Fall & Winter Grilling Tips + How to Winterize Your Grill

Fall and Winter Grilling Tips

1. Preheat Longer

Cold air and cold metal soak up heat. Expect your grill to take longer to come up to temperature than it does in summer, and give it extra preheat time before the food goes on. A hot, fully preheated grill also makes cleaning the grates easier.

2. Keep the Lid Closed

Every time you open the lid in cold weather, you lose heat that takes longer to recover. Plan your cook so you open the lid only when you need to, and rely on a thermometer instead of peeking (see tip 6). Recipes may take longer than the times listed, so budget a little extra.

3. Take Care of Your Propane Tank

If you cook on propane, keep a spare tank on hand. Grilling longer in cold weather can use more fuel, and nobody wants to run out mid-cook. A few other habits help:

• Keep the tank outdoors, upright, and clear of snow and ice.
• Never bring a propane tank into your home or garage.
• Check the hose and regulator for cracks or wear. If something looks worn, replace it with the correct part for your grill. For example, the AOG Propane Hose with Regulator is designed for AOG grills and includes a 24-inch hose. Browse grill parts to find the right fit for your model.

4. Block the Wind

Wind is one of the biggest challenges in cold-weather grilling. It can pull heat away from the grill and make temperatures uneven. Position a freestanding grill so it's sheltered from the wind, while keeping the clearances your grill's manual recommends from walls and overhangs. Never grill in a garage or enclosed space.

If you have a built-in grill in a windy spot, a wind guard can help:

• The Blaze Wind Guard for LTE/Traditional 32" Gas Grills is made from 304 stainless steel and mounts into your existing cutout or insulated jacket. Blaze says it shields the grill from winds of up to 25 MPH.
• The Summerset 36" Stainless Steel Wind Guard (Fits 30-32" Grills) is designed to shield your grill from wind entering through the rear of the hood.

5. Light Up the Cooking Area

Shorter days mean many fall and winter cooks happen after dark. Good lighting helps you judge doneness and work safely. The Napoleon Grill Light uses four LED lights, adjusts to fit most grill handles, and is weather-resistant. AOG owners can add the AOG Grill Light, a 10-watt halogen light made for use with "T" Series grills. See more options in our grill lights collection.

6. Cook by Temperature, Not Time

Cold weather makes cooking times less predictable, so a good thermometer is the most reliable way to know when food is done.

• The Napoleon Pro Wireless Digital Thermometer has a removable display you can take with you, with a 200-foot range. You can monitor your cook from inside where it's warm.
• The Primo Instant Read Thermometer gives full temperature readings in 2–3 seconds, so you can check quickly and close the lid.
• The TempTong Multi-Function Tongs with Built-In Digital Thermometer & Retractable Probe combines tongs and a digital thermometer in one tool.

Browse all thermometers.

7. Dress for the Job

Bulky winter gloves and hot grills don't mix. A pair of heat-resistant grilling gloves gives you a better grip and better protection when you're handling hot grates, tools, and food in the cold.

8. Cover the Grill Between Cooks

Once the grill has cooled completely, cover it to keep out snow, rain, and debris. Choose a cover made for your grill's model and configuration (cart or built-in). For example, the Blaze Grill Cover for Prelude LBM 25" Cart Model Gas Grills is made for that specific grill. Browse our full grill covers collection to find yours.

How to Winterize Your Grill

If you're putting the grill away for the season, or just want it ready for winter cooking, follow these steps. Always check your grill's owner's manual for model-specific instructions.

Step 1: Deep Clean the Interior

Burn off leftover residue by running the grill on high for a short time. Then turn off the grill and gas and let it cool completely. Remove the grates and flame tamers or heat shields, and scrape away buildup inside the firebox. A food-surface-safe degreaser like the Napoleon Interior Grill Cleaner, which is non-toxic and biodegradable, helps cut grease. Find more supplies in grill cleaning.

Step 2: Clean and Inspect the Burners

Check the burners for clogged ports, corrosion, or damage. Clear the ports gently. Napoleon owners can use the Napoleon Jetfire Burner Maintenance Kit, which includes a brush for cleaning the ignition electrode and a drill bit for clearing clogged burner ports on Napoleon's stainless steel burners. Replace any burner that is cracked or rusted through.

Step 3: Clean the Grates

Scrub the grates thoroughly with a good grill brush or scraper. Shop our grill brushes and grill scrapers to find the right tool for your grates. Cast iron grates benefit from a light coat of cooking oil after cleaning to help protect them.

Step 4: Empty and Clean the Grease Tray

Old grease attracts pests and can cause flare-ups the next time you light the grill. Empty the grease tray and drip pan, clean them, and replace any disposable liners.

Step 5: Check the Gas Lines

Inspect hoses and connections for cracks, brittleness, or wear. A soapy water solution brushed onto connections will bubble if there's a leak. If you find one, don't use the grill until the part is repaired or replaced. For propane grills, disconnect the tank and store it outdoors, upright, and away from the home. For natural gas grills, turn off the supply valve. Replacement hoses and regulators may be available in our grill parts collection.

Step 6: Clean and Protect the Exterior

Wipe down the exterior to remove grease and grime. The Napoleon Microfiber Cleaning Towel is safe for stainless steel, powder-coated, and matte finishes.

Step 7: Cover It

Once the grill is clean, dry, and cool, put on a fitted grill cover to help protect it from snow, ice, and debris.

Step 8: Store It Properly

If you move a freestanding grill into a shed or garage for the winter, disconnect and remove the propane tank first. The tank always stays outside. Keep the grill on a level surface, away from moisture.

Step 9: Don't Forget Built-Ins

Built-in grills stay put, so focus on cleaning, checking the gas supply, and covering the grill and any side burners. This is also a good time to inspect the island itself. If your grill is built into an island made of combustible materials, such as a wood frame, it needs the correct insulated jacket or insulating liner for your model. Check your grill's installation manual. For example:

• Blaze says its Blaze Insulated Jacket for LTE/LTE Plus/Prelude LBM 32" Gas Grills is essential when installing Blaze gas grills into a combustible enclosure such as an outdoor kitchen or BBQ island.
• The AOG Insulating Liner for 30-in Built-In Model provides a protective layer between the grill and the island, allowing installation in a combustible island.
• The Fire Magic Insulating Liner for E660/A660 Built-In Grill is made of 300 series stainless steel, comes pre-assembled, and includes a hanger.
• Napoleon notes that the Napoleon Built-in 700 Series Zero Clearance Liner for 32" Grill is needed for greater flexibility when installing Built-In 700 Series grills in an outdoor kitchen.

Find liners and jackets for other models in outdoor kitchen parts and accessories.

Ready for the Season?

Whether you're grilling straight through the snow or putting the grill to bed until spring, the right tools make it easier. Browse grill covers, thermometers, and grill cleaning supplies at BBQ Authority. Not sure which cover, liner, or part fits your grill? Call our team at 866-238-9228 and we'll help you find the right one.