Before the winter season takes over in central Missouri, you need to be thinking about your outdoor kitchen–and no, not for flipping burgers on the grill, unfortunately. Outdoor kitchens and bars are composed of quality materials that should be properly maintained if you want to get the best use out of them in the warmer months. Every outdoor kitchen layout is a little different, but with our tips covering the basics of winterization, your summer cookouts can come back better than ever!
Your first step when winterizing an outdoor kitchen is taking care of the grill. Start by cleaning the station and removing any grease or leftover food. This will prevent pests and animals from visiting or possibly finding shelter in your grill station over the winter. Make sure to thoroughly dry the grill afterward to avoid rust! After your grilling station is clean, place a thick tarp or cover until the next time you can comfortably cook outside. If you own a natural gas grill in mid-Missouri, turning off the gas line during the wintertime is recommended.
In addition to covering your grill, it’s essential that you cover the rest of the outdoor kitchen. Protect the kitchen island, seating, and cabinets from mid-Missouri winter weather by investing in a reliable cover. The material shouldn’t be too thin, or snow could leak through, and you don’t want to use an excessively thick material or it can trap moisture underneath and corrode your outdoor kitchen in mid-MO.
Your outdoor kitchen’s freezer and refrigerator are a popular spot during the summer for cooling down–in the wintertime? Not so much. When the temperature drops, you need to unplug these appliances and take out all the ice, beverages, and food inside. Similar to the grill, it’s a good idea to clean the refrigerator and freezer with soap and water. Once your outdoor kitchen appliances are ready for the mid-Missouri winter, it’s time to cover them and move on to the next step.
One of the most important steps in winterizing your central Missouri outdoor kitchen is preparing the plumbing. If you don’t turn off and drain the water from your outdoor sink, the pipes could freeze and lead to costly repairs. Before the winter weather gets intense, remove all the water from your pipes and take the P-trap out so it doesn’t fill up with rainwater or snow.
Our local landscaping team is an expert at constructing outdoor kitchens across the Jefferson City, MO area. These outdoor kitchens are easy to maintain and last for ages, and you can always ask Boulder Creek Lawn & Landscape for help. Contact us for more information!
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