Preparing Your Outdoor Kitchen for Cold Weather

Winter is coming, which means it will soon be too cold for cookouts and typical outdoor entertainment. You’ve invested time, money, and love into creating your perfect outdoor kitchen space, so protecting it when the temperature drops is critical.  

If you neglect winterizing your kitchen, you risk facing broken water lines and damages to your appliances. Whether you are looking to make sure your kitchen survives the cold months while it isn’t in use, or you’re a determined to not let the winter keep you from cooking outdoors, these tips will keep your outdoor kitchen winter-friendly this season. 

1.     Cover it Up

A winter cover of any kind is a good idea to keep in mind in order to seal off your outdoor space from weather elements; such as rain, hail, and snow. This covering can be something as simple as a permanent roof cover or canvas coverings for your countertops and grills. However, the changing weather can impact your various appliances and surfaces differently, so it is important to have a cover in mind for each individual item on your patio. If you are planning on using your outdoor kitchen during the winter, consider wind protection and a roof cover to help trap as much heat as possible.

2.     Heating

Heating in your backyard kitchen is especially important if you are planning on heating up hearty stews and roasts during the cold months. You’ll want to invest in a couple patio heaters or even a fireplace/fire pit to make the area more comfortable to cook in. Even if you aren’t keen on using your outdoor kitchen when it’s cold out, you may still want to consider installing radiant heat – given that you have the budget and time to spend on the install and use. This will ensure the area around your outdoor kitchen and cabinetry is dry and snow-free.

3.     Prepare and Address All Plumbing

Plumbing can become a major concern when the weather drops. Burst pipes can cause serious and costly damage to your outdoor kitchen and home. Before those freezing winter days and nights hit, you will want to properly shut down and drain all pipes. This includes water lines to outdoor fridges, sinks, ice makers, faucets, etc. Neglecting this step can cause you a lot more hassle, time, and money in the long run.

In addition to the steps mentioned above, you should also spend some time once a month clearing away debris, snow, and other elements that could affect your appliances and surfaces. The last thing you would want is for too much snow to weigh down your various countertops and appliances, so giving it a bit of attention throughout the season is crucial.

Winter can definitely be trying on outdoor areas, but with a little bit of maintenance and the proper care, you can ensure your exterior kitchen stays pristine and usable for years to come.

Read more on outdoor kitchens and outdoor kitchen appliances here.