Your gas BBQ works hard all summer long — scorching sausages, sizzling steaks and fuelling those laid-back arvo barbies. But when the temperature drops and the days get shorter, it’s time to give your BBQ the seasonal care it deserves. Storing your barbecue correctly over winter helps maximise its lifespan, protect key components, and ensure it fires up effortlessly when you’re ready to cook again.

Whether you’re using a Gasmate portable gas BBQ or a full-size freestanding model, proper off-season storage is essential. Here’s exactly how to do it.

Clean It Like You Mean It

Don’t skip this step. Leftover grease, grime, and food scraps attract pests and can rapidly cause corrosion. Start by turning your BBQ on to high for 10 to 15 minutes to burn off any stubborn residue. Allow it to cool, then scrub the grills and plates with a quality BBQ brush. Remove the burners and wipe down any build-up with warm soapy water. Empty the grease tray and clean the inside of your firebox thoroughly. Don’t forget to wipe down the exterior of the BBQ with a non-abrasive cloth to maintain its finish.

Using a Gasmate BBQ cleaning kit? Perfect — it’s designed specifically for our units and keeps everything performing at its peak.

Disconnect The Gas Cylinder

After cleaning, always shut off the gas. Disconnect the hose from the gas cylinder and ensure the valve is tightly closed. Store your LPG cylinder in an upright position in a well-ventilated outdoor area — never inside a garage or shed where fumes could build up. If your BBQ is built into an outdoor kitchen, double-check gas connections and safely isolate the cylinder if unused for prolonged periods.

If you’re unsure how to handle your gas components, don’t guess — speak to a professional or consult your BBQ’s user manual.

Store It Under Cover

Exposure to rain, frost, wind and UV can slowly break down even the toughest BBQ over time. Use a high-quality, weatherproof Gasmate BBQ cover to protect your unit from the elements. Make sure your BBQ is fully cooled and dry before putting the cover on. If your unit has wheels, consider moving it into a sheltered space like a carport or under an awning. Better protection = less maintenance later.

Discover the full range of Gasmate BBQ covers and accessories.

Protect The Burners And Internal Components

Winter in New Zealand can be tough on outdoor gear. If you’re storing your BBQ for more than a month, consider removing and wrapping key components like cast iron hotplates and burners in a breathable cloth or storing them in a dry container. This minimises moisture exposure and helps prevent rust forming on steel and cast iron parts.

Apply a light coating of cooking oil to grills and hotplates after cleaning to add an extra barrier of protection until next use.

Don’t Forget Your BBQ Fridge

If you’ve got an outdoor kitchen setup with a Gasmate bar fridge, you’ll also need to prep that for winter. Clean the interior, switch it off, and leave the door slightly ajar to prevent mould or mildew. If your fridge is rated for outdoor use, like the Gasmate Premium range, it can be left outside under proper shelter, covered and protected.

Explore the Gasmate Premium Bar Fridge collection

Run A Full Inspection Before Firing It Back Up

As winter ends and BBQ season rolls back around, don’t skip a pre-check. Uncover the unit, reconnect the gas, and inspect for any blockages, spider webs in burners, or damage to gas hoses. Light it up, test the ignition, and let it run for a few minutes to clear out any condensation or stale air. This step ensures you’re not caught out with a faulty connection when guests are waiting on lunch.

For more details, check your BBQ’s manual or visit the Gasmate Support Centre

Keep Your Gas BBQ Performing Season After Season

Storing your BBQ properly over winter takes less time than scrubbing burnt-on grime come spring. A little seasonal prep goes a long way in keeping your investment clean, corrosion-free and ready to cook when you are. Whether you own a compact camping BBQ or a feature-packed Gasmate outdoor kitchen, storage matters.

Need a BBQ cover, replacement parts or full service advice? Visit Gasmate NZ for quality accessories designed to protect your gear — and support to help you do it right.