Few things are better than inviting your friends and family over for a cookout – even better when you’ve got an outdoor kitchen. No more cramped barbecue cooking. You’ve got all the workspace and appliances you could need. Little wonder outdoor kitchens are in high demand – 76% of surveyed people were planning to add one, according to the National Kitchen and Bath Association.
Whether you’ve got a built-in grill, top-of-the-line pizza oven, smoker, and more, an outdoor kitchen isn’t just for summer. As the mercury drops, you need to consider protecting your outdoor kitchen.
Even when the sun is shining, cleaning your outdoor kitchen takes a little extra work – after all, it’s permanently exposed to the outside elements. Dirt and grime build-up is inevitable (and not particularly appetizing).
Here is our advice for protecting and cleaning your outdoor kitchen – ensuring your investment lasts year in, year out.
6 Tips to Protect and Clean Your Outdoor Kitchen
Be sure to consult your Sub-Zero & Wolf appliance manuals for specific instructions on how to use, maintain and clean your high-end appliances.
1. Clean your grill regularly
Regular maintenance prevents long-term damage – that’s the golden rule of cleaning. After every use, you’ll want to clean it thoroughly with a metal brush to remove any grease and grime. That should do most of the protection. Once a year, you can also perform a more intensive clean – vacuum the inside and remove debris from the burners.
For gas grills: check valves and hose are working after winter – look for splits or cracks in the hose. The gas grill’s flame should be blue. If it is yellow, you’ve likely got a pressure problem.
2. Protect your countertops
Stone countertops, like granite, are a popular choice. Not only do they look stunning, but they’re already survived millions of years outside. However, while these stone countertops are heat-resistant, they are porous and can stain easily.
Most countertops are sealed before being sold. However, you should reapply sealant every three to five years (you can even hire a specialist granite repair expert). Additionally, wipe up any spills immediately to prevent staining.
3. Stainless steel isn’t indestructible
Like stone countertops, most outdoor kitchens use stainless steel due to its weather-resistant properties. Stainless steel is resistant to rust and corrosion – but will do so over time. Moreover, it can scratch from prolonged use.
To protect your stainless-steel surfaces, never cut directly onto stainless steel; use a cutting board. When cleaning, wipe with soapy water and rinse thoroughly. You can polish the steel to remove stains and smudges using a special polish. Never use a steel wool pad, as it will cause a mechanical abrasion. Many household cleaners containing chlorides will also damage stainless steel. Instead, polish the stainless steel with the visible polishing lines – and use non-metal scrubbers when necessary.
Optionally, you can further protect your stainless-steel kitchen using a powder coat finish. This will prevent rust and improve the ease of maintenance.
4. Cover when possible
Covering your outdoor kitchen when you don’t use it is the surest way to protect it from the elements. Grills, for example, aren’t usually made from weatherproof materials. In winter, rain or snow can cause corrosion – aging the grill faster than it should.
Outdoor furniture, meanwhile, can be brought inside where possible. If not, you should protect your furniture with a waterproof cover. For a small cost, it’ll ensure no lasting damage.
The more parts of the outdoor kitchen you cover, the less damage is likely to occur. Water and snow can cause tremendous damage – staining, degrading, and breaking down surfaces and appliances. Constructing a roof structure to shield your outdoor kitchen is the best solution – especially for countertops and flat surfaces. It will also protect against UV light.
5. Keep your outdoor area debris-free
Most of the dirt and debris that will blow into your outdoor kitchen comes from your yard. Lawn clippings, leaves, and general dust will all coat your kitchen with a layer of grime. Raking clippings and leaves will reduce the debris that can blow in. Meanwhile, brushing decking or outdoor surfaces will ensure less dirt and dust.
Remember: wet grass and dirt can stain your outdoor surfaces. Prevention is the simplest solution.
6. Power wash with caution
Grill smoke, food grease, mildew, and dirt all build up on your outdoor surfaces. That’s normal. Once a year, you should power wash the stone to remove the stains and grime.
However, power washing can wear away certain types of stone – particularly manufactured stone – damaging the façade or structural integrity. Always read the guidelines before power washing and use the lowest setting available to minimize damage.
C&W Appliance Service can help service your appliances when you need it! Helping service the Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio, Austin, San Marcos areas for 60 years. Call us at (855) 358-1496 or submit our online service request form for prompt service.