter? ›
The important thing is to store your barbecue in a dry place. If you store it inside, you could store it, for example, in a heated garage. If you store it outside, ideally, you could store it on a patio or deck. Avoid storing it on damp ground, like grass.
To be safe, you need to move your grill at least 10 feet from your home or from any combustible materials. Avoid placing your grill on any uneven surfaces to prevent tipping over.
How do you protect your outdoor grill? ›
Use a grill cover: Cover your grill with the right size grill cover. Be sure the exterior surfaces are completely dry or you will trap moisture below the cover causing rust and corrosion.
How do you store a propane grill? ›
Never leave your propane tank in your vehicle. In the off-season, keep dust and debris from collecting on your grill by covering it with a grill cover or a piece of tarp secured with rope. Store a freestanding grill in a dry, cool area of the garage or shed to keep it from rusting.
How far does a grill need to be away from a house? ›
-- Never use a grill indoors. Use the grill at least 10 feet away from your house or any building. Do not use the grill in a garage, breezeway, carport, porch, or under a surface that can catch fire.
How do you store a gas BBQ? ›
BBQ gas bottles should never be stored indoors – a leak in a confined space could be dangerous or even lethal. That means you can't store them in the garage either. Instead, they need to be stored outside, on a level surface, well away from doors and windows and direct heat sources.
Is it OK to store gas grill in garage? ›
Storing Your Gas Grill
It can result in rust and other damage that may affect the usability of your grill. Bringing your grill into the garage or shed, while better than outside, is still a bad idea. These areas are subject to extreme fluctuations in temperature and humidity.
Should I cover my grill when not in use? ›
Although it's recommended to have a cover for your grill, it is not necessary to keep your grill covered 24/7. Just remember to give your grill a good wipe down about once a month, and cover it when necessary. The more you take care of your grill, the longer it can make great meals with you.
Can I store a grill inside? ›
You probably will want to bring the grill inside for the winter to protect it from the weather. Before you bring a grill indoors, disconnect the propane tank. The propane tank should be stored outdoors standing upright in a well-ventilated area. Storing a propane tank indoors creates a fire hazard.
Where should I store my gas grill in the winter? ›
Remember that bugs, creatures, and moisture can get through any tears in the cover, so make sure yours is still in good shape. If you can store your grill in the garage, do that. If you can't, try to place it under an overhang to keep the bulk of snow or rain off.
