Protecting Your Outdoor Kitchen in Cold Climates

Outdoor kitchens are wonderful to use any time of the year – when you live in the right climate. For those who don’t, figuring out what to do to protect an outdoor kitchen in cold climates through the blustery winter months is a must. After all, you know you are going to be dreaming of the day you can comfortably use your outdoor space again – and it would be a shame if it didn’t work.

5 Ways to Protect an Outdoor Kitchen in Cold Climates

Here’s what you need to do to ensure all is well when the sun comes out tomorrow (err..in a few months).

1. Shut Off the Water Supply

If you have an outdoor kitchen suite that includes an outdoor sink, an outdoor refrigerator, or an automatic ice maker, then you will want to shut off the water supply to these units. When the weather changes, the water that is left inside the line can freeze, and this can potentially damage the internal components of the appliance. Not to mention that the line can also burst and leave you with an even bigger issue.

Shut off the water supply and then drain any excess water remaining in the line. For the sink, turn the knob on to get rid of any water still in the pipe.

2. Clean Your Appliances

Your sink and outdoor refrigerator should be cleaned out well. Any food or beverages left in the refrigerator should be removed – especially if they are perishable. Wipe down the inside and unplug it from its power source. If you have a freezer, be sure to let any ice buildup thaw out and melt before cleaning it. 

Remove any debris that has been left in the sink and give it a good scrub and polish. Then clear the grill of any remaining food residue and dump the grease. Polish both the stainless steel grill and the stainless steel sink so that they have a layer of protection over them through the season. 

3. Protecting Your Gas Grill

Cleaning your grill is only the first step in protecting it throughout the winter months. You will want to make sure that the gas line attached to it is turned off. Then close the hood vent. Your clean grill just needs an outdoor grill cover, and it should be in good shape to make it through until next season. 

To protect your grill grates, it is a good idea to use a little cooking oil to keep any moisture away from them. 

4. Clear Out Your Storage Cabinets

As you use your outdoor kitchen suite, you will find that your storage cabinets get used more and more. So don’t forget to look at them before you call it a day. Remove anything you have stored in there and take it into your home. This includes any cleaners, spices, utensils, and more. 

Once your storage cabinets are empty, it is time to give them a good cleaning. Using mild soap and water, wipe down the cabinets using a soft cloth – both inside and out. Make sure you take the time to dry handles, hinges, and other component parts, so they stay in good working order by the time you get to use them next. If you desire to, adding lubricant to them is a smart idea. 

Go ahead and give your storage cabinets a good polish and then, if you have covers, go ahead and place the cover over them as protection. If yours did not come with any, that’s ok, too. 

5. Don’t Forget the Countertops

You may spend a lot of time caring for the ins and outs of the appliances, but don’t forget to wipe down and clean up the stainless steel countertops of your outdoor kitchen, too. When dealing with an outdoor kitchen in cold climates, it is a good idea to go ahead and polish this, too, so it has a layer of protection against the outdoor weather.

Quick Tips You Won’t Want to Forget

-If you have a propane tank, be sure to remove it from the grill and store it properly.

-Keep as much of your outdoor kitchen covered as possible – especially those areas made of stainless steel.

-Do not let moisture pile up in or on your outdoor kitchen – including any moisture that may have made its way under your cover. Be sure to check this periodically throughout the season.

-Leave the hot and cold taps open on your outdoor sink once the water has been turned off and the lines have been cleared.

-Start taking these steps before the temperatures start dropping into the upper 30s.

The better care you take of your outdoor kitchen suite, the more likely it will reward you when the temperatures start to rise again in the spring.

Don’t Have an Outdoor Kitchen Suite?

If you don’t have an outdoor kitchen suite and are interested in getting one, it could be just what you need to kick off the warmer weather when it arrives. And Thor Kitchen has just what you need.

So, what is included in an outdoor kitchen suite? Build the ultimate outdoor space with the following:

-32-inch stainless steel 4-burner gas BBQ – and rotisserie

-Outdoor kitchen BBQ grill cabinet

-Stainless steel outdoor kitchen sink with storage cabinet

-Outdoor refrigerator cabinet – and outdoor refrigerator drawer – both in stainless steel

–Outdoor kitchen pizza oven and cabinet in stainless steel

-Wine cabinet

-Outdoor kitchen stainless steel corner cabinet

Shop THOR Kitchen

Each piece of the outdoor kitchen suite blends beautifully together to give you the best look for your backyard space. This investment can serve you and your family well throughout the spring, summer, and fall months. Then, as the temperatures begin to drop, follow the easy steps above to ensure that it is safe and protected throughout the winter.

Your backyard is no longer just a backyard. Let it be an extension of your living space – a place where your friends and family can spend time together, cooking, laughing, and eating. With an outdoor kitchen, you are not only boosting the value of your home, but you are boosting your quality of life!

Visit us online or find a THOR dealer near you to browse our outdoor kitchen suite products and more!