Storing grill for the winter?

[otherdave]

I've got a Weber Performer that will live on my deck this winter (Atlanta, Ga). I've got a cover for it and I'm thinking it may get used once or twice or more this winter season.

What's the best way to store it? I cooked last night and cleaned it up a bit today. Specifically I was wondering if the vents should be left open or closed? Should I put some damp-rid or similar in side the kettle or under the cover? Anything specific recommendations?

Apologies if this is covered somewhere on the site. I tried to search but didn't see anything.

[Jon Solberg]

Well dave, I'm going to take a shot at this. I would build a good hot fire in it to burn of any organic matter. Clean out the ashes the best you can. Leave the vents open and cover it up. Skip the damp rid. Worse case is it gets a bit of mold that you clean out in the spring. Please keep in mind that you live in a much wetter climate but that what I would do.

[otherdave]

Thanks for the advice! That's about what I was thinking (and ended up doing).

[Kuz]

Grill more often. Winter in Wisconsin doesn't stop many.

[richinlbrg]

Don't the terrists win if we store our grills?

I cook throughout the winter in northern, VA

[Jerod Broussard]

Only if you store for the purpose of boiling the meat products you would have grilled/smoked.

[David Parrish]

Boiled meat *shudder*

[jgg85234]

Everyone is so down on boiled meat. Good thing you never had to eat in Vienna, Austria.

National dish (declared so by the last emperor of Austria - Franz Joseph) is Tafelspitz im Kupfertopf mit Rösti.

That's a slice of boiled tri-tip in a copper pot with roasted potatoes.

If you really want to experience the best, it's at a restaurant called Plachutta.

They also make pretty good Wiener Schnitzel

Jim

[Huskee]

We're getting off topic a little...but I hope "American food" is, or soon becomes, known to those abroad as BBQ. Good ol' smoke & fire roasted meat. Not boiled.

[Huskee]

otherdave I second Jon's advice. I'd always leave the vents open so there's at least a little airflow. If you do happen to get any mold due to your climate, wear a mask while you do anything to it, even while you're building a fire to burn it out. Those spores will travel upward and right into your nostrils and could wreak havoc.