How to Store a Grill for Winter
Lawn Tool Hub is reader-supported. We earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
The short answer
Deep clean the grates and grease trap, oil the grates and any bare cast iron, disconnect and store the propane tank outdoors upright, block the burner tubes and any openings against rodents, then cover the grill with a breathable cover. Cold does not damage grills; grease, moisture and mice do.
Breathable Grill Cover
Vented so condensation escapes — sealed vinyl covers are what rust lids over winter.
Almost every dead grill in spring died from something preventable in November. The routine below takes under an hour and is the same one that keeps lawn tools alive over winter — clean, dry, protect, keep the pests out.
The 7 Steps
- 1Burn off residue: run the grill hot for 15 minutes, then brush the grates clean.
- 2Deep clean the grease trap and drip pan. Old grease is what attracts rodents and what causes spring flare-ups.
- 3Wash the interior and exterior with warm soapy water; rinse and dry completely.
- 4Oil the grates and any bare cast iron with a thin coat of high-smoke-point oil to stop rust.
- 5Disconnect the propane tank. Store it upright, outdoors, never in a garage, shed or basement.
- 6Cap the gas line opening and block burner tubes with foil or the maker's plugs — mice nest in them.
- 7Cover with a breathable, vented cover. Sealed vinyl traps condensation and rusts the lid.
Indoors or Outdoors?
| Location | Verdict |
|---|---|
| Outdoors, covered | Fine for gas and pellet grills; the usual choice |
| Unheated garage or shed | Good — but the propane tank stays outside |
| Under a deck | Acceptable if it drains and airs; watch rodents |
| Basement | No. Never store propane indoors |
While You Are Out There
This is the same weekend to stabilize fuel in gas lawn tools, pull batteries out of the cold and get cushions into a deck box. Our winterize-lawn-equipment guide covers the tool side of the same trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I leave my grill outside all winter?
- Yes, if it is clean, dry, rodent-proofed and under a breathable cover. Cold itself is not the problem.
- Should the propane tank stay connected?
- No. Disconnect it, cap the line and store the tank upright outdoors. Never bring propane into an enclosed space.
- Do grill covers cause rust?
- Non-breathable ones can, by trapping condensation. Choose a vented cover and check under it after a thaw.
- How do I keep mice out of a grill?
- Remove all grease, block the burner tube openings and the gas line, and avoid storing it against stored wood or leaf piles.
The Gear We’d Buy
Everything referenced in this guide, in one place.
Breathable Grill Cover
Top pickVented so condensation escapes — sealed vinyl covers are what rust lids over winter.
Typically $30 – $60
Grill Brush and Cleaning Kit
The deep clean before storage is what keeps rodents out of the grease trap.
Typically $15 – $30
STA-BIL Fuel Stabilizer
Same trip, same weekend: treat the gas in your lawn tools while the grill is being put away.
Typically $8 – $15
Lawn Tool Hub is reader-supported. We earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Key Takeaways
- Grease and moisture kill grills over winter, not cold.
- The propane tank always stores upright and outdoors.
- Block burner tubes — rodent nests are the most common spring failure.
- Use a breathable, vented cover, not sealed vinyl.
Reviewed by
The Lawn Tool Hub Test Bench
We buy, borrow and break lawn tools on our own yards — clay in the back, sand-cut Bermuda in the front — and write down what actually changed the result.
Keep reading
How to Protect a Deck Under a Grill
Grease drips and radiant heat ruin deck boards fast. Here is the mat to use, the clearances that matter and how to clean grease before it soaks in.
Fire Pit on Grass: What to Put Underneath
A fire pit will scorch a lawn in one evening. Here is what actually protects grass underneath — heat shields, pavers and fire pit mats — and what fails.
Patio Cushion Storage Ideas That Actually Keep Them Dry
Cushions die from staying damp, not from rain. Seven storage setups — deck boxes, bins, bags and racks — plus the capacity math for each.
Top pick
Breathable Grill Cover