How to Winterize an Outdoor Kitchen: Tips for Colorado Homes
- Bath Landscape
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Winter temperatures in Colorado often plummet into hard freezes. Coupled with warmer fluctuations in weather, this warm/extreme cold cycle can wreak havoc on your outdoor kitchen. Outdoor features, such as a kitchen, water features, or hardscape, are an investment in both your personal enjoyment and the value of your property. Protect these valuable investments and your peace of mind with proper winterization.
Why Winterize Your Outdoor Kitchen?
Without winterizing your outdoor Colorado kitchen, you will likely find a mess: burst pipes, moldy appliances, damaged furniture, and dull or broken countertops. You are looking at a nuisance and cleanup at best, or potentially expensive repairs or damage to your home due to burst water pipes. Beyond plumbing concerns, gas lines are vulnerable to damage due to winter weather, posing a considerable risk to your health and safety.
All exposed surfaces, including countertops, siding, and furniture, are susceptible to damage from snow, ice, and wind. Rust, corrosion, and cracked stone are not fun to find at the beginning of your spring grilling season. Additionally, UV exposure on sunny winter days can dull or crack even the sturdiest of plastic furniture. Be proactive and winterize your outdoor kitchen before winter comes. You will thank your past self when spring rolls around.
Winterizing an Outdoor Kitchen Sink and Faucet
Your outdoor kitchen’s plumbing is particularly vulnerable during winter due to the freeze-thaw cycles that can cause pipes to rupture, resulting in water damage. Any amount of water left in your outdoor kitchen’s plumbing system can cause damage during extreme winter temperatures! Take these steps yourself, or hire professionals, to winterize your outdoor kitchen and prevent expensive spring repairs:
Turn off the water supply to your outdoor kitchen at the main water valve, keeping the outdoor lines empty.
Turn on all the faucets fully and allow all of the residual water to drain away.
Use an air compressor at the lowest drain valve to drive out all residual water; start with 40-50 PSI. Alternatively, consider hiring a professional for this step.
Add non-toxic RV antifreeze to drain traps to prevent moisture in the P-trap from freezing.
Insulate or remove all exposed fixtures and faucets, and replace them with faucet covers.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions for winterizing specialized appliances, such as ice makers, refrigerators, or dishwashers.
Winterize an Outdoor Kitchen for Full-Season Care
While the water, electric, and gas lines require the most essential attention for safety reasons, your whole kitchen needs attention before you can shut it down for the season.
For stoves and appliances connected to a gas line, locate the shutoff valve that controls the gas flow to your outdoor kitchen and turn it off completely. Next, open all burner valves on your appliances and allow the remaining gas to release over several minutes before closing. Disconnect any flexible hoses or quick-disconnect fittings and store them in a dry, secure location.
Disconnect any gas grills and store the propane tanks in a well-ventilated area, preferably in an enclosed space, away from your home. Thoroughly scrub grill grates according to the manufacturer's instructions and wipe down with cooking oil before storing to prevent rust. Ideally, grills and any outdoor appliances are stored in a garage or shed.
Put on gloves and thoroughly clean the entire kitchen, including the inside and outside of appliances. Residual grease and food debris not only attract pests and vermin but can also leave unsightly stains. Plus, it won’t be any easier to clean at the start of the season! Ensure you follow the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning products, as stainless steel and natural stone require specific cleaners to maintain their appearance.
Do you have natural stone counters and surfaces? Protect these beautiful stones with a manufacturer-recommended sealant before every winter season to preserve longevity and aesthetics.
Thoroughly clean and dry all outdoor furniture and secure it with weatherproof covers. You want some air circulation to prevent mold or mildew, while protecting the furniture from the elements.
Conduct a thorough inspection of your kitchen; does anything appear out of place? Are there any cracks, gaps, or damage? Take note of any areas that could allow moisture to accumulate where it shouldn’t and repair them promptly before the first freeze. Moisture buildup can cause damage during the freeze cycle or encourage the growth of mildew and mold.
Bonus tip: Cover your entire outdoor kitchen with a high-quality, weather-resistant cover or install temporary winter panels to protect it from wind, ice, and snow.
Build Your Outdoor Kitchen with Bath Landscape Experts
An outdoor kitchen that can withstand changing temperatures and seasons starts with expert design and experienced installation. Local landscape experts at Bath Landscape & Irrigation know what materials and techniques work best for northern Colorado. Additionally, we've worked with the terrain and have the expertise and tips for installing a long-lasting, beautiful outdoor kitchen in Colorado. Reach out today to start designing your dream outdoor kitchen!
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