Easy 1 hour

How to Winterize Your Grill

If you don't grill year-round (no judgment), properly winterizing your grill prevents rust, critter damage, and spring surprise repairs. An hour of prep now saves hundreds in replacement parts later.

Grill Wizard — Aussie pitmaster in MinnesotaBy The Grill Wizard · Aussie pitmaster, MN

Last Updated

First Published

ReviewedThis how-to was last reviewed on March 28, 2026.

Tools & Materials

  • Grill brush
  • Soap and water
  • Shop vac or compressed air
  • High-quality grill cover
  • Vegetable oil
  • Propane tank wrench

Step by Step

1

Do a final burn-off and deep clean

Run the grill on high for 15 minutes, then scrub the grates, heat deflectors, and flavorizer bars. Remove and clean each component individually.

2

Clean the firebox and drip system

Remove loose debris from the firebox with a shop vac or brush. Clean the grease management system — old grease attracts pests and can ignite.

3

Oil all metal surfaces

Apply a thin coat of vegetable oil to cast iron grates, burners, and any bare metal surfaces. This prevents rust formation during storage.

4

Disconnect and store propane

For gas grills, disconnect the propane tank and store it upright outdoors (never in a garage or basement). Close the valve completely.

5

For pellet grills: empty the hopper

Old pellets absorb moisture and can jam the auger. Empty the hopper completely, run the grill until the firepot is clean, and vacuum out dust.

6

Cover and protect

Use a quality, breathable grill cover. Secure it against wind. If possible, store in a covered area. Block any openings where mice could enter with steel wool.

Warnings

  • Never store a propane tank indoors — even in a garage. Leaks can create explosion hazards.
  • Don't use a plastic tarp as a cover — it traps moisture and accelerates rust. Invest in a proper breathable cover.
  • Mice love nesting in grills over winter. Stuff steel wool into burner tubes and vent openings to block them.

How Often?

Once per year before the off-season. Reverse the process in spring before your first cook.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to winterize your grill?
Plan on roughly 1 hour from start to finish. It's a beginner-friendly task — no special skills required.
What tools do I need?
You'll need: Grill brush; Soap and water; Shop vac or compressed air; High-quality grill cover; Vegetable oil. See the full tools list above for the complete rundown.
How often should I do this?
Once per year before the off-season. Reverse the process in spring before your first cook.
What safety issues should I watch for?
The biggest things to watch: Never store a propane tank indoors — even in a garage. Leaks can create explosion hazards.; Don't use a plastic tarp as a cover — it traps moisture and accelerates rust. Invest in a proper breathable cover.; Mice love nesting in grills over winter. Stuff steel wool into burner tubes and vent openings to block them.. Read the full warnings section above before starting.
Can a beginner do this?
Yes — this is a beginner-friendly task. Follow the steps in order and you'll be fine the first time.

Keep Reading

You might also like

How-To

How to Winterize and Store Your Grill

Protect your investment through the off-season with proper storage prep.

Read
How-To

How to Restore Rusty Grill Grates

Bring rusted cast iron and steel grates back to life instead of replacing them.

Read
Pellet Grill vs. Gas Grill
Comparison

Pellet Grill vs. Gas Grill

Pellet grill vs gas grill, settled: flavor, speed, running cost, versatility, and the honest answer to which one belongs on your patio first.

Read
Recteq Bullseye RT-380X
Review

Recteq Bullseye RT-380X

Recteq's compact kettle-style pellet grill. Hits 750°F for genuine searing — the rare pellet grill that can actually grill.

Read