Preparing your Viking grill for a Chicago winter: a step-by-step guide

Chicago winters are not kind to outdoor equipment. Sub-zero temperatures, lake-effect snow, ice, and freeze-thaw cycles can cause real damage to a Viking outdoor grill that is not properly prepared. Here is our step-by-step approach to winterization.

Step one: deep clean everything. Remove the grates, burner covers, and heat plates. Scrub them thoroughly with a grill-safe cleaner. Clean the firebox interior, removing all grease and food residue. Grease left over winter becomes a stubborn, corrosive layer that is much harder to remove in spring.

Step two: inspect the burners and ignition system. Check each burner tube for blockages -- insects and spiders love to nest inside burner tubes during the off-season. Clear any debris and test the igniters. If an igniter is weak, replace it before winter so you are ready to grill as soon as spring arrives.

Step three: check all gas connections. Tighten any loose fittings and inspect hoses for cracking or wear. If your grill uses a natural gas line, ensure the shutoff valve operates smoothly. For propane models, disconnect the tank and store it upright in a ventilated area away from the house.

Step four: protect the surfaces. Apply a thin coat of cooking oil to cast iron grates to prevent rust. Stainless steel surfaces should be cleaned and dried thoroughly. Moisture trapped under a cover is worse than no cover at all in terms of corrosion.

Step five: cover it properly. Use a high-quality, breathable grill cover that fits snugly. Avoid cheap plastic tarps that trap moisture. Make sure the cover is secured against Chicago winds -- a cover that blows off in January will not do much good.

Step six: if possible, store the grill in a covered area like a garage or under an overhang. Direct exposure to snow and ice accelerates wear on all components. If outdoor storage is the only option, the cleaning and covering steps become even more important.

In spring, before your first cookout, give us a call for a pre-season inspection. We will check everything over and make sure your Viking grill is ready for another great Chicago grilling season.