Outdoor kitchens provide numerous benefits for our home, not the least a beautiful space to prepare and enjoy meals outside with friends and family. Of course, you want to keep that space beautiful and well-maintained. Here are some of our maintenance tips for keeping that outdoor kitchen and BBQ space in top shape.
Regularly Clean Your BBQ and Grill
The basic rule for a long life is regular maintenance, and it’s no less true for your BBQ and outdoor kitchen. Whenever you use your BBQ, be sure to clean the grills with a grill brush afterward. Be sure to check which brush’s material works best with your grill type. When you’re preparing a meal and eager to serve, it can be easy to forget this step, but keep that regular cleaning a habit for easy maintenance. Drip and grease tray liners from Napoleon and Traeger will help with regular cleaning. Napoleon BBQs also come with a burner cleaning kit, and Big Green Egg kits provide an ash removal tool. All of these will keep each individual time you clean a much smaller job and help to prevent extensive buildup that will impact your grills functionality over time.
Beyond that, you should also do a deeper, more thorough clean of your built-in BBQ once a year. Vacuum the inside and remove any other debris. You should also check the gas hoses and valves for damage or blockage. The best time for this bigger clean is before you start using the grill. If you notice a completely yellow flame while using a gas grill, that’s also a good indication to check the gas supply or clean the burners.
Keeping Things Covered
If your outdoor kitchen has walls and a ceiling, that will help protect the area and its grill. However, your grill is still exposed to the elements. Nature can be harsh, and certainly help your BBQ age faster. Rain or snow can be especially harsh on grills, which are usually not fully weatherproof. That’s why covers will help to protect your outdoor kitchen’s prized grill. After the grill cools down from cooking, be sure to put the cover back on so it stays guarded from nature until your next outdoor meal!
The same logic applies to any of your outdoor kitchen’s furniture or fire tables. They are also subject to rain, snow, and nature’s whims, so putting on covers will help maintain your outdoor kitchen as well as its dining area more generally. If you cannot cover your furniture, storing cushions and pillows indoors will help them last much longer and retain their quality.
Clean and Protect The Countertops
Of course, as you prepare and enjoy meals, countertops can become dirty, inside or out. The countertops can also be subject to the harsh elements. For example, granite counters are a popular choice for outdoor kitchens because of their visual appeal and heat resistance. However, granite as well as concrete are porous. This means they can absorb certain liquids and even stain. Wipe and clean these immediately for easy maintenance. Due to its porous nature, granite can also be especially vulnerable to continuous wet conditions. Regularly applying a sealant every few years, will keep the outdoor kitchen’s counters in top shape.
Sweep the Area Regularly
The elements will also bring and blow in debris into your outdoor kitchen. Dirt, leaves, and grass clippings from your yard can all fly their way onto your kitchen and its deck. Regular sweeping will keep that debris from decaying or causing a worse mess. If the broom doesn’t cut it, you can use a power washer for a more thorough clean. If power washing, use a relatively low-pressure head to prevent damage to your kitchen. Remember, some materials should never be power washed, such as brick or marble. It will also remove the natural patina that protects stone masonry. Furthermore, don’t use the power washer to clean your built-in grill or its attachments, since it will likely damage them. In these instances, you will need to use a more traditional cleaning method like a sponge.
Properly Winterize
We’re big believers in winter grilling, but we also know not everyone is as eager. Other times, you may just need to put the BBQ away for an extended period. In either instance, you want to properly winterize your outdoor kitchen for the cold, harsh weather it must endure. Ensure your BBQ and furniture is covered, and remove any other furniture or cushions for storage indoors. Be sure to turn off and disconnect the grill from the gas. If your outdoor kitchen has a sink, turn off the water and drain its pipes so that they do not freeze and burst.
Regular Maintenance Means a Top Outdoor Kitchen
Just like the kitchens inside our home, those outside deserve some love. The best maintenance is persistent. It’s also the easiest. Most of these tasks can be done by yourself and only take a few minutes, but they ensure a long life for your outdoor kitchen and BBQ in top shape. Just be sure you have all the necessary cleaning accessories. If you’re looking at creating a new outdoor kitchen, be sure to contact the experts at Classic Fireplace and BBQ to help you design a perfectly maintained space.
