Quick answer: Before the first hard freeze, shut off and drain every water line, sink and ice maker in your outdoor kitchen, empty and unplug the refrigerator, clean and cover the grill, check gas connections, and seal stone or concrete countertops if they need it. Gas grills and burners can keep being used through winter; anything that holds water cannot.
Why Winterizing Matters on the Front Range
Water expands when it freezes. A sink line or valve left full in November can split on the first night in the teens and flood your patio or cabinet base when it thaws. Colorado can swing from 60 degrees to single digits in a day, so it pays to winterize early instead of waiting for the forecast.
Outdoor Kitchen Winterizing Checklist
- Shut off the water supply at the indoor shutoff valve that feeds the outdoor kitchen.
- Open the outdoor faucets and drain valves and let the lines empty. Leave them open through winter.
- Blow out the lines with compressed air if your system was not built with full drain-down.
- Clear sink traps by removing the trap or adding RV-rated antifreeze.
- Empty, clean and unplug the refrigerator and ice maker. Prop doors open so they do not mildew.
- Clean the grill, burn off grease, and cover it.
- Check gas connections with soapy water for bubbles. If you smell gas, shut it off and call a professional.
- Seal natural stone or concrete countertops if water no longer beads on the surface.
- Cover or store cushions, electronics and small appliances.
Building an Outdoor Kitchen That Is Easy to Winterize
When we design an outdoor kitchen, we plan drain-down valves at the low point of every water line and an accessible shutoff inside the house. That turns winterizing into a five-minute job. A roof or pergola over the kitchen also protects countertops and appliances from snow and hail.
We build outdoor kitchens across the Front Range. See our pages for an outdoor kitchen contractor in Erie, Windsor and Greeley.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my outdoor kitchen in winter?
Yes. Gas grills, burners and fire features work year-round. Sinks, water lines, refrigerators and ice makers need to be winterized.
When should I winterize my outdoor kitchen in Colorado?
Before the first hard freeze, which on the Front Range can come in October. Winterizing early is cheaper than repairing a split line.
Do I need to cover my grill in winter?
A fitted cover keeps snow and moisture out and protects the finish. Clean it first so grease does not attract pests.
Do outdoor refrigerators work in winter?
Many are not rated for freezing temperatures. Empty and unplug them unless the manufacturer says otherwise.
Planning an Outdoor Kitchen for Next Spring?
Josh Brooks Construction and Renovation Inc. is a licensed general contractor in Longmont with 30 years in construction, serving 46+ Front Range cities. Winter is a good time to design it, get the permits, and be first on the schedule. Call 720-828-7997 or text 720-453-5095.
Licensed. Local. Not a storm chaser.
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