The summer was fun outside; you enjoyed barbecues, cookouts, and other activities with loved ones. But now winter is around the corner, and you must start prepping your outdoor kitchen for the freezing conditions. It is an essential task that ensures your kitchen lasts a lifetime.

Winterizing the outdoor kitchen might sound overwhelming, but it is a task that you handle when you commit to finishing once you start. We shall highlight some things that can help make the process less daunting and ensure your outdoor kitchen is ready for next year’s spring and summer.

1. Drain All Outdoor Faucets

Water in the lines will likely damage the faucets when it freezes over, leading to avoidable repairs. Winterizing will be a preventative measure.

Start by locating and turning off the water valves. Add some soft insulation to the water lines to minimize the risk of freezing which can cause the pipes to crack or break. You can find quality insulation from Amazon. Here is an excellent option.

Turn on the faucets to drain water in the lines after shutting the water values, and unscrew the spout. Finding stagnant water where the faucet and sink connect is not uncommon. You can use a towel, sponge, or cloth to dry the area and reattach the spout.

2. Drain the Sprinklers

After dealing with the faucets, turn your attention to your sprinkler system. It would be best if you also drained it to guard it against damage during winter.

It is possible that your sprinklers will not have any water if you have not used them for weeks before winter comes knocking. The water might have evaporated; thus, you need not drain the system. Nevertheless, it is better to be safe than sorry. So, it is better to drain the sprinklers and ensure all is ready for winter.

3. Clean and Polish Your Stainless-steel Grill

The stainless-steel grill will not feature as much as it did during the warmer months. It is best to give it the recommended storage-prep treatment when getting ready for winter. Clean and polish your grill as you store it; you will find it prepped when the sunny days return.

4. Turn off the Gas

If you have a gas stove or grill in your outdoor kitchen, consider turning off the gas supply line since you will probably not use the kitchen over the winter season.

5. Polish the Cabinetry

You can use the same cleaning and polishing products you did on your grill to clean and polish your stainless-steel cabinets and other steel fixtures.

6. Store the Outdoor Furniture

When winter starts knocking, it is time to tuck away the lawn chairs, tables, and pool noodles in your basement, garage, or shed. You also must tend to your outdoor upholstery and cover up the trampoline. You will not need the furniture for the next few weeks, and it is wise to ensure they are clean and stored in a safe and accessible place like traditional verandas for summer.

7. Sort the Refrigerator and Freezer

Take out all perishable food and drink in your outdoor kitchen freezer or fridge and move them to your main refrigerator in your house. You then unplug and allow the appliance to thaw if it is a freezer. A non-frost fridge will be a quick cleaning job. Ensure the inside is clean and dry before closing the freezer or refrigerator door.

8. Clean out Your Ice Maker

Turn your attention to the ice maker once you are done with the freezer and fridge. Similarly, you start by unplugging the device. Let it thaw before you apply the recommended cleaning solution. Use a towel and clean water to rinse, and ensure you wipe it dry. Consider storing it if you already have an ice machine indoors. It will be clean and ready when you need it next year.