An outdoor kitchen is a great home addition if you enjoy entertaining and spending time outdoors. As the cold months arrive, you will need to ensure your outdoor kitchen is prepared for the season. Failing to winterize your outdoor kitchen correctly can result in costly repairs later down the road.

Here are five tips to keep your outdoor kitchen in top shape and ready to go when the warm weather returns. 

Take Care of Your Plumbing

Cold temperatures cause the water inside your outdoor kitchen’s pipes and plumbing system to freeze over. Since water expands as it freezes, it’s common for frozen pipes to burst. Whether large or small, a burst pipe can lead to flooding and make your outdoor kitchen unusable for a while. 

To avoid this problem, shut off and drain all water lines connecting your outdoor kitchen to indoor plumbing. Don’t forget to include water lines to the fridge sink and ice maker.

Prepare Your Grill

Give your grill a thorough cleaning. Even if you plan to use the grill occasionally during winter, a good cleaning will ensure it’s in optimal condition when barbecue season rolls around.

• Remove built-up grease using a degreaser.
• Polish the grill with stainless steel polish.
• With a metal brush, scrub areas that are hard to reach.
• Remove the cooking grates and clean underneath.
• Season cooking surfaces by applying vegetable oil to grates and heating the grill at 500 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes.

Shut off the Gas Line

If you have a gas grill, and you’re not planning on using your grill at all during the cold months, ensure to turn off the propane or natural gas line.

Winterize the Refrigerator and Ice Maker

Before cold weather arrives, your ice maker and refrigerator should be prepared to handle the low temperatures. First, turn the power off on both appliances. Do this only after you have shut off and drained all water lines leading to the machines. 

Once these steps are complete, unplug the ice maker and refrigerator, or turn off their circuits in your home’s electrical panel. Then, empty and clean the units thoroughly. Remember not to cover your ice maker or refrigerator. Covering up can lead to an accumulation of moisture that can damage the device.

Cover your Grill

Your grill is your outdoor kitchen’s most essential part. Covering will protect it from frost, ice, and debris such as acorns and dead leaves that can accumulate in small cracks.

Choose the Right Outdoor Kitchen Design 

Besides sustaining harsh weather conditions, your outdoor kitchen also needs to endure grease, spills, and high temperatures from the grill. With the right outdoor kitchen system, you won’t have to worry about wear and tear, crack and stains sustained from the elements, and regular use. 

Isokern Outdoor Living: Outdoor Kitchen Designs in Houston, TX 

If you’re looking for a functional, durable outdoor kitchen, Isokern Outdoor Living is your best choice. Our outdoor kitchen designs in Houston, TX, are made of pure Icelandic pumice and can outlast any weather condition. 

Call us today to learn more about our outdoor kitchen designs in Houston, TX.