How is your outdoor grilling station set up (advice)?

[JDenver]

I have a PBC and a standard 22" Weber Kettle. I've had both about a year and I'd like to take care of them for many years to come. Eventually, I'd like to add a 26" Kettle whenever I find a nice priced one second hand. Right now, I have nice grill covers for both the PBC and the Kettle, but I've been storing them in an outdoor closet because I'm paranoid the covers won't protect them enough from the rain and other elements. My problem is, I'd rather use that closet for tools and yard equipment and it is a PITA to drag the grills out to the backyard whenever I want to cook. I can't afford a nice (pricey) true outdoor kitchen set up at this time. I'm wondering if it is in my best interest to keep pulling each one out everytime I want to grill/smoke? Or is there a budget conscious set up where I could keep them outside but protected? Ideally, I'd like to find some rain resistant (plastic?) cabinet or drawers where I could keep things like tongs, forks - maybe even charcoal or thermometers - to keep my kitchen cabinets from being overloaded.

I know this may be an impossible question considering I don't have thousands of dollars to spend, but thought I'd throw it out there and see.

And this thread could totally just be where you get to show off your operation.

[JeffJ]

I don't have a PBC but I have a Performer and just acquired the Weber 26" kettle. I've had the Performer for several years and the cover has protected it perfectly fine. Although with our harsh winters the covers last about 3-4 years. But, replacing the cover every 3-4 years vs losing a bunch of valuable storage space? For me, it's an easy answer.

[JDenver]

That's really helpful to know that the Weber should be fine outside and covered. I realized that it probably helps that it's already elevated, so it wouldn't ever be sitting in standing water. I agree that a new cover every few years is worth extra storage space.

[Medusa]

But make sure you leave the vents wide open. Closing them off could lead to...
aaiiiiiiiiieeeeeeeeeee - MOLD! Course the Weber got a good scrubbing & burning according to MH's instructions.

[Danjohnston949]

JDenver, I Grill on a Wood Deck out the Back Door of my House! I have 2 Harbor Freight Fiberglass Weldin Blankets (6'x8') folded and Sewn by a Tarp And Shoe Repair Shop! One is 3'x8' the other is 4'x6', they lay on the Deck and Grill Pads Lay over Top and then the Grills! Relatively Inexspensive if Compared to the Price of a Deck! Eat Well and Prosper! From Fargo ND, Dan

[Nate]

JDenver , I don't know what your budge is or how much room you have... however... there are some options that you aren't horribly priced... Being that you have an original 22.5 weber and a pbc... you might be able to pick up a patio box or cabinet... or you could maybe get a yard shed... some of those are around $300 or so but you have to assemble....

something like this or one of the others:

[Breadhead]

My BGE and the table it's on are 5 years old. The 26" Weber kettle is 5 months old. Neither has ever seen a cover.😎 There are advantages of living in Southern California.👍

[JDenver]

I like how thought-through your table set up is - towel rack, bottle openers, hooks for dustpan & brush, etc.

[Breadhead]

Thank you JDenver ... There are 10 double prong hooks attached around the table. You see the double bottle openers.😎 A towel racks is critical I think. I'm happy how my table turned out. The plastic containers under the bottom self are for lump storage. 1 each for large pieces, medium pieces and small pieces & dust.

[vandy]

Nice setup! That table looks strong enough to throw a automobile engine on it to rebuild it.

[Mosca]

Those grill mats like @DanJohnston has, but round rather than oval, are ringing up at $3.75 each at Lowe's.

Here's my setup, I put a round mat under each grill.

[Huskee]

Nice! And JeffJ I've been saying for years that maybe Bigfoot *is* blurry!

[CeramicChef]

Mosca - you're every bit as bad as Breadhead!

[JDenver]

Mosca, your deck photos were what got me thinking about my set up and inspired this thread! What kind of cabinet is that white one you have? Do you find that it keeps the rain out of whatever is inside?

[JeffJ]

Our patio is 18 feet in diameter (not very big) with a little extra near the house integrating the step with the circle. Given it's lack of size, by adding the Weber 26 my wife claims I have built 'a wall of grills' that is insurmountable.

[Medusa]

The 22.5 kettle lives on the front porch; 14yr old gasser on the back deck extension. I keep both covered 99% of the time, but I'm OK if they get a little rain on them if uncovered.

I use this to keep all my charcoal / kettle supplies stored and organized. The chest is 45L x 28W x 30H. I generally store 2-3 bags Kingsford Blue, several small bags of wood, Vortex, Chimney ( sometimes ), various aluminum pans, Dutch Oven, DO Lid lifter / Lid tripod, some tools, fire cubes.

Found this in an antique shop - supposed to be a Cigar Humidor. Spent some money, tho; however, you should be able to find something useful and within budget.

Also makes a great work table as it sits close to the kettle. I had a specialty cover constructed for it by DuckCovers - Great Product and Company! -- Ed



This picture shows the actual location ( off around the left side of the kettle )

Vortex with 2X2 fuse around it. White circles indicate where a I drilled holes to run temp probes. This picture was taken prior to the SnS, which lives inside the kettle now. Yes, the kettle and the gasser are locked down.

[JDenver]

That's a nice chest! I love older furniture like that. We have an old wooden icebox as an indoor storage box that looks so cool in my kitchen.

[Mosca]

Mosca, your deck photos were what got me thinking about my set up and inspired this thread! What kind of cabinet is that white one you have? Do you find that it keeps the rain out of whatever is inside?

Thanks, I'm honored!

That is just a cheap waist high plastic storage cabinet from Lowes or Home Depot. It will keep rain out, but it isn't waterproof; you can't spray the front of it with a hose, and if snow piles up higher than the black base, it will leak in when it melts. I have to keep it shut tight, but that is easy; there is a little latch for a padlock, I stick a bolt in it. The top is a cutting board top (link below) that I found on Amazon, it fits perfectly with 1/2" overhang on all sides! I was going to affix it permanently, but it doesn't move around so I didn't; being able to take it off makes it easier to clean.

I want to swap out the BGE table for a stainless steel one, but I ran out of money for that kind of stuff.

In practice this setup works really well, with plenty of usable counter space. The table for the Weber is not very useful, so it is relegated to holding things I'm not actually working on, or as a place to put the Smokey Joe.

[Breadhead]

Just around the side of the house from my grills I have a plastic set of drawers that I bought at Orchard Hardware store for about $50 and a metal rack I bought on Amazon. I store all of my BBQ & grilling gadgets there.

[Mur7555]

Have the PBC and weber and built this simple setup in 2 hours. Works well and easy to modify.

[CanuckTerry]

Re cover or leave BBQ uncovered....For many years, I leave my performer, offset, gasser uncovered all the time in snow, sleet, hail, rain that is New Brunswick 😜.With no problems....the one exception is the WSM since the top fits into the base and rain does get in so I use a cover.. FYI, Meathead suggests we leave covers off to prevent mould

[Mosca]

Oh yes, this. I have always bought covers for my grills, then never covered them. I think the BGE has been covered for a total of 72 hours in 5 years. I might cover them this winter, I don't know yet.