Having an outdoor kitchen is wonderful, but in order to keep it wonderful during the summers, it’s important to give it the right care before winter hits. Freezing temperatures, ice, and snow can be incredibly damaging to appliances, various surfaces, and furniture, so here are some tips to make sure that your outdoor kitchen is ready for the cold.
Oasis Outdoor Living provides high-quality kitchen appliances, fire pits, and more. We are dedicated to giving our customers the best when it comes to their outdoor living space, and also educating them on how to ensure that it lasts for years.
Water and Electricity
- The first thing you will want to do is shut off the water to the kitchen. Indoor shutoff valves are the best because they won’t freeze when the temperatures dip.
- Homeowners dread the thought of pipes freezing during the winter. To avoid this, drain all of the water lines that lead to the kitchen, including sinks, ice makers, and refrigerators.
- Electrical appliances should be unplugged directly, or the circuit breaker needs to be turned off.
Refrigerators and Ice Makers
RefrigeratorsGive these appliances a good cleaning before shutting them down for the winter. Make sure there aren’t any pieces of food or puddles of water left behind. You’ll want to ensure that the inside of the refrigerator is dry and that the appliance is left uncovered throughout the winter months. When water is left inside and the appliance is covered, the water can damage electrical parts.
Sinks
To prevent freezing pipes, disconnect and drain both hot and cold water lines to the sink and close the shutoff valve. If you can, remove the faucets from the sink and store them in a dry place. Use a protective covering over the entire sink to prevent leaves, sticks, and other debris from getting into the drain.
Grill
Give both the inside and outside of the grill a good cleaning using a degreaser and stainless steel polish. To season the cooking grates, cover them with vegetable oil and put them back in the grill, heating it to 500℉ for about 20 minutes. Close the hood vent and if you’re not planning on using the grill during the winter, shut off the gas line.
Countertops
Whatever material your countertop is made of, seal the entire surface preferably before the weather gets too cold. Granite, marble, slate, or limestone need to have the proper maintenance to ensure that the surface isn’t cracked or stained during the winter. Use a high-quality sealant and also consider using a heavy duty tarp to cover the countertop.
If you’re shopping for outdoor kitchen appliances, look to Oasis Outdoor Living for high-quality products and superior customer service. Our large collection of products and outdoor kitchen supplies will ensure that you have a space to enjoy for years.